Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be the company’s next headline grabber in the high-end wireless earbud space. While the official specs are still under wraps, we’ve got the freshest rumors and leaks to share.
The new AirPods Pro is rumored to launch in fall 2025 and so far, there is no chatter about a price increase. That likely means it will come in around the same cost as the current model.
Don't hold your breath for a design overhaul either. The signature white, rounded-square case isn't going anywhere – it has been the AirPods's trademark from the start and Apple usually sticks with what works.
Battery life is expected to remain strong, clocking in at roughly 30 hours – enough to keep most users powered through a long day.
The real eye-opener could be the health features. Rumors point to body temperature tracking and heart rate monitoring joining the AirPods Pro feature set, which would be a big deal if it actually happens.
We’ll keep tracking leaks and updates, so stay tuned for what’s next from Apple’s flagship earbuds.
The AirPods Pro 3 might drop in roughly a month, probably alongside the iPhone 17 lineup this fall. If the rumors are right, we could see them revealed on September 9 or 10, when Apple’s next event is expected to happen.
Trusted source Mark Gurman previously mentioned a potential 2025 release, so we can rest easy knowing the Pro model is coming this year. And it is definitely about time – after all, the AirPods Pro 2 dropped back in 2022. Sure, it got some updates later, like the addition of a USB-C port, but it is time for a new model to hit the shelves.
That said, there are also rumors floating around that push the launch all the way to 2026. So yeah, the timeline is still pretty murky. For now, we are sticking with a potential 2025 release, but, of course, we will keep updating as more details come in over time.
Here is a glimpse at the possible release timeline:
Device
Release date
AirPods Pro
October 30, 2019
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
September 23, 2022
AirPods Pro (3rd generation)
September 9, 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 is 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
If Apple follows its usual pattern, the AirPods Pro 3 will likely keep most of the changes under the hood rather than switching up the design too much.
So yeah, expect that same clean white case with the rounded-square shape to stick around. The front LED, lanyard loop on the side and speaker grille on the bottom probably aren't going anywhere either. And since the second-gen already made the jump to USB-C, it is safe to say Lightning is officially done here.
And with wireless charging being standard now, Apple could even go all-in and remove the physical charging port altogether.
As for the earbuds themselves, don't count on any major visual changes. They will probably look a lot like the AirPods Pro 2 – small white buds with black and metallic accents, four sizes or rubber tips and that familiar squeeze-sensitive stem for controls.
Apple could trim things down a little, following the current trends, both for the earbuds and the case – but that is likely the extent of any changes.
AirPods Pro 3 hardware and specs
Here is what we can likely expect from the AirPods Pro 3, though I think it is always a good idea to stay open to the possibility of some surprises until everything is 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
Additionally, renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman 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.
A recent report backs up these predictions, suggesting that future AirPods models will emphasize health features. Building on the Apple Watch's success, it looks like Apple wants to position AirPods as an essential tool for health management.
Moreover, 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.
The update also introduced Automatic Switching for seamless device transitions and a handy Mute/Unmute feature for simpler audio control. It is likely the AirPods Pro 3 will include these features as well.
Apple also introduced a camera remote feature – you just press and hold the AirPods stem to start recording a video or take a photo with your iPhone or iPad and press again to stop.
Expect these features to show up on future Pro models as well.
AirPods Pro 3 battery life
We are expecting some battery life improvements, but for now, it seems the AirPods Pro 3 will likely stick to a similar – if not identical – claim 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.
Should you wait for the AirPods Pro 3?
You should wait for the AirPods Pro 3 if you are not in a rush to get new earbuds. And if you have got the original AirPods Pro and haven’t upgraded to the second generation yet, it might be smart to hang tight and go straight for the third-gen when they drop.
You should not wait for the AirPods Pro 3 if you are looking to get new earbuds right away. They might not hit shelves until later this year. And if you already have the upgraded AirPods Pro 2, you probably won’t need to upgrade anytime soon.
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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