Apple on Tuesday announced the AirPods Pro 3, its first major update to the Pro lineup in three years — and the company is promising big changes. From a new heart rate sensor to real-time translation powered by Apple Intelligence, the $249 earbuds mark Apple’s boldest attempt yet to redefine what in-ear headphones can do. Preorders begin immediately, with shipping set for September 19.

Twice the Noise Cancellation

The AirPods Pro 3 headline feature is dramatically improved active noise cancellation (ANC). Apple says the earbuds deliver “the world’s best ANC of any in-ear wireless headphones,” thanks to foam-infused ear tips that provide better noise isolation.

According to the company, the ANC is now twice as effective as in the previous generation, allowing users to shut out everything from crowded subways to airplane hums with unmatched precision. The sound stage has also been widened for a more immersive listening experience.

A Heart Rate Monitor in Your Ears

Perhaps the most striking innovation is the heart rate sensor. Apple has embedded its smallest-ever photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor inside the AirPods. The sensor shines invisible infrared light 256 times per second to measure light absorption in blood flow, enabling accurate heart rate monitoring.

Working alongside the AirPods’ accelerometers, gyroscope, GPS, and iPhone-based AI models, the earbuds can now track calories burned, workout intensity, and activity levels. Apple has paired this with a new feature in the Fitness app called Workout Buddy, which integrates historical workout data for personalized training insights.

For fitness enthusiasts, the AirPods Pro 3 transform from headphones into wearable health companions.

Live Translation in Your Ear

Apple is also introducing Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence. When enabled, the AirPods can lower speaker volume and play back real-time translations directly in the user’s preferred language.

For face-to-face conversations, iPhone can be held horizontally to display live transcriptions of what is being said in another person’s language. It’s a move that positions AirPods as not just entertainment devices, but tools for global communication.

Smaller, Smarter, Stronger

Apple has reworked the AirPods Pro 3 design after analyzing more than 10,000 3D ear scans. The result: a smaller, more ergonomic fit, with five ear tip sizes to accommodate more users.

Durability has also been improved. With an IP57 rating, the AirPods Pro 3 are more resistant to sweat and water, making them more reliable for workouts and outdoor use.

Features Beyond the Pro 3

Apple isn’t leaving older AirPods behind. With the upcoming iOS 26 update, AirPods across the lineup will receive new features:

• Use AirPods as a remote shutter for the iPhone camera app.
• Studio-quality audio for AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.
• Improved call quality and sleep-detection pauses.
• Smarter charging reminders to protect battery health.

Building on the Legacy

The AirPods Pro 2, released in 2022 and updated in 2023 with USB-C and dust resistance, raised the bar for sound and convenience. Now, the AirPods Pro 3 aim to push the category forward once more — combining health tracking, AI-powered translation, and best-in-class ANC into a single device.

Apple is betting that these innovations will keep AirPods Pro at the top of the premium wireless earbud market. With more than a decade of dominance in personal audio, the company seems determined to ensure that its most popular accessory remains indispensable.

And for $249, Apple is asking consumers to believe not just in better sound, but in a future where the line between headphones, health monitors, and global communication devices disappears — right inside your ear.