AirPods Pro 3 — Major Update: ANC, Live Translation, Heart-Rate & Longer Battery
Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 represent the most significant update to the AirPods lineup in years. Priced at $249 and available now from Apple and major retailers, this model brings a host of improvements: stronger active noise cancellation (ANC), upgraded sound, the H2 chip, Live Translation, onboard heart-rate sensing, new foam-infused ear tips and longer battery life.
Quick Facts
- Price: $249
- Battery life: up to 8 hours with ANC enabled (up to 10 hours in certain transparency/hearing-aid modes)
- Key features: H2 chip, improved ANC, Live Translation, heart-rate sensing, foam ear tips, improved soundstage
- Official Apple product page: https://www.apple.com/airpods/
- Amazon (affiliate search link): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=AirPods+Pro+3&tag=f1rede-20
Design & Fit
The AirPods Pro 3 use revised curves and foam-infused ear tips for a more secure, comfortable seal. Apple has adjusted driver angle and added a nozzle-like grille for better sound delivery. The charging case hides the LED and uses a front double-tap for pairing instead of a visible Bluetooth button.
ANC, Sound & H2 Chip
ANC is noticeably stronger thanks to ultra-low-noise mics, improved computational audio and the new foam tips. Apple redesigned internal airflow and driver tuning to improve bass, widen the soundstage and boost vocal clarity. The H2 chip powers these improvements and helps enable advanced features like Live Translation.
Live Translation
Live Translation lets you translate in-person conversations through the earbuds (English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish at launch, with more languages coming). It uses ANC, Voice Isolation and beamforming mics to capture speech and plays translated audio to the wearer. Apple Intelligence must be enabled for full functionality; translations can show as real-time transcripts on the iPhone.
Heart-Rate Sensing & Fitness
The AirPods Pro 3 introduce heart-rate sensing to the AirPods line, feeding data into Apple’s Fitness app and compatible workout apps. Apple says devices will collaborate if you also wear an Apple Watch, and the earbuds support up to 50 workout types in the Fitness app.
Battery
Apple claims up to 8 hours of listening with ANC on (10 hours in some transparency/hearing-aid modes). A five-minute charge in the case provides roughly one hour of use. Note: total combined battery with the case is reported as 24 hours (down from 30 in the previous generation).
Competition & Verdict
The AirPods Pro 3 mainly compete with Apple’s own AirPods 4 (with ANC) and high-end rivals like Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. If you value tight iPhone integrations, Live Translation and heart-rate tracking, the AirPods Pro 3 are compelling. The price remains $249.
Final Thoughts
Between improved ANC, better sound, Live Translation and heart-rate sensing, the AirPods Pro 3 are a major evolution for Apple’s earbuds. Whether they’re worth the upgrade depends on your current set and how much you value the new health and translation features.
Note: This summary is based on the latest reviews and Apple’s product information. For purchase options, see the Amazon affiliate search link above or visit Apple’s official AirPods page.