AirPods Pro 3 are expected to usher in a host of new features, with a focus on health-oriented innovations, smarter design, and utility upgrades for 2025.
Health and Wellness Tech
- Heart rate monitoring: Rumors confirm new optical sensors for in-ear heart rate tracking, offering standalone health data and deeper integration into Apple’s Health ecosystem.
- Body temperature sensing: Apple is reportedly working on ear-canal temperature sensors that deliver accurate core body temperature readings, potentially outperforming wrist-based devices like the Apple Watch.
- Sleep detection: AirPods Pro 3 may automatically detect when users fall asleep and stop media playback, improving comfort and battery life.
Audio and System Upgrades
- Improved sound quality: Expect enhancements to both audio performance and active noise cancellation, building on Apple’s reputation for high-fidelity wireless audio.
- Refined earbud ergonomics: Smaller in-ear pieces, shorter stems, and lighter construction for long-term comfort.
- Smarter charging case: The case will be smaller, lose the pairing button, and gain touch controls for pairing, playback, and volume, as well as a more discreet status light.
Smart Features
- Live language translation: Evidence in iOS 26 suggests real-time in-ear translation is coming, activating via a double press gesture—ideal for travel and international communication.
- Camera remote support: Use the AirPods as a remote to control the iPhone’s camera for group photos or content creation.
Connectivity and Integration
- Deeper iOS and HealthKit integration: Data from AirPods Pro 3 will sync directly with Health apps for comprehensive wellness tracking; Apple Watch users will see data defaults but AirPods can operate independently.
- Likely launch with iPhone 17 lineup at Apple’s September event.
