At its September keynote, Apple unveiled a number of new products, including the third generation of its famous wireless earbuds: the AirPods Pro 3. With this new model, the brand embodies a broader ambition than just music playback, fusing audio performance, instant translation and health monitoring to shape the listening sessions of the fututre.
ANC and mature spatial audio
Since their appearance in 2016, AirPods have turned the audio industry on its head. Initially criticized for their apparent fragility and unique design, they quickly became a cultural phenomenon and an absolute bestseller. With the AirPods Pro (2019), Apple took things a step further, adding ANC and superior comfort. The AirPods Pro 2 (2022) perfected the formula. This third generation 2025 further refines the recipe, with active noise cancelling that’s twice as effective as that of the AirPods Pro 2 and up to four times better than the 2019 model. In a market where Sony, Bose and Sennheiser dominate with models like the Sony WF-1000XM5, this announcement positions Apple at the top of the technological hierarchy.
The AirPods Pro 3 inaugurate a new generation of Adaptive EQ, capable of adjusting the reproduction in real time according to ear shape and listening conditions. Coupled with Personalized Spatial Audio, which scans the ears via the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera, the sound gains in amplitude and precision. Apple isn’t just focusing on music: the company is emphasizing the overall multimedia experience. Dolby Atmos movies on Apple TV+, FaceTime video calls, games on Apple Arcade… The AirPods Pro 3 become a natural extension of the screen, with perfect sound adapted to every context.
Redesigned ergonomics
The ergonomics of the AirPods have often been criticized. Apple claims to have conducted over 100,000 hours of research and analyzed 10,000 ear scans to optimize the geometry of the AirPods Pro 3. The design is more compact, the silicone eartips enriched with foam microspheres improve isolation, and a new XXS size completes the range to fit the narrowest ear canals.
A symbolic but significant detail: the IP57 certification, a first for AirPods. This makes them dust and water resistant, reassuring for sports enthusiasts or those on the move every day. Apple is sending out a clear message here: the AirPods Pro 3 are designed to accompany you in all situations, from the gym to subway journeys, without compromise.
Integrated heart rate monitor
Apple has integrated an optical heart rate sensor into its earbuds. Invisible to the naked eye, it works by emitting infrared light 256 times per second, similar to the technology used in the Apple Watch. In practice, AirPods Pro 3 can measure heart rate during exercise, calculate calories burned and synchronize this data with the Fitness app. Combined with Apple Fitness+, they transform a running or cycling session into an even more connected experience.
This approach is not insignificant: it broadens the notion of wearable technology. Until now, health monitoring was carried out via watches and wristbands. Now, earbuds are also becoming biometric sensors. A first in the high-end consumer segment!
Instant translation and hearing health
Apple has quietly revealed a revolutionary new feature: Live Translation, activated by pressing on the AirPods stems. The AirPods Pro 3 are capable of translating a conversation in real time, right in the user’s ear. Imagine a tourist in Japan: they hear in their native language what is being said to them in Japanese, and conversely their interlocutor receives the translation via their own AirPods or iPhone. This feature will also be available on previous generations of AirPods.
However, this feature will not be available in Europe. Apple states in its documentation that: “Live translation with AirPods is not available if you are in the European Union and the country or region associated with your Apple account is also in the European Union”. No reason was given for this restriction, but it probably has something to do with European regulations on artificial intelligence and data protection (RGPD).
Finally, the AirPods Pro 3 introduce hearing aid functionalities: integrated hearing test, targeted voice amplification (Conversation Boost), real-time hearing protection against excessively loud sounds, and more. Apple is targeting a wider audience than just music lovers: senior citizens, people with mild to moderate hearing loss, but also anyone who wants to preserve their hearing.
Autonomy and connectivity: enhanced endurance
The battery gains in efficiency: up to 8 hours of listening time with the ANC activated, and almost 24 hours with the MagSafe USB-C charging box. This is significant progress, as Apple claims to have optimized the energy consumption of the H2 chip. As for recharging, 5 minutes are enough for 1 hour of playback. A key factor in everyday use, where users often put down their earbuds for a few moments before setting off again.
Availability and price: aligned with the previous range
The AirPods Pro 3 are priced at €249 in France, in line with the previous generation. The official release date is September 19, 2025. Apple is playing the price stability card here, a strategic choice in a market where prices often soar.
