Ask iDevice

Should you upgrade from Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) to AirPods Pro 3?

Answer worked out Oct. 10, 2026. Prices and the answer are worked out again every few minutes.

The answer for an owner of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

UPGRADE

Worth the upgrade.

Compared with Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), AirPods Pro 3 has 4 meaningful improvements (in battery, health and durability), and 1 reduced or removed. This is a strong enough price that waiting probably isn't worth it.

iPhone: WorksAndroid: Works with a limit

Best price today
$199Amazon. Price checked Oct. 10, 2026
Lowest in 90 days
$179$20 above it today. Seen Oct. 5, 2026
Launch price
$249$50 under it today
Today $19990-day low $179Launch $249
See prices in the Guide

What changed from the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Of the changes listed here, 2 are improvements and 1 is reduced or removed.

  • Confirmed dust/sweat/water resistance: improved, IP54 on 2023 USB-C revision (2022 case IPX4) to IP57 earbuds and case.Source: support.apple.com
  • Our read Automatic Conversation Boost with Hearing Aid: added, Not listed on Pro 2 tech specs to Supported on Pro 3.Source: support.apple.com
  • Confirmed total listening time with case and ANC: reduced, Up to 30 hours to Up to 24 hours.Source: apple.com

Buy it if

  • You own the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and the improvements listed here matter to you.
  • You use an iPhone: it works with iPhone.
  • You use an Android phone: it works with Android, with a limit.

Hold off if

  • You rely on the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)'s total listening time with case and anc: on the AirPods Pro 3 it is reduced.

Why, with sources

  • Our read Timing: No newer model is expected in the next 90 days.Source: iDevice Guide
  • Our read Price: The lowest price checked in the last 90 days is $179 (Oct 5, 2026).Source: iDevice Guide
  • Confirmed What changed: Compared with Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), AirPods Pro 3 has 4 meaningful improvements (in battery, health and durability), and 1 reduced or removed.Source: apple.com

What could change this

  • If a newer model is announced or reported inside 90 days, the answer becomes Wait.
Make it personal: your phone and budget