Apple Unveils AirPods Pro 3 at $249, Featuring Heart Rate Monitoring and Enhanced ANC

Apple has officially announced the third generation of its popular AirPods Pro, priced at $249, marking the first refresh of the premium earbud line since the AirPods Pro 2 model was released in 2022. The new AirPods Pro 3 introduce significant advancements, including integrated heart rate sensing, enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and a refined design. Pre-orders are available immediately, with general availability beginning Friday, September 19.

The new earbuds boast a redesigned acoustic architecture, delivering superior sound quality and what Apple describes as the "world's best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation," claiming to remove up to twice as much noise as the previous generation. A notable new feature is the custom-built heart rate sensor, allowing users to track workouts and health metrics directly through the Fitness app on iPhone. This positions the AirPods Pro 3 as a more comprehensive wellness device.

Apple has also focused on improving fit and durability, with the AirPods Pro 3 featuring a smaller internal design and new foam-infused ear tips in five sizes for enhanced stability. The earbuds now carry an IP57 rating for sweat and water resistance. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 3 introduce Live Translation capabilities, powered by Apple Intelligence, to facilitate real-time communication across multiple languages.

Battery life has also seen an upgrade, with the new model offering up to eight hours of music playback with ANC enabled, a 33 percent increase over its predecessor. "With AirPods Pro 3, the most popular headphones take a massive leap forward," stated John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, highlighting the blend of sound quality, ANC, and new health features. The company also emphasized its environmental commitment, noting the AirPods Pro 3 are made with 40 percent recycled content.