Hardware

AirPods Pro 3 debut at $249 with heart-rate sensing and live translation

Ken Metral

09 Sep 2025 — 1 min read

Credit: AirPods Pro 3/Apple, Inc.

At its “Awe-dropping” event on Tuesday, Apple introduced the long-anticipated third-generation AirPods Pro, marking the first major refresh of its flagship earbuds since 2022. Priced at $249, the new AirPods Pro bring health-focused sensors, smarter software features, and a sleeker design to Apple’s most advanced earbuds.

Heart-Rate Tracking Arrives for the First Time

The standout upgrade is health integration: AirPods Pro 3 now feature built-in heart-rate sensors, a first for Apple’s earbud line. Using LED sensors similar to those found in the Powerbeats Pro 2, the earbuds provide continuous heart-rate monitoring, with data syncing seamlessly to the Apple Fitness app. This expands Apple’s growing ecosystem of health and wellness tracking beyond the Apple Watch.

Improved Noise Cancellation and Audio

Apple claims the new AirPods Pro double the active noise cancellation (ANC) power of their predecessors. Transparency mode has also been refined for a more natural listening experience. Combined with a new acoustic design and adaptive audio tuning, Apple is positioning this release as its most immersive earbud experience yet.

Smarter Charging Case and Sleeker Fit

The charging case has been redesigned to be smaller and more interactive. Paired with slimmer, more comfortable earbuds, Apple now offers five sizes of ear tips to help users find their ideal fit—calling them “the best-fitting AirPods” to date.

Translation on the Go

With the upcoming iOS 26 update, AirPods Pro 3 will also support live translation in conversations. Users can speak in different languages, with the iPhone handling translation and the AirPods delivering real-time audio playback, turning the earbuds into a powerful tool for global communication.

Looking Ahead: A More Advanced Model in 2026

While Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are available this year, speculation about a second, more premium version is already swirling. Reports suggest Apple is developing a high-end variant with an infrared camera designed to recognize hand gestures and enhance spatial audio when paired with the Vision Pro headset. This advanced model is rumored to launch in 2026 at a higher price point.

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