Note: This article was first published on 10 September 2025. The full review is now available to read here.
Apple has finally updated its flagship true wireless earbuds. We now have the AirPods Pro 3. The wait has been long, but the list of updates makes it seem worthwhile.
To start, it has a new design. The shape of the buds have been slightly tweaked to deliver a tighter fit. I couldn’t see the difference, but I could feel it. The AirPods Pro 3 do feel more snug in my ears. The ear tips have also been improved. It’s now infused with foam and comes in five sizes – including a new XXS size.
Together with its ultra low-noise mics and “advanced computational audio”, Apple claims AirPods Pro 3 deliver twice the noise cancellation compared to AirPods Pro 2. I couldn’t tell if it’s really twice as effective during my short time with them, but I thought the passive noise isolation was remarkable. Overall, I was surprised at how much noise it was able to nullify in the noisy demo area.
Apple says the shape of the buds have been updated to fit better.
What’s most noticeable to me was how much more punchy the bass is. It hits deeper and harder than the AirPods Pro 2 (our review here). The soundstage also appears to be wider, and the treble a tad spicier. In fact, the overall tonality appears to be more punchy and dynamic. I’ll need more time to listen critically to tell for certain.
One of the highlights of the AirPods Pro 3 is its heart rate sensor. I tried this and found that it gave the same reading as my Apple Watch Ultra 2. With it, the AirPods Pro 3 can track over 50 different workout types – even without your Apple Watch. It’ll be interesting to see how its activity tracking compares against the Apple Watch.
Another feature I’m keen to test is Live Translation. At launch, it’ll translate English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, but support for Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese will be added by the end of the year.
Together with the charging case, the AirPods Pro 3 offers up to 24 hours of listening time with ANC on.
The AirPods Pro 3 also has the Hearing Health feature found in its predecessor, which means it’s an FDA-approved hearing aid.
Based on first impressions, the AirPods Pro 3 looks like a worthwhile update. There are significant changes throughout, with new tips, design, sensors, and even acoustic architecture. And from a features perspective, it boasts workout tracking and live translation capability. I think anyone who looking to upgrade their AirPods this year will be delighted with the AirPods Pro 3. That said, be sure to stay tuned for my full review.
Availability and pricing
Pre-orders for the AirPods Pro 3 begin on 11 September, with general availability starting from 19 September. The AirPods Pro 3 will be available for purchase for S$349. You can find the AirPods Pro 3 on Lazada, Shopee, and the Apple Online Store.