Apple has always been more than just a tech company. We came to know about this brand when they introduced their first iPod in 2001. This product ruled the market for a decade, and Apple launched multiple products from the iPhone to the AirPods and Apple Watches after that. Apple changed how we communicate with iPhones and their AirPods also became our go-to earbuds.
How can we forget the peak time of Apple when we were crazy about its products? Although they were pricey, they became a standard. We started buying AirPods for comfort and ease first, but it turned into something that only wealthy people can have. This class differentiation pushed many people to try them at least once, and Apple’s stock rose in return.
Apple announced the first generation of AirPods on September 7, 2016, but they were officially released and available for order on December 13, 2016. People made jokes about the design at first, but it didn’t take us too long to walk down the street with those little white buds. We still get flashbacks of when we used them for the first time. There were no tangled wires, slipping buds, or noise in the background. Apple introduced multiple models after the success of the first AirPods.
They launched AirPods 4 without ANC, AirPods 3 (3rd gen), but AirPods Pro 2 got the limelight more than any model in 2022. According to Canalys, Apple shipped approximately 4.2 million units of the second-generation AirPods Pro in the quarter of its launch. AirPods 2 were launched with new specifications of Apple’s H2 chip, sharper sound, smarter Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and adaptive transparency. But people started pointing out that it was outdated earbuds in front of Sony after three years. Therefore, Apple has recently announced the AirPods Pro 3 on Tuesday. Apple launched new smartwatches, headphones, and even the iPhone 17 Pro at their launch event.
These new buds bring along features we didn’t even know we needed. AirPods Pro 3 introduced heart rate tracking, stronger ANC, and improved dust and water resistance features. Apple says that they have designed these AirPods after surveying how and when people actually use them, such as on commutes, during sweaty workouts, and in everyday messy life. But are these features actually worth it or just the hype?
We will discuss the difference between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 in detail. What are the distinctive features, and what’s the same? Is it worth it to upgrade to AirPods 3 or not? If you are stuck and don’t know what to decide, this blog will help you make a final decision according to your earbud requirements.
Launch of AirPods Pro 3
Apple launched AirPods Pro 3 at their September 9, 2025, event. It was launched to meet the public expectations they had at the launch event of AirPods Pro 2. It is not only about the physical design or specs when Apple releases new hardware. But it’s about the chip architecture, ecosystem, and software updates. A gap of three years from Pro 2 to Pro 3 means AirPods Pro 3 has better chip performance, more efficient power use, and new sensor integration with the latest iOS version.
People were also expecting a new H3 chip or a touchscreen LCD in the charging case of AirPods Pro 3. They predicted such features after JBL LCD cases, but AirPods Pro 3 came with a standard case. But these earbuds do seem like a nice upgrade over their predecessor for the same price. AirPods Pro 3 have a heart-rate sensor, noise cancelling (ANC), foam-infused ear tips, and an IP57 rating for water and sweat resistance. John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, said:
“With AirPods Pro 3, the most popular headphones take a massive leap forward, providing fantastic sound quality and the world’s best ANC of any in-ear wireless headphones. Combined with an improved fit that provides greater stability for even more people, heart rate sensing, extended battery life, and Live Translation enabled by Apple Intelligence, AirPods Pro 3 take personal audio to the next level.”
The updated design helps AirPods Pro 3 fit even better and provides greater in-ear stability during activities like running, HIIT, and yoga. AirPods Pro 3 can be pre-ordered today, and it will be available from Friday, September 19.
What’s Different in AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2?
Here are the distinctive features in AirPods Pro 3 from AirPods Pro 2:
Earbud Design and Fit
AirPods Pro 3 don’t look different when we see them at first because Apple kept their iconic white and stem-style look. But we can feel the difference after holding them once. The body of the Pro 3 buds (19.2 mm) is slightly slimmer in width compared to the AirPods Pro 2 (21.8 mm). The weight is also increased from 5.3 grams in AirPods Pro 2 to 5.55 grams in AirPods Pro 3.
Apple reengineered the AirPods Pro 3 using more than 10,000 ear scans and more than 100,000 hours of user research. Apple says the internal architecture of the earbuds was revamped to make each AirPod slightly smaller. They added that the external geometry of the ear tip was also aligned to the center of the body to improve stability.
AirPods Pro 3 includes five ear-tip sizes now (XXS, XS, S, M, L), whereas Pro 2 had four sizes (XS through L). So, it will fit in our ears without the risk of falling during workouts. The tips of AirPods Pro 3 are made up of a foam-infused silicone compared to the rubber ones of AirPods Pro 2, which will provide comfort to our ears. Kate from Tom’s Guide reviewed them and said,
“They are the best-fitting AirPods ever.”
Apple also says it is made up of more recycled plastic in its construction:
“AirPods Pro 3 are made with 40 percent recycled content, including 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery and 65 percent recycled plastic in the case. The paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based and can be easily recycled.”
Apple has made it easy for us to choose which ear tip is suitable for us through the Ear Tip Fit Test (from iOS Bluetooth settings). We can try different tip sizes, and the software will tell us where the seal is best. Trying a different ear tip usually resolves issues like a lack of bass or noise leaks.
Charging Case
There were rumors that Apple will slim down the AirPods Pro 3 Charging Case, like it did with the AirPods 4 Charging Case last year. But these rumors were not true because AirPods Pro 3 charging case is actually larger than before. It is 1.86 inches tall (up from 1.78 inches), 2.45 inches wide (up from 2.39 inches), and 0.86 inches deep (up from 0.85 inches). It’s not as heavy, weighing 1.55 ounces, down from 1.79 ounces. These AirPods have the glossy white shell outside, but refined edges where the buds sit. AirPods Pro 3 case changes look minor, but they will matter when we put them in pockets.
Apple added a lanyard loop in this new case and made the pairing button capacitive. There is also an invisible LED touch that brightens up when we charge the AirPods. There is also a difference in the charging time of the case. AirPods Pro 3 case listing time is 24 hours compared to the AirPods Pro 2 case, which used to take 30 hours. A Reddit user shared his response to this update,
“APP 3 only has 24 hours of battery life with the charging case, as APP 2 gave 30. I don’t understand why they would lower it?”
But some users pointed out that the difference between 24 and 30 hours “really makes no difference since what truly matters is how many full charges we get, and the Pro 3 buds themselves now last longer per charge.” This debate is not going to end until we try them out personally.
AirPods Pro 2 on left & AirPods Pro 3 on right
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is one of our biggest concerns when we purchase earbuds. Although it was good enough in AirPods Pro 2, it’s even better in Pro 3. Apple claims that Pro 3 offers up to twice as effective ANC compared to Pro 2. They say that this ANC is 4× the noise reduction compared to the original first-gen Pro in some metrics. It means we can attend meetings, video calls, and interviews without any disturbing background noise. A user said in a Reddit thread,
“APP2 has MUCH more bass, better ANC, clearer sound, and better battery life. I can’t imagine how good the APP3 is.”
Although AirPods Pro 2 already have transparency mode, adaptive EQ, and conversation boost features, AirPods Pro 3 have a more natural transparency mode (less echo). Apple claims that the battery life of Pro 3 expands up to 67% more in transparency mode. Pro 3 also improves our call quality because of newer microphones (ultra-low noise mics), better voice isolation, and wind-noise resistance.
Many people shared their review that it has new microphones, so it will improve the noise cancelling. But most of them believe that foam tips will play an important role. Apple has also repositioned the speakers in the new model to provide us with better bass and richer sound compared to AirPods Pro 2.
Sensors & Fitness Features
Sensor and fitness tracking features are one of the biggest updates in AirPods Pro 3. We have seen Apple Watches with heart rate and calorie-counting sensors in the market, but not AirPods. AirPods Pro 2 were mainly focused on audio and didn’t have any features like this. AirPod Pro 3 is the first earbud with PPG sensors, a fitness tracker, and data syncs. It means we don’t have to purchase watches just to track heart rate anymore.
Apple used a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, which we have seen at the back of our Apple Watch. This sensor measures our heart rate during workouts, stressful moments, or even while sitting. Many reports believe that earbud readings are close to Apple Watch numbers, but Apple says that Watches will remain the “gold standard” in their ecosystem. A Reddit user said,
“Ear is supposed to be the best location for an optical sensor, so the results should be more accurate than any Apple Watch.”
AirPods Pro 3 can also track our activity sessions and burned-calories after pairing with an iPhone. These earbuds give us a workout summary in the Fitness app. Although it’s not quite as detailed as Watch tracking, it’s good enough for someone who wants to enjoy the basic features.
Apple says we can track our heart-rate graphs, workout summaries, and activity trends on the Move ring and the Burn Bar. While people love this new feature, some users are cautious. They pointed out that there are conditions that limit usability, like connecting with Apple’s intelligence on the iPhone. But Apple rarely ignores reviews. So, we will see what exactly they do in the future to tackle such problems.
Battery & Charging Enhancements
Apple finally gave us what we have been asking for after every new release. The AirPods Pro 3 lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge, compared to just 6 hours on the Pro 2. It means we don’t have to charge the earbuds after 5 hours, and we can enjoy long commutes, work calls, or binge-watching our favorite series. It is a solid 30% boost in battery performance, and it falls to 7.5 hours when spatial audio and head tracking are also enabled. A Reddit thread says,
“Longer battery life, better ANC, better fit, same price. Nothing really more to ask for.”
The MagSafe Charging Case of AirPods Pro 3 provides us up to 24 hours of listening time with ANC turned on. It means even a five-minute charge adds another hour of listening time. This quick top-up is a lifesaver for anyone who travels a lot or streams online for hours.
Durability Upgrades
One common problem with earbuds that we face is that they rarely survive sweat during workouts, dust from daily commutes, and water. How can we forget when our expensive earphones used to be a waste within a second after a water drop? AirPods Pro 2 were great when it comes to audio, but they lack durability.
Apple has launched AirPods Pro 3 with new durability upgrades. AirPods Pro 2 had an IP54 rating, which was used to protect against limited dust particles and splashes. But AirPods Pro 3 are resistant to dust and water up to one meter for 30 minutes with an IP57 rating. Apple says
“AirPods Pro 3 are built to handle tough workouts and unpredictable weather.”
This dust resistance feature may not sound flashy at first, but it is beneficial for people who use their AirPods during workouts or hikes. There is no need to panic anymore if you are caught in heavy rain or accidentally drop them in a sink.
Live Translation
Apple didn’t just stop at improving the hardware with AirPods Pro 3 and launched a live translation feature. Live translation is a cool feature that we were all waiting for, even though Apple isn’t the first to make it happen. It means we don’t have to open Google Translate or hire a translator everywhere. We can talk with anyone in the world just by wearing these earbuds. AirPods Pro 3 uses Apple Intelligence to translate incoming speech. Apple says ANC on AirPods lowers the volume of the other person speaking so that we can focus on the translation while staying connected.
Apple Intelligence does not provide translations of complex conversations, but it’s fair enough to help us go shopping or find basic directions in a foreign country. Apple shared a keynote to use live translation on AirPods 4 and Pro 2:
“Live Translation with AirPods works on AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and AirPods Pro 2 and later with the latest firmware when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 and later.”
We can program the action button on the iPhone to quickly launch the Live Translation app or hold both stems on the AirPods to launch it. Live Translation is only available in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish for now. Apple says that it will be introducing four more languages by the end of the year, including Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.
Adaptive Audio
AirPods Pro 2 were launched with the promise of high-quality audio earbuds, but we have still experienced lag. Those earbuds used to take seconds to adjust when we stepped into a quiet café from a noisy place. It wasn’t a huge problem, but it was a reminder for Apple that there is room for improvement. Apple introduced next-gen adaptive audio in AirPods Pro 3 compared to the general EQ of AirPods Pro 2. There is also a conversation awareness that lowers the volume when someone talks to us, so we don’t get distracted. According to Apple, Adaptive EQ is that,
“Transforms the bass response, widens the soundstage so users hear every instrument, and brings vivid vocal clarity to higher frequencies across music, shows, and calls.”
But the most important thing is that Apple is not leaving older AirPods users behind. Although they have stopped manufacturing AirPod Pro 2, many of these features, like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, will be launched in AirPods Pro 2 software updates. It means Pro 2 will get better over time.
Case & Connectivity Differences
Audio lag is the worst thing that an earbud can do, and this was the same problem many of us experienced with AirPods Pro 2. These AirPods had Bluetooth 5.3 which used to lag during device switches. It was so slow that sometimes we used to miss the start of a business call because the earbuds were slow to catch up. But Apple has finally solved this connectivity issue with the AirPod Pro 3. Although Pro 3 continues to use Bluetooth 5.3, Apple has worked on how it prioritizes active devices and manages transitions. So we don’t have to say “repeat please, I couldn’t get it” during meetings.
Apple has also upgraded the connectivity of the case. They upgraded the older U1 chip in Pro 2 to the new U2 Ultra Wideband chip in Pro 3. This change in the chip doesn’t affect audio lag, but it does make the Find My location tracking process easy. It will provide us with GPS-like directions to find lost earbuds on our iPhone.
What’s the Same Between AirPods Pro 3 and Pro 2
Although there are many new upgrades in the AirPod Pro 3, it still resembles the Pro 2 in some features. Apple users often complain that Apple does not bring anything new. It made minor upgrades and increased the price. Many people also say that Apple is losing its credibility over time as Google and Android are introducing far better features than they are. So let’s look into the features that are quite similar in both models:
Core Design and H2 Chip
We are witnessing the same iconic stem style and white color cases in both AirPod Pro 2 and AirPod Pro 3. If you are planning to buy the Apple AirPods Pro 3 to enjoy new features, then you can try them at least once. People crave for change and get bored with repetitive things after some time, like it’s a white case. Some users hope for new color options, but Apple clearly believes this clean and simple design works best. It’s instantly recognizable and matches every Apple device.
AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 both use Apple’s H2 chip to handle audio processing, active noise cancellation (ANC), and wireless connectivity. This chip is the brain behind the earbuds that makes sure a smoother adjustment in music, calls, and the environment. Public reactions were mixed, and some people praised new features. But a Reddit user said,
“idk what they did after 3 years with the same H2 chip and lower battery life. I mean, who even cares about a heart rate monitor as an upgrade after 3 years? just ANC betterment after 3 years, come on”
This sums up the frustration some longtime users felt after three years. Another user also responded to this thread that he is fine with AirPods Pro 2. He said he does not demand anything else but a bit more battery in the buds would be sweet.
Spatial Audio & Transparency
AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 use the same personalized spatial audio, which is set up through our iOS device. iPhone scans our ears to create a unique audio profile and make sounds feel natural. Both of them also have dynamic head tracking that keeps the audio linked to the screen. It means the sound follows our action in Apple Music and Apple TV+ wherever our head turns. If you already have Pro 2, then you’re getting the same high-quality spatial audio experience in Pro 3.
AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 also have the same Adaptive Transparency and conversation awareness features apart from spatial audio. It means we can stay aware of traffic, announcements, or people around us without turning off ANC.
Charging Options & Apple Integration
The frustration of digging through drawers for the “right cable” and a charger sometimes turns into aggression when we can’t get it right. But fortunately both AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 have made this easy. They support wireless charging, including MagSafe and Qi-compatible pads, so we can charge them without plugging in a cable.
Auto-switching makes our lives easy so we can switch devices easily. Siri integration allows us to control volume, check messages, and get directions on both models. Apple has kept the convenience consistent, so our earbuds remain simple and hassle-free across both models.
Price
Apple launched the AirPods Pro 3 for $249 in the US, which is the same as the original price of the AirPods Pro 2. They cost £219 slightly less than the Pro 2’s £229 in the UK. The price is a bit higher than the Pro 2’s AU$399 to AU$429 in Australia. Its US and UK prices are actually impressive compared to other premium earbuds. Many rivals, like the Sony WF-1000XM5 now cost $299 or more after recent price increases. But the price of AirPods Pro 2 has dropped below $170, and even went as low as $149 earlier in 2025.
The decision is for new buyers as you get the latest features, the updated case, and all the Apple ecosystem perks with Pro 3. But purchasing the Pro 2 is a smarter deal if you’re looking to save money. The Pro 3 is newer, but the Pro 2 still offers excellent value at a lower price.
Product: Pre-order AirPods Pro
New subscribers may get Apple Music and Apple Fitness+ free for three months with the purchase of AirPods Pro 3. Apple says
Who Should Upgrade
The AirPods Pro 3 and Pro have the same MSRP at the Apple store at $249. It sounds good, but Pro 2 prices have dropped quite a bit over the last couple of years. We can find them under $170, and sometimes even as low as $149. This price difference makes the Pro 2 a very tempting option for anyone who just wants to enjoy solid sound, noise cancellation, and all the Apple ecosystem perks without paying full price for the latest model.
But AirPod Pro 3 is best if you’re a fitness enthusiast who wants basic heart-rate tracking without investing in an Apple Watch. It is more durable, sweat-resistant, and can track simple workout stats from our earbuds.
The decision to upgrade depends on what matters most to you. Pro 3 is worth purchasing for the new features like improved ANC, durability, and fitness tracking. But there’s no rush to upgrade if you’re happy with the Pro 2’s battery, sound, and comfort. Apple has made sure both models are reliable, so either choice is good.
How to Test AirPods Pro 3 Before You Buy
If you’re wondering whether the AirPods Pro 3 are worth upgrading from the Pro 2, then the best way is to test them yourself. Follow this checklist to see how AirPods Pro 3 perform:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Use the earbuds on in a busy environment at a store or nearby street. Listen to a podcast and see how well it cancels the background noise. Compare it with your Pro 2 if you have them and this will show you the real difference between them.
- Call Quality: Make a quick call while walking around the store or in a busy area. Check how clearly your voice comes through, how well background sounds are filtered, and if your ear feels comfortable during longer calls.
- Fit and Comfort: Try all ear-tip sizes before purchasing the AirPods. Walk around and see if the earbuds stay secure and comfortable. A proper seal is crucial for ANC and sound quality, so spend a few minutes testing different sizes.
- Battery & Quick Checks: We cannot drain the full battery within seconds at store, so check how the case and earbuds feel. Ask the store person for estimated battery life or check online.
- Bonus Features: Test adaptive transparency, conversation awareness, or live translation in a short demo. Even one minute use tells us if these features are actually useful or not.
- Scoring Your Experience: Give each feature a quick score (1–5) for how well it works and how important it feels to you. If most scores are high, the Pro 3 might be worth upgrading. But it might be better to stick with your current pair since you feel nothing special in Pro 3.
Comparison of AirPod pro 3 with Competitors
When we line up the AirPods Pro 3 against top rivals like the Sony WF-1000XM5/6, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, or Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 3, a few things stand out:
| Feature | AirPods Pro 3 | Sony WF-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort | Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 3 |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Excellent, improved over Pro 2 | Excellent, very customizable | Excellent, strong bass presence | Good, decent customization |
| Ecosystem Integration | Best for Apple users (Auto-switch, Handoff, Siri, Spatial Audio) | Limited to Sony apps | Limited to Bose apps | Best with Samsung/Android devices |
| Battery Life | ~6 hrs (ANC on), case 24 hrs | ~8-9 hrs (ANC on), case 24-36 hrs | ~6 hrs (ANC on), case 18 hrs | ~5-6 hrs (ANC on), case 18-24 hrs |
| Fit & Comfort | Iconic stem, multiple ear-tip sizes | Slightly bulkier, ergonomic | Bulkier, very secure | Compact, comfortable for many ears |
| Extra Features | Live Translation, Adaptive Transparency, Fitness tracking | Adaptive Sound, Speak-to-Chat | Aware Mode, Custom EQ | 360 Audio, Multi-device switching |
| Best For | Apple ecosystem users, casual fitness, travel | Audiophiles, ANC customization | Noise-canceling focus, immersive audio | Android users, Galaxy ecosystem fans |
How Many Airpods Are Sold Each Year?
AirPods have become a significant business for Apple with 66 million sales in 2024. What were panned by many as pricey accessories have become a mainstream and now all the phone manufacturers offer their own earbuds to compete with Apple.
| Year | Sales (mm) |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 60 |
| 2020 | 114 |
| 2021 | 85 |
| 2022 | 82 |
| 2023 | 75 |
| 2024 | 66 |
Where Are AirPods Made?
Most AirPods are made in China, while some, around 30%, are made in Vietnam.
- AirPods 1st gen. were made in China.
- AirPods 2nd gen. are made in China and Vietnam.
- AirPods Pro are made in China and Vietnam.
- AirPods Max are made in China and Vietnam (by Chinese companies, Luxshare and Goertek).
- AirPods 3rd gen. are made in China and Vietnam.
- AirPods Pro 2 are allegedly being made in Vietnam.
- AirPods Pro 3 is made in California and China.
Apple’s Profit From Selling A Single Unit Of AirPods
The company doesn’t disclose the gross margin for AirPods alone. But assuming the average product gross margin, here are is the estimated profit:
| AirPods Model | Estimated Manufacturing Cost | Estimated Retail Price | Estimated Profit per Unit |
| AirPods 1st Gen | ~$59 | ~$159 | ~$100 |
| AirPods 2nd Gen | ~$59 | ~$159 | ~$100 |
| AirPods 3rd Gen | ~$63.20 | ~$179 | ~$115.80 |
| AirPods Pro (1st Gen) | ~$89.50 | ~$249 | ~$159.50 |
| AirPods Pro 2nd Gen | ~$89.50 | ~$249 | ~$159.50 |
Conclusion
The AirPods Pro 3 introduced a few nice upgrades including stronger ANC, fitness tracking, and live translation. These AirPods are great for someone who travels a lot, hits the gym, or just loves staying in the Apple ecosystem. But the Pro 2 still rocks due to its sound, noise cancellation and longer battery listing.
The decision to choose one depends on your priorities. Go for Pro 3 if you want the latest features and slightly better noise cancellation. The Pro 2 is still best for great sound, strong ANC, and a smarter price. The main difference is the Apple watch features in earbuds and the rest is the same. Choose one that fits your requirement because at the end of the day, it’s about enjoying calls and attending meetings.
FAQs
1. Is the AirPods Pro 3 worth upgrading from Pro 2?
It depends on your needs. The Pro 3 offers stronger ANC, better sound, longer battery, and a heart-rate sensor. If these features matter to you, then upgrading makes sense. Otherwise Pro 2 still works well.
2. Does the heart-rate sensor replace an Apple Watch?
No, it doesn’t. The built-in sensor tracks basic heart-rate data during workouts but lacks advanced metrics like ECG, sleep tracking, or detailed health alerts that the Apple Watch provides.
3. Will Apple backport Live Translation or features to Pro 2?
Software tweaks like Adaptive Audio or firmware improvements might come to Pro 2, but Live Translation relies on newer sensors and chips in Pro 3. So full support is hardware-limited.
4. Is IP57 safe for workouts?
Yes, for most workouts and sweat exposure. An IP57 rating means dust-resistant and can survive immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Avoid prolonged water exposure such as showers or swimming to prevent damage.
5. Are AirPods Pro 3 compatible with Android?
Yes, but with limits. They can connect via Bluetooth, but features like spatial audio, automatic device switching, and Siri commands are bound to Apple devices.
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