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

Apple AirPods Pro 3 release date predictions, price, specs, and must-know features
Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Image credit – PhoneArena

What we know so far 


The AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be Apple's next major release in the premium wireless earbud category. While the specifics are still under wraps, you have come to the right spot for the freshest leaks and rumors.

Apple's next-gen AirPods Pro are expected to arrive in fall 2025 and so far, there is no word of a price hike – so they will probably stay in the same range as the current version. 

Don't expect a dramatic design shift either. That familiar white, rounded-square case isn't going anywhere. Battery life? It will likely hold steady at around 30 hours per charge, which is pretty good.

What is interesting is the buzz around new health features. Rumors suggest Apple might add body temperature tracking and heart rate monitoring to the mix this time. 

We will keep an eye on the leaks, so check back for more updates on what is next for Apple's flagship earbuds.

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AirPods Pro 3 release date


The AirPods Pro 3 could launch in just a few months, likely in late summer or in the fall. There is a chance it could launch alongside the upcoming iPhone 17 series, but Apple might surprise us with an earlier release. 

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 is also a recent rumor floating around that pushes 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:

* - 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. 

* - 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 might try to slim things down a bit, both for the buds and the case, but that is probably as far as it will go. 

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
  • Wired charging via USB Type-C

A while ago, Apple confirmed that the current Pro model had been registered as a hearing aid device. And with the rollout of iOS 18.1, the company indeed added Hearing Aid and Health features to the current generation. So, it is a safe bet that the next-gen AirPods Pro will include this features too.

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. 

Plus, at its latest WWDC, Apple showcased new communication and interaction features for its AirPods Pro lineup. These include, for example, new ways to interact with Siri, like nodding or shaking your head to respond without speaking, which is great in noisy places.

AirPods Pro is also set to introduce Voice Isolation, a feature that sharpens your voice and drowns out distractions like wind, making calls sound crystal clear. 

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.

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