Apple Unveils AirPods Pro 3: Heart Rate Monitoring, 2X Better ANC, New Stem Design, IP57 & Better Battery

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TL; DR
  • AirPods Pro 3 launch with 2X better ANC, smaller stem, IP57 rating, and a better design.
  • Built-in sensors track heart rate and workouts, syncing with Apple’s Health app.
  • Apple Intelligence powers Live Translation for real-time conversations.
  • Battery life increased to 8 hours with ANC, 8 hours with transparency.

At its September 9, 2025 Awe Dropping event, Apple introduced the AirPods Pro 3, the third generation of its premium earbuds. More than just an upgrade, these AirPods combine health monitoring, advanced audio, and Apple Intelligence features. Here’s all that’s new with the AirPods Pro 3.

1. Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio

The most significant enhancement is the Active Noise Cancellation system. Apple describes it as “2X better” than before, and 4X better than the original AirPods Pro. Apple says it’s the world’s best ANC on any earphones. 

The new design allows the AirPods Pro 3 to cancel more noise in demanding environments such as city streets or airplane cabins. Adaptive Audio has also been refined, intelligently blending Transparency and ANC depending on the user’s surroundings, improving on the functionality introduced with the Pro 2.

2. Health Monitoring Capabilities

AirPods Pro 3 bring health-focused features to the lineup for the first time. Sensors can measure heart rate to help users track fitness performance during workouts. The data integrates with the Health app on iPhone. You can even track 50 different workout types using the AirPods Pro 3, while listening to music.

3. Live Translation Powered by Apple Intelligence

Another highlight is Live Translation, enabled by Apple Intelligence. This feature allows real-time translation of conversations. Users speak into their AirPods and hear the translation instantly, while the other party hears the response from their AirPods. Apple confirmed support for dozens of languages at launch, and the system connects seamlessly with the new iOS 26 updates.

4. Smaller Stem, 5 Ear Tip Sizes, and Better Fit

The design has been updated with subtle but important changes. The earbuds have a smaller stem and a new design for a more secure fit. It also comes with 5 eartip sizes now. The eartips are now “foam-infused” for better comfort.

As for the charging case, Apple has removed the physical setup button. In its place is a hidden capacitive touch control, along with a more discreet LED indicator for status updates.

5. Battery Life

Battery performance has improved slightly compared to the previous generation. The AirPods Pro 3 deliver up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled and 10 hours with Transparency Aid enabled. 

6. IP57 Rating

The new AirPods Pro 3 comes with IP57 water and dust resistance, which is the best on any AirPods ever.

Price and Availability

Apple set the price of the AirPods Pro 3 at $249. Pre-orders will open today, with retail availability beginning on September 19. In India, the AirPods Pro 3 will cost you ₹25,990.

What are your thoughts on the AirPods Pro 3? Let me know in the comments section below.

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Mehtab AnsariMehtab Ansari
Mehtab Ansari is the Assistant Editor – Features & Reviews at Smartprix, where he writes about smartphones, laptops, audio gear, and everything in between. A computer science student by degree but a tech nerd by heart, he’s been into consumer tech for years and started reviewing products professionally in February 2024. He’s especially into photography and audio, often spending more time testing a smartphone’s camera than he probably should. For him, tech isn’t just work, it’s what he’s always thinking about.

Expertise 

Smartphones, laptops, tablets, monitors, smartwatches, photography, and audio gear. I’ve reviewed over 60 products across these categories on Smartprix in the past year and a half.

Education - Bachelor of Computer Applications – Nizam College, Hyderabad (2022–2025) | Joined Smartprix -February 2024 | Published Reviews & Stories - 723

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