A worn battery no longer has to mean new earbuds, but the swap is a technician's job and the charging case still can't be opened without breaking it.
Photo: iFixit
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Ask about the AirPods Pro 3
Released Guide updated
A worn battery no longer has to mean new earbuds, but the swap is a technician's job and the charging case still can't be opened without breaking it.
Photo: iFixit
Read the storySpend the extra $20. The wireless-case model gets swipe volume and more battery, and battery life is the complaint that follows the AirPods 5 through every review.
Read the storyIf you own AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 or AirPods Max 2, you can now tune the sound yourself and the setting travels with the earbuds. AirPods Pro 2 get the update but not the EQ, and you can't force the install.
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What 17 reviewers said
More reviewsThe noise cancelling did its job for reviewers.
How it works with your phone held reviewers back.
It stayed put for reviewers.
Comparison
Compare earbudsPrice
$249
What it costs to buy. None of these need a subscription.
Weight
5.6g
Grams in your ears. Lower is lighter.
Battery life
~8 hrs
How long it lasts on its own, away from a charger.
Current list prices.
One earbud, not the pair, and not the case.
Hours on one charge with noise cancelling on, where that figure is officially stated; otherwise the official headline figure. Prices are each product's lowest version. Battery life varies with use, settings and firmware.
If not this one
Reviewers prefer its sound quality.
Reviewers prefer its comfort and fit.
Pressure-sensitive buttons ignore sweat, water and hair, and the IP55 rating keeps them going through rain.
Quick answers
All FAQsThe noise cancelling did its job for reviewers.
How it works with your phone held reviewers back.
It stayed put for reviewers.
Scores published by other outlets, normalized and averaged. iDevice did not test these products for this score.
Reviewer breakdown
Liked itDidn’t
THIS PRODUCTAirPods Pro 3
COMPARE WITHAirPods 4
This is a strong enough price that waiting probably isn't worth it.
AirPods Pro 3
At $199, it's about $50 less than Apple direct, so we'd buy now.
Eight sales in the past year. The best was $169 in June, 32% off the $249 list price.
Returns
Warranty
Covered
Not covered
Good to know
Here is what you get when you open it. No USB-C charge cable. No power adapter.
AirPods Pro 3 earbuds
MagSafe Charging Case with USB-C, speaker and lanyard loop
Documentation
USB-C charge cableNot in the box
Power adapterNot in the boxFrequently asked questions
If you own AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 or AirPods Max 2, you can now tune the sound yourself and the setting travels with the earbuds. AirPods Pro 2 get the update but not the EQ, and you can't force the install.
A treadmill test on the iOS 27 beta came back with the numbers a watch would give. The earbuds have to be in, and their heart-rate permission has to be on.
Apple’s fifth AirPods beta firmware, build 9A5347a, goes to every H2 model. Custom EQ and a new interface arrive with iOS 27.
Tap your iPhone to the machine and AirPods Pro 3 supply the pulse. Without the earbuds in, the workout does not start at all.
Apple didn’t announce new AirPods at WWDC but they may have revealed their future.
Apple's three rumored Ultra products this year are a foldable iPhone, a touchscreen MacBook, and AirPods with infrared cameras. Only the earbuds change their category.
Eight months in, AirPods Pro 3 still nail heart rate, posture, and live translation without feeling like a spec sheet wearing earbuds.
Strava now reads your heart rate through AirPods Pro 3, making a $249 earbud the wrist-free alternative to a fitness watch.
AirPods Pro 3 got firmware 8B40. Pro 2 and Max 2 owners got nothing, not even an explanation.
Apple wants AirPods Pro 3 to read your lips so you never have to speak aloud.