Apple AirPods Pro 3 release date predictions, price, specs, and must-know features

Note: We are displaying photos of the previous generation for reference

You're in the right spot if you want to stay updated on the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, also known as the AirPods Pro (3rd generation). Keep an eye on this page because we will be updating it with the latest information, whether it's from reliable leaks, speculations, or rumors about Apple's upcoming true wireless earbuds. 

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AirPods Pro 3 release date


Most recently, reliable Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo has stated that the next-gen Apple AirPods will come in late 2024 or early 2025, so the current generation is here to stay for a while. Especially considering that last year at its Wonderlust event, Apple introduced an updated AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C instead of the lighting port.

Apple's 3rd generation AirPods Pro are anticipated to launch between September and October 2024. Although, a report by Mark Gurman suggests a possible release in 2025

Although there are no further leaks, rumors, or official information confirming the release date, we can make an educated guess by examining Apple's historical AirPods Pro launch patterns. It's plausible that they hit the shelves in either the fall of 2024 or 2025. Check out the release date schedule below:


AirPods Pro 3 price


Currently, we can expect the AirPods Pro 3 to cost $249, just like its predecessor, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). While price increases or decreases are always possible, depending on how radically different the 3rd-gen AirPods may be from the 2nd-gen, as of right now there is nothing to suggest this being the case. 

AirPods Pro 3 design



Based on the first and second-gen AirPods Pro, we can expect the AirPods Pro 3 to have minor differences. As usual, most of the upgrades will likely be internal. However, since there is plenty of time until the AirPods Pro 3 is released, Apple's design language may change, and that could reflect on the earbuds as well. 

For now, we can expect the AirPods Pro 3 to feature a familiar, white, rounded-square plastic case with an LED on the front, a lanyard loop on the side, and a speaker on the bottom. The AirPods Pro 2 already supports a USB-C charging port, so we can, without a doubt, say that the AirPods Pro 3 will ditch the lighting port, too. In addition, since the next generation will probably have wireless charging, Apple could drop the charging port altogether in favor of it only.

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 three 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'll have to wait and see if that's 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's 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 updated the AirPods Pro 2 software. It added cool features like Adaptive Audio, which mixes Transparency mode and Noise Cancellation depending on where you are. There's also a Personalized Volume feature that adjusts your media with AI and the Conversation Awareness feature that changes the volume during conversations.

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 3 battery life



While improvements in battery life can be expected, right now the most likely scenario is that the AirPods Pro 3 will feature similar, if not exactly the same 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.

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