AirPods Pro 3: Game-Changing Features Coming This Year

Chaarudutt Motta
Jan 4
3 min read

Launch Timeline: AirPods Pro 3 expected to release in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup.

New H3 Chip: Features the next-generation H3 chip for improved performance, including enhanced noise cancellation, better audio quality, and potential battery life improvements.
Redesigned Look: A refreshed design with subtle changes, such as a sleeker profile or better in-ear fit, while retaining the iconic AirPods Pro style.
Upgraded Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) set to be even more effective, leveraging the capabilities of the H3 chip.
Health Features (Wildcard): Potential inclusion of heart rate monitoring and other wellness-focused features, though these may face regulatory delays.
Anticipation Builds: AirPods Pro 3 promise to enhance an already excellent product with cutting-edge features, making it a highly anticipated release.

Apple’s highly anticipated AirPods Pro 3 are set to debut later this year, and the tech world is buzzing with excitement. Despite ongoing software updates enhancing the AirPods Pro 2, Apple is preparing to raise the bar with a new hardware release. Expected to launch alongside the iPhone 17 lineup in September, the AirPods Pro 3 are poised to deliver some groundbreaking features. Here’s a closer look at three exciting updates we can’t wait to experience.

1. The Power of the H3 Chip

At the heart of the AirPods Pro 3 is Apple’s next-generation H3 chip, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Unlike some incremental upgrades we’ve seen with Apple’s chips for Macs, iPhones, and Watches, the H-series chips for AirPods have consistently delivered significant advancements.

The H1 chip, introduced with the first-generation AirPods Pro, set the benchmark for wireless audio. Three years later, the H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 doubled down with impressive noise cancellation, richer bass, and adaptive transparency. Now, after another three-year wait, the H3 chip promises to unlock an entirely new level of performance.

Here’s a glimpse of what the H2 chip brought to the table:

Exceptional noise cancellation, reducing up to twice the background noise.
A custom amplifier and low-distortion driver for richer bass and crystal-clear audio.
Adaptive Transparency to minimize loud environmental sounds like sirens or construction noise.

With the H3 chip, we’re expecting even greater leaps forward, including enhanced noise cancellation, superior audio quality, and—hopefully—improved battery life.

2. A Redesigned Look

Gurman hints that the AirPods Pro 3 will feature a redesigned aesthetic, though specifics remain under wraps. While Apple isn’t likely to deviate too far from the winning formula of the original design, subtle tweaks could enhance comfort, fit, or functionality.

Could we see shorter stems? A sleeker profile? A more secure in-ear fit? The possibilities are intriguing, especially as Apple refines its approach to user-centric design. Whatever changes come, they’re sure to maintain the balance of style and practicality that has made AirPods Pro a global favorite.

3. Next-Level Noise Cancellation

For many, the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the AirPods Pro 2 was a game-changer. With the AirPods Pro 3, Apple is rumored to elevate ANC to new heights, leveraging the advanced processing power of the H3 chip.

Imagine being able to block out even more ambient noise, creating a near-silent bubble for calls, music, or podcasts, regardless of your environment. Whether you’re on a noisy train, at a bustling café, or simply trying to focus at home, this enhanced ANC feature could be a standout reason to upgrade.

Wildcard: Health Features on the Horizon

Apple is also exploring exciting health-focused innovations for future AirPods, and some of these could make their debut with the AirPods Pro 3. Gurman suggests features like:

Heart rate monitoring akin to the Apple Watch.
Temperature sensing for tracking wellness trends.
Advanced sensors for a range of physiological metrics.

While there’s no guarantee all these features will ship with the AirPods Pro 3, heart rate monitoring appears to be the most likely candidate. However, regulatory hurdles and Apple’s commitment to precision may push these additions to future updates. If these health features do arrive, they could redefine what we expect from wearable tech.

AirPods Pro 3: The Anticipation Builds

The AirPods Pro 2 remain one of Apple’s standout products, and the three-year gap between updates has only heightened expectations for the AirPods Pro 3. With the promise of a new H3 chip, a refreshed design, and unparalleled noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be a must-have for Apple enthusiasts.

As for me? I’ll be hitting the “Buy” button as soon as preorders go live. What about you? Which features are you most excited to see in the AirPods Pro 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Disclaimer:

The features and details mentioned in this blog are based on reports and speculation. Actual specifications and features of the AirPods Pro 3 may vary upon official release. Stay tuned for updates from Apple for confirmed information.