AirPods Pro 3 Might Launch in Weeks
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have remained at the top of the premium wireless earbud market for over two years, praised for their exceptional audio quality, elite noise-cancellation, and steady feature enhancements via iOS updates. However, anticipation is building for what comes next: the AirPods Pro 3, which are rumoured to debut as early as September 2025, potentially alongside the iPhone 17 series.
For buyers, the question is clear — stick with the reliable AirPods Pro 2 at a discount, or hold out for Apple’s next innovation?
Why AirPods Pro 2 Still Hold Strong in 2025
Beyond their audio performance, the sustained popularity of the AirPods Pro 2 lies in Apple’s commitment to rolling out new features through system updates.
iOS 17 (2023) introduced Adaptive Audio, mute gestures, and quicker device switching.
iOS 18 (2024) added head gesture controls for Siri, Voice Isolation, refined Adaptive Audio settings, and a Personalized Spatial Audio mode tailored for gamers.
Apple even pushed functionality further by adding FDA-authorized hearing aid support through iOS 18.1 and 18.2, effectively allowing users in supported countries to use their AirPods as hearing devices.
What to Expect From AirPods Pro 3
Refined Design and Case
The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to come with subtle but notable hardware redesigns. Supply chain leaks suggest:
A more compact and lightweight form factor
A hidden status LED
A capacitive front-facing pairing button, replacing the rear setup button — similar to the recently revealed AirPods 4 case design
Upgraded Audio Chip and Better ANC
Internally, Apple is reportedly working on a new, faster audio processor. This upgraded chip could power a much-improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) experience, raising the bar yet again and keeping Apple ahead of competitors like Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra.
Health Tracking: Heart-Rate Monitoring
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple is testing in-ear heart rate sensors for AirPods Pro 3 — a feature that could appeal to fitness enthusiasts. Unlike the Powerbeats Pro 2, which track heart rate but don’t offer seamless audio + data output, AirPods Pro 3 may combine the best of both worlds.
Body Temperature Monitoring
Apple is also believed to be developing ear-canal temperature sensors for more accurate body-temperature detection — potentially outperforming the Apple Watch’s skin-sensor estimates. However, it’s still uncertain if this feature will be ready in time for a 2025 launch.
Real-Time Translation
Another exciting rumor: live conversation translation. The AirPods Pro 3 could link with the iPhone’s Translate app to provide real-time audio translations directly through the earbuds — enabling seamless communication across languages.
New iOS 26 Features Incoming
iOS 26 (and its ecosystem updates, including iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe) is expected to bring new AirPods features through firmware:
Auto-pause when you fall asleep
Use AirPods as a camera remote
Improved call clarity
Option to keep audio in AirPods even when iPhone connects to another device (like a car stereo)
What the Future Holds
Looking beyond 2025, analysis and other insiders suggest Apple is exploring AirPods with infrared cameras to boost spatial audio and enable gesture-based controls. There’s even talk of tiny embedded cameras for AI-enhanced interaction — but these advanced features are unlikely to arrive before 2026.
Hints from AirPods 4 Design
The design of the fourth-gen AirPods gives us a glimpse of what Apple might implement in the Pro lineup. These include:
A stealthy capacitive sensor replacing the physical button
A disappearing LED indicator
Lighter and slimmer charging case
It’s highly likely the AirPods Pro 3 will follow this trend.
AirPods Pro 3 Release Date – September 2025?
While there’s consensus among leakers and analysts about a 2025 launch, some reports offer mixed timelines. Analyst Jeff Pu has suggested a delay until 2026, while Ming-Chi Kuo hinted at internal schedule shifts.
However, code found in iOS 26 beta builds includes direct references to “AirPods Pro 3,” suggesting testing is well underway. Mark Gurman has also maintained his earlier prediction that the earbuds are “just months away.”
Apple traditionally unveils major AirPods updates alongside new iPhones, so a release in the week of September 8, 2025, appears likely — possibly on September 9 or 10, aligning with the expected iPhone 17 event.
Should You Wait or Buy Now?
AirPods 4 now offer ANC at just $179, making premium features more accessible.
AirPods Pro 2 still hold their ground with class-leading sound, reliable ANC, and advanced accessibility functions.
But if you want the next leap in audio innovation, with health monitoring, real-time translation, and even better ANC, the AirPods Pro 3 might be worth the wait — especially if Apple maintains the $249 price point.
FAQs
Q1. When will Apple release the AirPods Pro 3?
A: Most sources expect a release in September 2025, though some analysts suggest a possible delay into 2026.
Q2. What are the biggest rumoured upgrades in AirPods Pro 3?
A: Expected upgrades include improved ANC, a faster audio chip, in-ear heart-rate monitoring, temperature sensing, and live translation.
Q3. Will AirPods Pro 3 support iOS 26 features?
A: Yes, it will support upcoming iOS 26 updates like sleep auto-pause, camera remote use, and improved call clarity.
Q4. Should I buy AirPods Pro 2 now or wait for Pro 3?
A: If you need earbuds now, the Pro 2 is still an excellent choice. However, if heart tracking or new features appeal to you, waiting for the Pro 3 could be worth it.
