AirPods Pro 3 — AirPods edging toward an “always-on” wearable
Apple unveiled the AirPods Pro 3 at the iPhone 17 event. Priced at $249, the new buds add several features that push AirPods beyond mere audio accessories toward an “always‑on” wearable you might never take out.
What’s new
- Improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) — stronger ANC than previous models for a quieter listening experience.
- Foam‑filled ear tips — new foam‑lined tips for a better seal and more sizes for fit and comfort.
- Conversation Awareness — continues to make it easy to keep earbuds in while talking or interacting in public.
- Hearing health features — features that can act as hearing protection and assistive hearing tools.
- Heart‑rate sensor — can track heart rate during workouts and share metrics with Apple Fitness+ (previously Watch-only functionality).
- Live Translation — real‑time translation that can beam translated voice to another AirPods Pro 3, making cross‑language chats easier.
Why it matters
These features broaden how people use AirPods: health and translation tools, workout metrics, and deeper integration with Apple services make a stronger case to wear them more often — maybe all the time. Apple may be positioning AirPods alongside the Apple Watch as complementary but overlapping devices, which could boost subscriptions and accessory sales.
Availability & links
- Price: $249.
- Official Apple announcement: Apple Newsroom — AirPods Pro 3.
- Search on Amazon (affiliate): Find AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon.
Thoughts?
Would you replace a smartwatch with earbud features, or wear AirPods all day if they handled fitness and translation? Share your take below.
Originally reported across tech outlets; compiled from Apple’s announcement and recent coverage.