Apple Unveils AirPods Pro 3 with Heart‑Rate Monitoring and Live Translation
Key Points
- Custom PPG sensor enables heart‑rate monitoring directly from the earbuds
- Pinch‑activated live translation supports multiple languages
- Smaller, redesigned shape with five foam‑infused ear‑tip sizes
- Active noise cancellation claimed to be twice as effective as prior generation
- Battery life up to 10 hours with Transparency, 8 hours with ANC
- Price set at $249 in the United States, matching original Pro launch price
- No temperature sensor, IR cameras, or new H3 chip included
- Apple Music lossless audio support still unavailable
Apple introduced the AirPods Pro 3, highlighting a smaller design, upgraded active noise cancellation, and a custom photoplethysmography sensor that enables heart‑rate monitoring directly from the earbuds. The new model also adds a pinch‑activated live translation feature, supports faster charging, and retains a 10‑hour listening window with ANC. While the price stays at $249 in the United States, Apple omitted previously rumored features such as temperature sensing, IR cameras, a new H3 chip, and support for Apple Music lossless audio.
Health‑Focused Innovations
Apple’s latest earbuds incorporate a custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that shines invisible infrared light 256 times per second to measure blood flow, allowing users to track heart‑rate during workouts without a watch. The sensor works alongside existing motion sensors to recognize up to 50 workout types and integrates with Apple Fitness+ for real‑time feedback.
Live Translation Capability
AirPods Pro 3 introduce pinch‑activated live translation. When both stems are pinched, the earbuds capture speech, translate it into one of several supported languages, and display the text on a paired iPhone. Users can respond, and the system can translate conversations between two wearers. The feature initially supports English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with additional languages slated for later rollout.
Design, Audio, and Battery Enhancements
The new earbuds in a smaller, tweaked shape that better matches the ear canal. Apple added foam‑infused ear tips in five sizes, including an extra‑small option. Acoustic upgrades feature a redesigned mesh, custom driver architecture, and increased airflow for a wider soundstage and stronger bass. Active noise cancellation is claimed to be twice as powerful as the previous generation, while Transparency mode remains. Battery life reaches up to 10 hours in Hearing Aid mode with Transparency on, and 8 hours with ANC engaged, supported by a charging case that provides additional listening time.
Pricing and Market Position
Apple priced the AirPods Pro 3 at $249 in the United States, matching the launch price of the original AirPods Pro. The earbuds are IP57 rated for water resistance and are available for pre‑order, with shipments expected shortly after the announcement.
Features Not Included
Despite speculation, the AirPods Pro 3 do not include temperature sensing, IR cameras, or a new H3 chip; they continue to use the H2 chip from the previous model. Additionally, Apple has not added support for Apple Music’s lossless audio tiers, meaning high‑resolution streaming still requires wired headphones or a DAC.