AirPods Pro 3 launch confirms adaptive ANC, heart rate sensor, $249 price, available October 2026 US/EU

Apple launched the AirPods Pro 3 on September 9, 2025, in the U.S. and Europe, with availability starting September 19 and a price of $249. According to Apple officials, the new model features adaptive active noise cancellation that doubles noise removal compared to the previous generation and includes a built-in heart rate sensor.

The AirPods Pro 3 deliver what Apple describes as the world’s best in-ear active noise cancellation (ANC), with adaptive ANC that removes up to twice as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2 and four times as much as the original AirPods Pro, according to John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering. This improvement is attributed to ultra-low noise microphones, advanced computational audio, and new foam-infused ear tips designed for enhanced passive isolation, officials said. The adaptive audio feature automatically adjusts to the user’s environment and preferences through an upgraded acoustic seal.

Battery life has also been extended, with the AirPods Pro 3 offering up to eight hours of music playback with ANC enabled, a 33% increase over the previous generation, according to Apple’s specifications.

When using Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, users can expect about 7.5 hours of listening time. For workouts with the heart rate sensor active, the earbuds provide up to 6.5 hours of listening time. The charging case, which uses MagSafe and a USB-C connector, measures 1.86 inches (47.2 mm) in height, while each AirPod is 1.22 inches (30.9 mm) tall.

A notable addition to the AirPods Pro 3 is the built-in heart rate sensor, a first for Apple’s wireless earbuds. The sensor supports more than 50 workout types through the iPhone Fitness app, allowing users to monitor their heart rate during exercise, officials said. Ternus highlighted this feature as a key upgrade that integrates personal audio with fitness tracking within the Apple ecosystem. The earbuds have been redesigned to provide a more secure and stable fit during workouts, featuring five all-new ear tip sizes, including an extra-extra small option, with a foam-infused silicone shell for improved acoustic sealing.

The new model retains the $249 price point set by both the original AirPods Pro in 2019 and the AirPods Pro 2 released in 2022, according to Apple’s pricing announcements. Pre-orders began on September 9, 2025, in the U.S. and over 50 other countries and regions, with in-store availability starting September 19, 2025. The launch event also introduced the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3, marking three years since the AirPods Pro 2 release on September 23, 2022.

Additional features include the H2 chip, which powers a multiport acoustic architecture for deeper bass, clearer vocals, and a wider soundstage, according to Apple’s technical briefings. The earbuds support clinical-grade Hearing Aid functionality, Live Translation via Apple Intelligence, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. Other audio enhancements include a custom high-excursion driver and a high dynamic range amplifier. The AirPods Pro 3 also offer Personalized Transparency mode to allow natural user and surrounding voices to be heard, along with Conversation Awareness and Voice Isolation features.

The AirPods Pro 3 are rated IP57 for dust, sweat, and water resistance, officials said, ensuring durability during physical activities. Full feature functionality requires pairing with the latest Apple device operating systems, according to Apple’s product documentation. The initial launch covers the U.S. and European Union markets, with a global rollout planned for more than 50 countries and regions.

This release continues Apple’s strategy of integrating health and fitness monitoring with personal audio devices, expanding the capabilities of its wireless earbuds beyond sound quality and noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro 3 represent the latest iteration in the AirPods Pro lineup, which debuted in 2019 and was last updated in 2022.