Apple AirPods Pro 3, Powered by H2 Chip

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 mark a significant leap forward in the evolution of true wireless audio, blending cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design to deliver a listening experience that’s immersive, intelligent, and deeply personal. Unveiled at the September 2025 Apple Event, these third-generation earbuds refine nearly every aspect of their predecessors while introducing new features that push the boundaries of what in-ear devices can do.

At first glance, the AirPods Pro 3 retain the familiar silhouette of the previous model, but subtle refinements make a big difference. The earbuds are slightly more compact and ergonomically contoured for improved in-ear stability, especially during movement. Apple now offers five ear tip sizes—ranging from XS to XL—ensuring a more precise fit for a wider range of users. The IP57 rating adds durability, making them resistant to sweat and dust, and suitable for workouts, commutes, and outdoor use.

Inside, the AirPods Pro 3 are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which continues to deliver exceptional audio processing and power efficiency. While the chip remains unchanged from the previous generation, Apple has introduced a new multiport acoustic architecture that enhances airflow control and sound delivery. This results in deeper bass, a wider soundstage, and more vivid vocal clarity. The custom high-excursion driver and amplifier work in tandem with Adaptive EQ to fine-tune frequencies in real time, creating a balanced and distortion-free audio profile across genres.

Spatial audio has also received a boost, offering more precise directional tracking and a heightened sense of immersion. Whether you’re watching a movie, playing a game, or listening to a live concert recording, the AirPods Pro 3 create a three-dimensional soundscape that feels expansive and lifelike. Personalized spatial audio, calibrated using your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera, ensures that the experience is tailored to your unique ear geometry.

One of the standout upgrades is the enhanced Active Noise Cancellation. Apple claims the AirPods Pro 3 remove up to twice as much ambient noise as the previous model, and four times more than the original AirPods Pro. This is achieved through improved microphone arrays and advanced algorithms that adapt dynamically to your surroundings. Whether you’re in a noisy café, on a flight, or walking through traffic, the earbuds create a cocoon of quiet that allows you to focus on your audio without distraction.

Transparency mode has also been refined. Voices and environmental sounds now come through with greater clarity and naturalness, making it easier to stay aware of your surroundings or hold conversations without removing the earbuds. A new feature called Personalized Transparency adjusts the level of ambient sound based on your preferences and context, offering a more intuitive listening experience.

Beyond audio, the AirPods Pro 3 introduce health and fitness tracking capabilities. For the first time, users can monitor their heart rate directly through the earbuds, thanks to integrated optical sensors that leverage the ear canal’s proximity to major blood vessels. This data syncs with the Apple Health and Fitness apps, allowing users to track workouts, receive alerts for abnormal readings, and even share metrics with healthcare providers. While not a replacement for dedicated medical devices, the feature adds a layer of wellness monitoring that’s convenient and unobtrusive.

Another headline feature is Live Translation, enabled by Apple Intelligence. The AirPods Pro 3 can listen to spoken language and provide real-time translations directly into your ears. This is particularly useful for travelers and multilingual environments, helping bridge communication gaps without the need for external apps or devices. While the feature’s fluency may vary depending on context and background noise, it represents a bold step toward seamless global interaction.

Battery life has been extended, with up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and a total of 24 hours with the redesigned charging case. The case supports both MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, as well as USB-C for fast wired charging. A new LED indicator provides clearer battery status, and the case itself is more compact and easier to carry. The earbuds also feature improved power management, allowing for longer use between charges even with ANC and spatial audio enabled.

Connectivity remains robust with Bluetooth 5.3, offering stable pairing and low latency across Apple devices. Multipoint support allows users to switch seamlessly between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, while Find My integration helps locate misplaced earbuds with precision. The touch controls are responsive and customizable via the iOS settings, enabling users to manage playback, volume, ANC modes, and calls with simple gestures.

The AirPods Pro 3 are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. They support Siri voice commands, automatic device switching, and audio sharing with other Apple headphones. Firmware updates are delivered over-the-air, ensuring that users benefit from ongoing improvements and feature enhancements. The earbuds also support Audio Adaptive Routing, which intelligently prioritizes audio sources based on context—such as switching from a podcast to a phone call without manual intervention.

In terms of pricing, Apple has surprised many by keeping the AirPods Pro 3 at the same $249 USD price point as their predecessor, with a slight reduction in some international markets. This aggressive pricing strategy positions them competitively against rivals like Bose, Sony, and Bowers & Wilkins, especially considering the breadth of features and ecosystem advantages.

Overall, the AirPods Pro 3 represent a thoughtful and substantial upgrade. They don’t reinvent the wheel, but they polish it to near perfection. With improved sound quality, world-class noise cancellation, health tracking, and intelligent features like Live Translation, they offer a compelling package for both casual listeners and tech enthusiasts. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or entering the AirPods ecosystem for the first time, the Pro 3 deliver a premium experience that feels both futuristic and familiar.