AirPods Pro 3 are almost here, with a launch at Apple’s September 9 event widely expected. Here’s every rumored new feature coming to AirPods Pro 3.
Next-generation H3 chip
AirPods Pro 3 will include a brand new H3 chip from Apple.
The H2 chip in AirPods Pro 2 has enabled Apple to regularly ship new AirPods features via firmware updates.
It’s expected that H3 will similarly bring ongoing improvements for years to come—plus some new audio capabilities at launch.
H2 is the reason AirPods Max (which only has the H1) misses out on so many features found in other AirPods models. In time, we could see a similar distinction between AirPods with the H3 and everything that came before it.
Upgraded noise cancellation
One rumored upgrade that H3 should enable is an enhanced Active Noise Cancellation feature.
Noise cancellation has long been my favorite AirPods Pro feature, and any improvement Apple can bring will earn an instant upgrade from me.
When Apple went from AirPods Pro 1 to 2, it improved ANC significantly—up to double the noise cancelling power. I’m eager to see what AirPods Pro 3 will offer.
New design and charging case
Bloomberg says AirPods Pro 3 will come with “a new design,” but details are minimal on what that will be.
We can perhaps gather hints from the leaked charging case though.
AirPods Pro 3’s charging case is getting some AirPods 4-inspired updates. It will shrink a little, and drop the physical pairing button for a capacitive alternative.
It’s possible the AirPods Pro 3 themselves will need to shrink slightly to fit in the new case. But overall, we’re expecting design changes to be fairly minor.
Health sensors
Last year, Apple upgraded AirPods Pro 2 with major new health features, including Hearing Protection, Hearing Test, and Hearing Aid.
With AirPods Pro 3, Apple is rumored to add two new health sensors:
- Heart rate monitoring
- Temperature sensing
The former shipped in Powerbeats Pro 2 earlier this year, so it’s no surprise that Apple is bringing it to AirPods Pro next. Temperature sensing is a bigger question mark, but Mark Gurman previously said it was in development and an anonymous tipster this week said it’s ready to ship.
Live translation
Among the many new Apple Intelligence features coming in iOS 26, Live Translation is a major focus.
Apple has built Live Translation into iOS 26’s updated Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps.
But rumors indicate AirPods Pro 3 will gain a new Live Translation feature too, enabling you to hold in-person conversations with someone who speaks a different language.
This feature may be coming to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 as well, but it’s unclear as the H3 might be required.
What feature upgrades do you want to see in AirPods Pro 3? Let us know in the comments.
Best AirPods Pro deals and accessories
- AirPods Pro 2 (now only $199, down from $249)
- Memory foam AirPods Pro eartips for a more comfortable fit
- Magnetic strap neckband for preventing lost AirPods
- AirFly Pro 2 for connecting AirPods to standard headphone jacks
- Belemay leather case for AirPods Pro
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