Apple introduced the third generation of its AirPods Pro on Tuesday, marking the first major upgrade to the premium earbuds in three years. The new model, priced at $249 and shipping September 19, adds heart-rate monitoring, improved active noise cancellation, and a live translation feature powered by Apple Intelligence.
The earbuds were announced at Apple's "Awe-dropping" event and represent one of the company's biggest pushes to integrate health and artificial intelligence features directly into its wearables. "When enabled, Live Translation helps users understand another language and communicate with others by speaking naturally with AirPods," Apple said. The feature works in conjunction with iOS 26, using iPhone as a companion display when needed.
One of the most significant innovations is the built-in heart-rate sensor, Apple's smallest yet. The custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor "shines invisible infrared light pulsed at 256 times per second to measure light absorption in blood flow," the company said. Combined with the earbuds' accelerometers, gyroscope, and GPS, the system can track heart rate, calories burned, and overall activity, syncing the results with the Fitness app.
The new fitness integration includes "Workout Buddy," a tool that uses Apple Intelligence to analyze workout history and provide real-time insights. Analysts say this positions AirPods Pro 3 not only as audio devices but also as wellness wearables competing with dedicated fitness trackers.
Apple is also highlighting what it calls the "world's best ANC." The company claims the new earbuds deliver twice the active noise cancellation of the AirPods Pro 2, thanks to redesigned foam-infused ear tips and improved isolation. Early demonstrations emphasized the expanded soundstage and more immersive listening experience.
The AirPods Pro 3 design has been refined to improve comfort and durability. Apple said it reviewed more than 10,000 ear scans to reshape the buds, now offering five tip sizes. The model also carries IP57 sweat and water resistance, broadening its appeal for athletes and outdoor users.
Beyond hardware, iOS 26 will add new AirPods features across the product line. AirPods can now act as a remote for the iPhone camera, while AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 will support studio-quality audio. Updates also include enhanced call clarity, charging reminders, and automatic audio pausing when a user falls asleep.
