As anticipated, Apple’s annual launch event in Cupertino generated significant media excitement. While the focus typically centers on the latest iPhones, this year’s unveiling of the much-anticipated AirPods Pro 3 stole the spotlight with an array of impressive upgrades. Attending the launch event in California and participating in hands-on demonstrations at Apple’s campus allowed us to experience the new AirPods firsthand and delve into their standout features.
One of the most notable additions is the built-in heart rate sensor, alongside offline AI-powered live translation capabilities, both of which made a remarkable impression during our tests. However, despite previous speculation, the AirPods Pro 3 do not come equipped with the anticipated H3 chip. Instead, Apple has retained the familiar H2 chip while enhancing the device with a heart rate monitor, improved 10.7mm drivers, and upgraded microphones.
The new charging case now features the U2 chip, which provides ultra-precise location tracking through Apple’s Find My service. Visually, the AirPods Pro 3 appear nearly identical to their predecessors, though they are slightly more compact and designed for a better fit within the ear canal. A subtle redesign of the angle improves sealing, and Apple now offers five sizes of silicone ear tips, including a new XXS option. It’s important to note that these new ear tips are not compatible with earlier models.
The heart rate sensor seamlessly syncs with the iPhone and Apple’s fitness app, providing consistent and accurate readings during our tests. Apple claims this sensor utilizes technology similar to that found in the Apple Watch, ensuring comparable precision. Furthermore, the new active noise cancellation (ANC) is touted to be twice as effective as that of the AirPods Pro 2, particularly for mid-to-high frequency sounds. During the bustling launch event, the AirPods Pro 3 managed to isolate us from the surrounding noise with remarkable clarity.
Sound performance has also seen significant improvements. The upgraded drivers and acoustic design enhance airflow, resulting in a stronger bass response compared to the previous generation. Additionally, Apple asserts that the call quality has improved, thanks to the enhanced microphones and advanced noise filtering capabilities. A new hearing assist feature allows for up to 10 hours of use in accessibility mode, making these earbuds even more versatile.
Perhaps the most eye-catching addition to the AirPods Pro 3 is the innovative AI-based live translation feature. During our demonstration, we observed a Spanish conversation being translated into English in real time without requiring an internet connection. The translations were surprisingly smooth, with only a brief lag of 2-3 words before the translation began. This feature can be activated by pressing both stems of the AirPods or via an iPhone. Currently, it is supported on the iPhone 17 and other Apple Intelligence-compatible devices, and it will also be available on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 models equipped with the H2 chip.
At launch, the translation feature supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese, with plans to add Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese by the end of the year. However, there is no current information regarding support for Hebrew or availability in Israel, and due to EU regulations, the feature may not be launched in Europe anytime soon.
Although the highly anticipated H3 chip did not debut in this generation, the AirPods Pro 3 still offer substantial upgrades over their predecessors. In a pleasant twist, the price remains unchanged from the previous model at $250, although pricing for Israel had not been announced at the time of writing. So, are the AirPods Pro 3 the best earbuds on the market? While it's premature to make a definitive statement, they undoubtedly rank among the most intriguing options we've tested recently.
