Apple on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, announced the launch of AirPods Pro 3, calling them the next big step in personal audio.
The updated wireless earphones feature stronger noise cancellation, a redesigned fit, longer battery life, and, for the first time, heart rate tracking and live language translation.
According to Apple, AirPods Pro 3 will be available for pre-order immediately, with global store availability from Friday, 19 September 2025.
What’s new in AirPods Pro 3
Apple says the new design makes AirPods Pro 3 the “most secure and best-fitting” version yet. The in-ear buds are smaller, with ear tips aligned to stay stable during activities like running, yoga, or high-intensity training.
They also come with an IP57 rating, meaning they can resist sweat and water, useful for workouts or rainy conditions.
The AirPods Pro 3 include several upgrades over earlier versions:
- Noise cancellation: Blocks up to twice as much noise as AirPods Pro 2 and four times more than the first model.
- Fit and comfort: New ear tips in five sizes, including an extra-extra-small (XXS) option, to fit more ear shapes securely.
- Heart rate tracking: Built-in sensor to measure heart rate during exercise.
- Workout tracking: Can recognise and record over 50 workout types in the iPhone Fitness app.
- Live Translation: Real-time language translation in face-to-face conversations, available in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish at launch, with more languages to be added
Battery life and sound improvements
AirPods Pro 3 offer up to eight hours of continuous listening with noise cancellation turned on — a 33% increase from the previous generation. In Transparency mode, where outside sound is allowed in, they last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
Apple has also improved sound quality with better bass, clearer vocals, and a wider soundstage for music, podcasts, and calls
Hearing health features
AirPods Pro 3 also build on Apple’s “hearing health” tools. Users can take a simple hearing test at home, get warnings when sounds are too loud, and use Conversation Boost, which makes voices clearer in noisy places like restaurants. This version adds stronger background noise reduction, making the tools easier to use
Price and how to buy in South Africa
AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $249 (US), which is about R4,700 before local taxes and duties. Apple has not yet confirmed the South African retail price, but the earphones are expected to arrive through the iStore and authorised resellers soon after the international release on 19 September 2025
New buyers may also get free trial access to Apple Music and Apple Fitness+ for three months.