Apple AirPods Pro 3: Latest Status and Expectations

As of mid-June 2025, Apple has not officially announced or released an “AirPods Pro 3.” The current model, AirPods Pro (2nd generation), debuted back in September 2022 (with a minor USB-C case refresh in 2023), and remains Apple’s flagship in-ear buds. However, multiple credible indicators suggest that a third-generation AirPods Pro is in development and likely to launch in late 2025. In particular, Apple’s own software has started dropping hints – code discovered in an iOS 26 beta explicitly references “AirPods Pro 3” alongside the existing models. (Apple even quietly updated a support text string from “AirPods Pro 2nd Generation” to “AirPods Pro 2 or later,” implying a successor is anticipated.)

All reliable reports point to no summer 2025 release, but rather an introduction timed with Apple’s fall product cycle. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a highly trusted Apple watcher, noted earlier this year that the AirPods Pro 3 were “still many months away” – lining up with a late-2025 timeframe. Historically, Apple tends to unveil major AirPods upgrades alongside new iPhones in September. In fact, September 2025 (coinciding with an expected iPhone 17 event) is widely seen as the most plausible launch target. Some optimists floated an earlier debut (one leaker even claimed a May/June 2025 launch), but those rumors failed to materialize. It’s worth noting that one respected analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, has cautioned that production challenges might even delay the next AirPods Pro until 2026, especially if Apple introduces ambitious new hardware like infrared sensors (more on that later). For now though, the consensus is that AirPods Pro 3 are on track for late 2025, barring unforeseen delays.

In absence of an official announcement, details about AirPods Pro 3 come from leaks, patent filings, and informed speculation from reputable sources (MacRumors, Bloomberg, etc.). While nothing is confirmed by Apple, several key upgrades are consistently mentioned:

• New Design & Case: A substantial design refresh is expected. Both the earbuds and the charging case are rumored to get a makeover. Multiple supply-chain leaks point to a slimmer form factor and subtle exterior tweaks. For example, Apple may remove the current case’s back pairing button in favor of a front-facing capacitive button with a concealed LED indicator, similar to the design of the 4th-gen standard AirPods introduced in 2024. These “stealth” touches (hiding the status light when inactive and nixing physical buttons) would make for a sleeker, more seamless case design. The earbuds themselves might also be more compact or ergonomic, though specifics remain under wraps.
  
  

• Next-Gen Chip & Better Audio: Apple will reportedly debut a new wireless audio SoC – likely an “H3” chip – in AirPods Pro 3. This upgraded chip should provide faster processing for audio and ANC algorithms, more efficient power usage, and improved wireless connectivity range. In fact, rumor has it the AirPods Pro 3 will offer “much better” Active Noise Cancellation performance than the already-class-leading AirPods Pro 2. Enhanced onboard processing could also mean higher-fidelity sound. Each AirPods generation has brought audio quality gains, and insiders expect the trend to continue with richer sound and perhaps support for Apple’s latest audio protocols. Notably, the current AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C model) introduced a special 20-bit/48 kHz lossless audio mode when paired with the Apple Vision Pro headset, hinting that Apple is prioritizing high-quality wireless audio. Many observers therefore anticipate that AirPods Pro 3 might expand on this capability (either via a new Bluetooth codec or an ultra-wideband wireless solution) to deliver hi-res or lossless music playback more broadly.
  
  

• Health Sensors (Heart Rate & Temperature): One of the most exciting expected additions is biometric sensing. In-ear heart rate monitoring is widely rumored for AirPods Pro 3, effectively turning the earbuds into fitness trackers. Mark Gurman has reported that Apple has been testing in-ear heart-rate detection for the new Pros, which would let users track pulse during workouts without a watch. This isn’t unprecedented – Apple’s own Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (released in early 2025) introduced basic heart-rate tracking – but AirPods Pro 3’s implementation would likely be more seamless. Similarly, Apple has researched ear-canal temperature sensing for possible use in AirPods. If ready in time, this could allow the earbuds to measure core body temperature more accurately and quickly than skin-based sensors (like those on Apple Watch). It’s unclear if temperature tracking will make the cut for 2025, but it’s under active development. These health features would expand AirPods Pro into a health/fitness accessory – e.g. logging workouts, alerting to heart rate zones or fevers – all through your ears.
  
  

• Intelligent Audio Features: Apple appears poised to leverage its software prowess to give AirPods Pro 3 some smart new capabilities. One much-buzzed feature is real-time language translation delivered through the earbuds. Essentially, AirPods Pro 3 could work with iOS’s Translate app to provide live conversation translation in your ear (hear a foreign language translated on the fly). Imagine talking to someone in a different language and hearing a translated version of their speech through your AirPods – this sci-fi idea seems to be in Apple’s sights, potentially as part of the iOS 19/20 era AirPods firmware. Additionally, iOS 26 code and reports hint at other new tricks: for instance, using AirPods as a remote camera shutter control (e.g. a pinch on the AirPod could snap a photo on your iPhone) and new head-gesture controls for things like adjusting volume or answering calls. Many of these features would likely roll out to all recent AirPods via software updates, but AirPods Pro 3 being the latest and greatest would fully support them out-of-the-box. Apple’s WWDC 2025 preview already revealed upcoming improvements like a “studio quality” audio mode for AirPods mics and the ability to control an iPhone camera via AirPods – the third-gen Pros will no doubt capitalize on these enhancements.
  
  In summary, while nothing is officially confirmed, the AirPods Pro 3 are expected to deliver a redesigned look, a new H-series chip with significantly upgraded noise cancellation and sound quality, and novel features ranging from fitness tracking (heart-rate/temperature) to AI-powered functions like live translation. Apple will of course maintain core features that have made AirPods Pro 2 popular – things like Adaptive Transparency, Spatial Audio, and deep iOS integration – and build on them. The overarching goal is to keep Apple’s earbuds at the top of the market in both tech and user experience.

Much of what we “know” about AirPods Pro 3 comes from a handful of credible industry insiders. Foremost among them is Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, who has a strong track record on Apple’s product pipeline. Gurman has repeatedly reported that Apple is planning a major AirPods Pro refresh in 2025, including a design overhaul and new internals. He was first to note Apple’s work on integrating in-ear heart rate sensors and possibly temperature sensing in the next-gen AirPods Pro. Gurman also suggested the new model will carry an updated Apple audio chip (presumably “H3”) that, combined with improved drivers and algorithms, will enable notably better noise cancellation and audio output. In short, his reports paint AirPods Pro 3 as the most significant upgrade to the lineup since the original Pros launched in 2019.

Another respected source is Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst known for insights into Apple’s supply chain. In May 2025, Kuo surprised fans by suggesting that AirPods Pro 3 might not arrive until 2026, citing potential production delays. He alluded that Apple is working on advanced hardware for AirPods – notably infrared cameras inside the earbuds – to enable new spatial audio experiences and gesture controls, and that such tech might need extra development time. These tiny IR cameras (and even experimental ideas like tiny outward-facing cameras) could one day let AirPods track hand movements or environment geometry for AR/VR applications. However, both Kuo and Gurman agree that these futuristic features won’t debut until at least 2026 or 2027 in a later AirPods iteration. For the AirPods Pro 3, they are likely out of scope. Kuo’s mention of a 2026 timeline might correspond to this more radical future model. Still, his caution raises the possibility that if any unforeseen technical issues arise with the 2025 Pro 3 (for example, component shortages or last-minute design changes), Apple could push the release out rather than launch a sub-par product.

We’ve also seen tangible clues from Apple’s own software, as noted earlier. The iOS 26 beta leak in June 2025, uncovered by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, is a strong sign that AirPods Pro 3 launch preparations are underway internally. References in the code and even minor firmware text changes by Apple (like the “AirPods Pro 2 or later” phrasing) serve as smoke signals that a new model is imminent. Additionally, Apple filed patents (in early 2025) to revise AirPods Pro’s design and controls – for instance, improving how touch controls work when the user wears gloves, and even exploring a touchscreen display on the AirPods case for future models. While patents don’t guarantee features, they show where Apple is investing R&D. The case touch-display idea (essentially, an interactive mini screen on the charging case) made headlines, but no current rumor suggests it will appear on AirPods Pro 3 – it seems to be a longer-term prospect. In summary, the most credible leaks align on core improvements (design, chip, ANC, health sensors) and a 2025 target, while urging caution that Apple could delay the product if those big upgrades aren’t ready for prime time.

With AirPods Pro 3 on the horizon, Apple enthusiasts and tech reviewers have been vocal about what they hope to see. Drawing from discussions on forums and tech sites, here are some of the most common user expectations and “wish-list” features for the third-gen AirPods Pro:

• Support for Lossless / High-Resolution Audio: Perhaps the top request from audiophiles is higher-quality wireless audio. Currently, AirPods (even Pro 2) are limited to the standard AAC codec over Bluetooth, which cannot carry full lossless music quality. Competing high-end earbuds offer codecs like aptX HD or LDAC for higher bitrate sound. Fans are eagerly hoping Apple introduces its own solution for hi-res or lossless audio streaming on AirPods Pro 3 – whether that’s a new Bluetooth codec, leveraging Wi-Fi (as some speculate), or another wireless technology. Given Apple Music offers a vast catalog in 24-bit lossless ALAC, it’s frustrating for audio purists that AirPods can’t currently take full advantage. An AirPods Pro that can deliver near-lossless fidelity would be a dream for many listeners.
  
  

• Longer Battery Life: True wireless earbuds always chase better battery life, and users want AirPods Pro 3 to push the envelope here. The AirPods Pro 2 are rated around 6 hours of listening on a charge (ANC on), which is solid but not class-leading – for example, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 can hit about 8 hours. Every extra hour counts for all-day use, so a more power-efficient chip or bigger battery in the new AirPods Pro would be very welcome. Even an improvement to, say, 8-10 hours per charge would put Apple at the top of the pack and make a noticeable difference to users. Additionally, some users have noted they’d like better battery optimization in case (so the buds don’t discharge as quickly when stored) and the option to easily replace batteries as they age – though the latter might be wishful thinking given Apple’s design priorities.
  
  

• Audio Quality Improvements: While the AirPods Pro 2 earned praise for their sound, the competition hasn’t stood still. Brands like Sony and Bose have released new flagship buds with remarkable audio clarity and richer bass in the interim. Listeners are expecting Apple to respond by upping the sound quality in AirPods Pro 3 – perhaps via new high-excursion drivers, improved amplifiers, or advanced tuning. The goal would be to deliver even crisper, more dynamic sound than the already good Pro 2. As one What Hi-Fi review noted, the Sony XM5 earbuds set a new benchmark in detail retrieval, showing there’s room for Apple to further refine its audio engineering. Many users also hope for a stronger bass response (without distortion) and overall more immersive soundstage, especially for spatial audio content.
  
  

• Best-in-Class Noise Cancellation: AirPods Pro are known for very effective ANC, but Bose and Sony still often win the absolute noise-cancellation crown in reviews. With models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony’s latest, users reported that those can create an uncanny silent “bubble” beyond what AirPods Pro 2 achieve. Therefore, a common wish is that AirPods Pro 3 take ANC to the next level – reducing an even greater amount of ambient din, from airplane engine roar to city street noise, to truly compete with (or surpass) Bose’s best. Apple’s rumored new chip and algorithms could enable this. Even incremental improvements would be appreciated, as would more consistency in noise cancelation across frequencies. In short, users want to see Apple reclaim or tie for the title of top noise-cancelling wireless earbud with this release.
  
  

• More Customization & Cross-Platform Features: A frequent request is for Apple to be a bit more flexible in how AirPods features work. For example, manual control over ANC levels is something offered in many competitors’ apps (letting the user dial in just how much noise to block), but AirPods rely on Apple’s automatic modes with little user adjustment. Enthusiasts would love an “ANC slider” or presets to fine-tune noise cancellation and transparency to their liking. Similarly, while AirPods integrate flawlessly with Apple devices, some advanced features (Spatial Audio head-tracking, “Find My” precise locating, etc.) are limited or nonexistent when AirPods are used with Android or Windows. The community’s wish-list includes broader support for features on other platforms – e.g. an official Android companion app to adjust settings or use features like spatial audio on non-Apple phones. Though Apple’s ecosystem lock-in is part of its strategy, even small steps like enabling Find My tracking via a web interface, or basic customization on Android, would be a huge plus for many users. Lastly, durability upgrades (higher water resistance than the current IPX4) and new color options have been mentioned on forums, though these are less commonly cited than the audio and feature improvements above.

From all reports, AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be a significant leap forward for Apple’s earbud line – potentially the biggest upgrade since the original Pros. With an expected launch in late 2025 (nearly three years after the 2nd-gen), Apple seems to be packing in meaningful enhancements: everything from a fresh design and better internals to health-tracking capabilities and smarter software features. While we won’t know the official specs until Apple takes the wraps off, the rumor mill from reputable sources paints a compelling picture of earbuds that aim to set new benchmarks in sound quality, noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem (and maybe even beyond).

At the same time, tempered expectations are wise. Apple is reportedly pushing technical boundaries (like biometrics and possibly new wireless tech) with AirPods Pro 3, and there’s always a chance plans change or face delays – as evidenced by rumors of a possible slip into 2026 if production issues arise. But assuming all goes to plan, by this time next year we could finally have Apple’s third-generation AirPods Pro in hand (and ear), delivering features that satisfy both the average listener and the avid tech enthusiast. Until Apple’s official announcement, we’ll be watching for more hints – but it’s safe to say that the excitement among AirPods fans is high, and expectations are even higher. All signs indicate that the wait for AirPods Pro 3 will be worth it, bringing Apple’s audio wearables to new heights.

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