The AirPods Pro 3 are poised to be Apple's next generation of high-end earbuds. Information on their release is currently scarce, given that Apple launched the upgraded AirPods Pro 2 just last year. However, if you want the latest scoop on the AirPods Pro 3, aka the AirPods Pro (3rd generation), you’re in the right spot.
We’re looking forward to the AirPods Pro 3 hitting shelves in 2025. So far, there's no indication of a price hike, so they should match the cost of the current Pro earbuds.
The AirPods Pro 3 will probably stick with the classic white, rounded-square plastic case design. While we can hope for some battery life improvements, it's likely that they will still offer up to 30 hours of listening time on a single charge.
Keep checking back here as we will continually update this page with the latest insights, including reliable leaks, speculations, and rumors about Apple's upcoming true wireless earbuds.
Despite the lack of new leaks, rumors, or official confirmations about the release date, we can make an educated guess by looking at Apple's past AirPods Pro launch patterns. Here's a glimpse at the release timeline:
Device
Release date
AirPods Pro
October 30, 2019
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
September 23, 2022
AirPods Pro (3rd generation)
early 2025*
* - probable dates
AirPods Pro 3 price
We expect the AirPods Pro 3 to cost $249, just like its predecessor, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). While price adjustments, whether up or down, are always a possibility, it all depends on how significantly different the AirPods Pro 3 may be from the 2nd-gen. However, at present, there's nothing to indicate that this will be the case.
Device
Price
AirPods Pro
$249
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
$249
AirPods Pro (3rd generation)
$249*
* - anticipated prices
AirPods Pro 3 design
Looking at how Apple handled the first and second-gen AirPods Pro, we are likely to see minor upgrades with the AirPods Pro 3, mostly on the inside. But since there is still plenty of time before they hit the market, Apple might tweak its design language, which could affect how the earbuds look and feel.
As of now, the AirPods Pro 3 will likely retain the familiar white, rounded-square plastic case design. This includes an LED on the front, a lanyard loop on the side, and a speaker on the bottom. Given that the AirPods Pro 2 already uses a USB-C charging port, it's safe to say that the AirPods Pro 3 will also switch from the Lightning port to USB-C.
Moreover, since the next generation will likely include wireless charging, Apple might opt to exclusively feature wireless charging, potentially eliminating the need for a physical charging port altogether.
Regarding the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds, we can anticipate something quite similar, if not identical, to the 2nd-gen AirPods (shown for reference). This includes small white plastic earbuds with a few black and metallic elements, rubber ear tips (available in four sizes), and a stem that is touch-sensitive, or more accurately, squeeze-sensitive.
Apple will likely aim to make the earbuds and their case smaller, but we will have to wait and see if that is indeed the case.
AirPods Pro 3 hardware and specs
These specifications are what we can reasonably anticipate for the AirPods Pro 3. However, as always, it is wise to stay open to the possibility of new features until they are officially confirmed.
Apple H3 headphone chip
Apple U2 chip in MagSafe Charging Case
Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4) for AirPods Pro 3 earbuds and charging case
Wireless charging with MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, or any Qi-certified chargers
Wired charging via USB Type-C
Renewed tech journalist Mark Gurman suggests that Apple is developing a hearing test feature for AirPods Pro that plays various tones to assess a person's hearing ability, aiding users in detecting potential hearing problems.
Additionally, he adds that the tech giant is underway to integrate sensors into AirPods for measuring body temperature through the wearer's ear canal. This method might offer greater accuracy compared to wrist temperature measurements done by, for example, the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra models.
Last year, Apple rolled out a software update for the AirPods Pro 2. It brought some neat features like:
Adaptive Audio, which blends Transparency mode and Noise Cancellation based on your surroundings
Personalized Volume feature, which tweaks your media using AI
Conversation Awareness, which adjusts the volume during chats.
Additionally, the update brought Automatic Switching for quick device changes and a new Mute/Unmute feature for easier audio control. It won't be a shock if the AirPods Pro 3 gets all these features, too.
AirPods Pro is also getting Voice Isolation tech, which boosts your voice while cutting out background noise like wind, ensuring clear calls. We are confident that all these newly introduced features will also be included in the AirPods Pro 3.
AirPods Pro 3 battery life
While we expect some enhancements in battery life, for now, the most likely scenario is that the AirPods Pro 3 will offer a similar, if not identical, promise of up to 30 hours of listening time on a single charge.
Keeping in mind how the AirPod Pro 2 performs, we can expect the next-gen to offer up to 6 hours of standalone listening time on a single charge (up to 5.5 hours with Spatial Audio and Head Tracking enabled). When used with the case, you can enjoy a total of up to 30 hours of listening time and up to 24 hours of talk time.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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