Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have held their position as the bestselling earbuds on Amazon for over two years, and it’s no surprise. With their stellar combination of sound quality, battery life, and reliable software, they’ve become a benchmark in the industry. However, the next-generation AirPods Pro 3 is rumored to debut this fall, promising seven major upgrades. This article breaks down these potential changes, helping you decide whether to wait for the AirPods Pro 3 or snag the current AirPods Pro 2 at their tempting sale price of $190 on Amazon.
Let’s dive into the top seven upgrades rumored for the AirPods Pro 3 and explore what they mean for users.
1. Redesigned Case
One of the most visible upgrades will be the redesign of the AirPods Pro 3 case. According to industry insider Mark Gurman, Apple is expected to make the case smaller and more portable, similar to the changes implemented in the AirPods 4. The AirPods 4 case eliminated the physical connection button and the visible pinhole for the LED light. Instead, the LED indicator now illuminates through the case itself, resulting in a sleeker, minimalist design.
This streamlined case redesign could make the Pro 3s feel even more premium and portable. Additionally, removing physical buttons and cutouts simplifies manufacturing, potentially lowering production costs for Apple.
2. Heart Rate Monitoring
Apple is reportedly adding a heart rate monitoring feature to the AirPods Pro 3. This innovation could allow users to access health and fitness data without needing an Apple Watch. Given the massive popularity of AirPods—Apple sold 75 million pairs in 2023 compared to 38 million Apple Watches—this feature has the potential to revolutionize wearable health tech.
Heart rate monitoring in the AirPods Pro 3 could serve as an entry point for users into Apple’s health ecosystem. It might also act as a life-saving tool by detecting irregularities and urging users to seek medical attention.
3. Enhanced Hearing Aid Features
Building on the recently introduced hearing aid functionality, the AirPods Pro 3 will likely include optimized hearing health features. The existing features on the AirPods Pro 2 were an afterthought, but the Pro 3 is expected to integrate these capabilities more seamlessly.
For users who need hearing assistance but aren’t ready to invest in dedicated hearing aids, this could be a game-changer. Apple’s enhancements may include improved hearing tests and better audio adjustments, making the AirPods Pro 3 an all-in-one solution for music, calls, and hearing support.
4. Faster H3 Audio Processing Chip
The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to feature the new H3 audio processing chip, an upgrade from the H2 in the current model. This chip promises faster software processing, snappier device connections, and enhanced audio quality.
The H3 chip will likely improve features such as:
- Spatial audio for a more immersive experience.
- Microphone quality for clearer calls.
- Latency reduction for gaming and video playback.
Additionally, faster processing could boost the performance of heart rate monitoring, hearing aids, and active noise cancellation.
5. Superior Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is already a strong suit of the AirPods Pro 2, but the Pro 3 promises to take it to the next level. With digital active noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro 3 aims to outshine competitors like the AirPods Max and even challengers like the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pros.
This upgrade will also enhance transparency mode, which allows users to hear their surroundings naturally while wearing the earbuds. Apple’s transparency mode is already the best in its class, and further improvements could set a new standard for the industry.
6. Improved Fit
Comfort is key for earbuds, and Apple is expected to make subtle yet significant changes to the design of the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds. Borrowing from the AirPods 4, which are renowned for their comfort, the Pro 3s might feature a reshaped bulb and improved rubber ear tips.
These changes aim to provide a more secure and comfortable fit, making the AirPods Pro 3 suitable for extended wear during workouts, commutes, and long listening sessions.
7. Upgraded Sound Quality
Sound quality is a top priority for any audio device, and Apple never fails to deliver. The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to feature new speaker drivers that enhance bass, mids, and treble. Apple might even explore a dual-driver setup, with one driver dedicated to bass and mids and another to treble, though this remains speculative.
Another potential advancement is wireless lossless audio, made possible by the H3 chip. This could enable a higher-quality listening experience when paired with devices like the Vision Pro headset or even an iPhone.
Should You Wait or Buy Now?
The AirPods Pro 3 will likely retain the $249 price point of their predecessors, offering these significant upgrades at no additional cost. However, whether you should wait depends on your priorities.
- Buy AirPods Pro 2 now if you value their current features, such as excellent ANC, sound quality, and comfort, and want to take advantage of the $190 Amazon deal.
- Wait for AirPods Pro 3 if you’re excited about the heart rate monitoring, improved hearing aid functionality, better noise cancellation, or enhanced sound quality.
For those who aren’t in a hurry, the Pro 3’s upgrades might justify the wait, especially if you want the latest technology with better resale value.
Final Thoughts
The AirPods Pro 3 promises to redefine what users can expect from premium wireless earbuds. From health tracking to enhanced comfort and superior audio, the Pro 3 is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the AirPods Pro 2. Whether you choose to upgrade or stick with the current model, Apple’s AirPods lineup continues to set the bar high for the industry.
Which of these seven upgrades excites you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more updates!
