Apple just dropped the AirPods Pro 3, and honestly, the timing couldn't be better. Three years after the Pro 2 hit the market, we're finally getting meaningful upgrades that go way beyond a minor spec bump. The standout feature? Those new foam-infused ear tips that come in five different sizes, including a brand-new XXS option that wasn't available before. Apple claims these changes, combined with improved computational audio and design tweaks, deliver twice the active noise cancellation of the previous generation. And here's the kicker, they're still priced at $249, launching September 19th.
Why the foam-infused ear tips are a game-changer
Let's break down what makes these new ear tips so special. Apple didn't just slap foam on the old design and call it a day. These tips fuse a thin layer of soft foam microspheres to a silicone shell for better passive noise isolation. The genius here is the mix, the comfort and seal of foam with the durability of silicone, something SoundGuys points out as a major win.
But it is not just about the material. Apple analyzed more than 10,000 3D ear scans and combined this with over 100,000 hours of user research to nail the fit. The result, Redesigned ear tips that are now smaller for improved fit and stability, with the opening pointing more directly into your ear canal than before.
The five-size lineup (XXS, XS, S, M, L) is particularly noteworthy. CNET's David Carnoy noted that "the large tips now fit more like XL tips," suggesting Apple has genuinely expanded the range to accommodate more ear shapes and sizes. This expanded sizing approach should especially help anyone who found the Pro 2's smallest tips still too large, while the foam infusion keeps its shape and effectiveness over extended use, which addresses the common complaint that traditional foam tips degrade quickly.
Active noise cancellation gets seriously upgraded
Here is where things get impressive from a technical standpoint. The AirPods Pro 3 do not just claim better ANC, they deliver 2x better performance than the Pro 2, and 4x better than the original. That is the result of multiple engineering improvements working together.
The foam-infused tips provide twice as effective passive noise isolation compared to the previous generation. Combined with redesigned ultra-low noise microphones and improved computational audio processing, the noise blocking is genuinely impressive.
During PCMag's hands-on demo, the AirPods Pro 3 managed to silence a crowded Apple event, no small feat. The earbuds feature new drivers, new nozzles, and new electronics that produce a broader soundstage, which especially benefits music mixed for Spatial Audio.
In practical terms, the Pro 3 should excel in tough spots where earlier models struggled, think open offices with HVAC rumble and keyboard clatter, or commuter trains where engine noise and conversations collide.
Beyond audio: fitness tracking and real-time translation
The AirPods Pro 3 push into genuinely new territory with features that turn them from simple earbuds into a more comprehensive wearable. The built-in heart rate sensor uses invisible light sensors to track your pulse, integrating directly with the iOS 26 Workout app to support over 50 different workout types.
Apple introduced similar tech in the Powerbeats Pro 2, but the Pro 3 implementation feels more seamless because it benefits from the tighter ear canal seal from the foam-infused tips. You can start a workout on your iPhone and your AirPods Pro 3 become the heart rate source, no Apple Watch required.
The real standout is Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence. The system is surprisingly sophisticated, the buds listen to speech, clean the audio signal, relay it to your iPhone where the onboard LLM processes it, then deliver the translation back to your ears. Rather than literal word-for-word translation, the iPhone listens to complete phrases and sentences for better context and accuracy.
The feature launches with support for English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean coming later this year. What is particularly clever is that Adaptive Audio intelligently lowers the speaker's volume during translation, so conversations feel more natural.
PRO TIP: Live Translation is not exclusive to the Pro 3. It also works on the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC, since it is powered by Apple Intelligence running on your iPhone.
Battery life and durability improvements you'll actually notice
Apple finally addressed one of the biggest complaints about the Pro 2, battery life. The AirPods Pro 3 deliver 8 hours with ANC on, up from 6, or 10 hours in Transparency mode. That is a 67 percent increase. The charging case extends total listening time to 24 hours, with just 5 minutes providing an hour of playback.
This bump eases the mid-flight battery anxiety on cross-country trips. Even longer international legs become more manageable with the extended case capacity.
For durability, Apple upgraded to IP57 sweat and water resistance, a first for any AirPods. This means they can handle total immersion up to about three feet, so intense gym sessions, outdoor runs in unpredictable weather, and poolside listening stop feeling risky.
The environmental focus extends beyond durability improvements, there's no longer a USB-C charging cable in the box, in line with Apple's sustainability initiatives. The case keeps the MagSafe-compatible design, and it now includes invisible touch pairing controls on the front introduced with the AirPods 4.
Bottom line: a worthy upgrade three years in the making
The AirPods Pro 3 deliver what you want from a three-year leap. The foam-infused ear tips with five size options fix the fit, the doubled ANC and longer battery life tackle the biggest Pro 2 complaints. Add in heart rate monitoring and live translation, and you have a compelling upgrade at the same $249 price point.
What strikes me most is how Apple kept the price steady while adding features that reach beyond audio quality. The heart rate and translation tools hint at earbuds as true smart wearables, not just tiny speakers.
Pre-orders start today, with availability beginning September 19th. If you are happy with your Pro 2 setup, wait for real-world reviews and see how these land. But if you struggle with fit, want longer battery life, or are upgrading from the original AirPods Pro, the Pro 3 finally check the boxes that were missing.
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