The AirPods Pro 3 rumors are gaining momentum as Apple fans eagerly await the next evolution of the company’s flagship wireless earbuds. Since the first AirPods Pro arrived in 2019, followed by the second generation in 2022 and a USB-C refresh in 2023, the Pro line has become synonymous with premium sound, active noise cancellation, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration Now, with whispers of new features and possible release windows, the excitement for the third-generation model is building.
While the rumor mill has been unusually quiet in 2025, the few credible leaks suggest that Apple could unveil the AirPods Pro 3 alongside the iPhone 17 at its September hardware event potentially introducing health-focused upgrades and other innovations Here’s everything we know so far.
AirPods Pro 3 Rumors Possible Release Date
If past release patterns were a guide, the AirPods Pro 3 might already be on the market However, Apple’s September 2024 “Glowtime” event brought the AirPods 4 instead, leaving Pro fans waiting The most telling clue came from the iOS 26 beta, where a direct reference to the AirPods Pro 3 was spotted strongly hinting at a fall 2025 launch.
- AirPods Pro 3 rumors suggest a September 2025 debut alongside iPhone 17.
- iOS 26 beta code points to the upcoming model by name.
- Some analysts still believe the launch could slip to 2026.
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said they are “many months away” as of early 2025.
- Previous speculation of a mid-2025 release did not materialize.
AirPods Pro 3 Pricing Expectations
Apple traditionally keeps AirPods pricing stable, with the Pro models hovering around $250 / £250. But trade tariffs announced in early 2025 could complicate things, as most AirPods are manufactured in Asia.
- AirPods Pro 3 rumors predict similar pricing to the previous model.
- U.S. tariffs on imported tech could push prices higher.
- Apple’s $100 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing may help offset costs.
- Company could choose to absorb tariff impact rather than pass it on.
- Pricing strategy may align with other Apple product launches in 2025.
AirPods Pro 3 Health and Fitness Features
Health-tracking capabilities could be the standout upgrade this year. Following the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2’s heart rate monitoring, reports indicate that AirPods Pro 3 may include similar and potentially improved functionality.
- Expected to feature heart rate monitoring for workouts and daily tracking.
- Likely to integrate with Apple Health for seamless data syncing.
- Rumors suggest additional temperature sensors for broader health metrics.
- Could include improved accuracy over existing third-party app tracking.
- Health-focused upgrades would align with Apple’s wellness push.
AirPods Pro 3 Rumors Touchscreen Charging Case
An intriguing patent suggests that AirPods Pro 3 could debut with a touchscreen built into the charging case, allowing users to control playback, noise cancellation, and other features without reaching for their phone.
- Touchscreen case could offer music controls and ANC adjustments.
- Would make AirPods Pro 3 stand out in the wireless earbuds market.
- Inspired by similar features on Soundcore and JBL earbuds.
- Potential for quick access to Siri and device settings.
- Adds convenience for on-the-go adjustments.
AirPods Pro 3 Rumors Infrared Cameras and Gesture Control
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has hinted that AirPods Pro 3 could feature infrared cameras to enable gesture-based controls This technology could pave the way for deeper integration with Apple’s rumored AR glasses.
- Gesture controls could enhance user experience in hands-free situations.
- Infrared cameras could improve precision and functionality.
- Potential link to future Apple smart glasses.
- Would differentiate AirPods Pro 3 from competitors.
- Builds on Apple’s history of integrating advanced sensors.
AirPods Pro 3 Rumors New Touch Controls
Current AirPods Pro models rely on a squeeze-based input method The next generation may shift to more traditional swipe and tap gestures, making them easier to operate even while wearing gloves.
- Swipe and tap gestures could replace squeeze controls.
- AirPods Pro 3 rumors suggest glove-friendly operation.
- Could improve usability during workouts or cold weather.
- May allow more customization through iOS settings.
- Aligns with Apple’s focus on accessibility.
AirPods Pro 3 Rumors Live Translation Capabilities
One of the most exciting potential software additions is live translation support in iOS 26. This could make AirPods Pro 3 a powerful travel companion.
- Live translation could work in real-time for conversations.
- May be exclusive to AirPods Pro 3 or also available on older models.
- Could integrate with Siri for seamless use.
- Enhances global travel and cross-language communication.
- Fits into Apple’s strategy of AI-powered features.
AirPods Pro 3 Rumors H3 Chip Performance
Every generation of AirPods Pro has launched with a new audio chip The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to introduce the H3 chip, promising improvements across the board.
- H3 chip could deliver better active noise cancellation (ANC).
- Potential for longer battery life through improved efficiency.
- Enhanced sound quality with richer detail and clarity.
- May enable wireless lossless playback beyond Apple Vision Pro.
- Could improve device pairing speed and stability.
AirPods Pro 3 Rumors Battery Life Upgrades
Battery life remains a key area for improvement, with the AirPods Pro 2 offering around 6 hours per charge. AirPods Pro 3 rumors suggest Apple will aim higher.
- Targeting 8+ hours of listening time per charge.
- Case could offer 30+ total hours of playback.
- More efficient H3 chip may contribute to battery gains.
- Longer life would make them more competitive with Sony and Bose.
- Could reduce charging frequency for heavy users.
AirPods Pro 3 Rumors Sound Quality Improvements
While Apple is known for a neutral sound profile, the AirPods Pro 3 could see upgrades in audio depth, clarity, and dynamic range.
- Potentially richer bass and crisper highs.
- Wireless lossless playback support for select Apple devices.
- Better adaptive EQ for varied listening environments.
- Possible integration with spatial audio enhancements.
- Designed to appeal to both casual and audiophile listeners.
AirPods Pro 3 Rumors Cross-Platform Connectivity
Many users pair AirPods with non-Apple devices, and AirPods Pro 3 rumors suggest Apple may improve this experience.
- Easier pairing with Android and Windows devices.
- More consistent connection stability outside the Apple ecosystem.
- Potential for multi-device audio switching beyond Apple products.
- Could appeal to mixed-device households.
- Expands AirPods’ appeal beyond the iPhone user base.
Final Thoughts on AirPods Pro 3 Rumors
The AirPods Pro 3 rumors paint a picture of a potentially game-changing upgrade, combining health-focused sensors, improved audio quality, better battery life, and innovative controls While the exact release date remains uncertain, the most reliable leaks point toward a September 2025 debut alongside the iPhone 17 Whether Apple delivers all the features in the rumor mill or keeps some in reserve for future models, one thing is clear expectations are high for Apple’s next premium earbuds.
