— Apple is widely expected to unveil AirPods Pro 3 at its September 9 event. I use AirPods Pro 2 every day; this story summarizes four improvements that would convince me to buy the new model and five features that leaks and industry trends suggest Apple will actually deliver.
Key takeaways
- Personal wishlist: hi‑res wireless audio, finer noise‑control, true Bluetooth multipoint, and longer earbud battery life.
- Likely upgrades: improved sound and ANC, a new H3 chip, next‑gen UWB tracking, and added health sensors.
- Live translation is rumored but may arrive in a later software update rather than at launch.
- Price could rise from the current $249 to about $279–$299, though Apple has not confirmed pricing.
- AirPods Pro 2 remain a strong value if discounts drop them near $159 / £169.
Verified facts
Apple has scheduled a product event for 9 September 2025 where multiple new devices are expected; industry reporting and supply‑chain leaks have repeatedly identified AirPods Pro 3 as a likely announcement. AirPods Pro 2 remain on sale and are frequently discounted across retailers.
Multiple reports and accessory filings point to a new Apple audio system-on-chip (commonly called H3 in rumors) for the next AirPods generation. A more powerful chip typically enables improved audio processing, more advanced noise cancellation, and additional sensor support.
Leaked details and coverage from vendors suggest next‑generation ultra‑wideband (UWB) location features will extend tracking range and make it easier to locate a lost case on an iPhone map. Separately, a string of credible rumors indicates Apple may add health sensors — heart‑rate has been speculated before, and newer tips mention an ear temperature sensor.
Context & impact
Hi‑res wireless codecs such as LDAC and Bluetooth LE Audio’s LC3 are becoming common across rivals. If Apple adopts a higher‑quality wireless streaming method or supports lossless over wired/USB‑C as seen on AirPods Max, users could hear clearer detail from high‑resolution sources.
True Bluetooth multipoint pairing is a feature widely available from non‑Apple manufacturers that lets earbuds maintain simultaneous connections to two or more devices. Adding multipoint would widen AirPods Pro 3’s appeal to people who mix iPhones with Windows or corporate laptops.
Battery life improvements remain a competitive battleground. For context, some competitor earbuds without ANC tout single‑charge playtimes that exceed typical ANC earbuds; Beats examples have shown large gains in battery endurance in recent releases, suggesting Apple could also extend run time with updated silicon.
Official statements
No official product details for AirPods Pro 3 have been released by Apple ahead of the September 9 event.
Apple
Unconfirmed (rumors and open questions)
- Heart‑rate sensor: widely reported but not independently confirmed by Apple.
- Temperature sensor: newer leaks mention this, but timing and accuracy are unverified.
- Live, real‑time translation at launch: many sources expect translation to be introduced later via software.
- Exact price: suggested increases to $279–$299 are analyst expectations, not official pricing.
Bottom line
If Apple ships a stronger H3 chip, genuine multipoint, finer noise‑control options, and noticeably longer battery life, many users — myself included — would have a strong reason to upgrade from AirPods Pro 2. However, several of the most talked‑about additions remain leaks or software features that could arrive after launch. For buyers on a budget, current AirPods Pro 2 deals still represent good value ahead of any official AirPods Pro 3 announcement.