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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11AirPods Pro 3 are already available. Apple announced them and opened preorders on September 9, 2025, then released them in stores on September 19, 2025. The U.S. starting price was $249, and Apple continues to list them at that price as of August 10, 2026.
AirPods Pro 3 release date and preorder timeline
The launch happened in three stages, although the announcement and preorder dates were the same:
| Milestone | Date | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement | September 9, 2025 | Apple officially introduced AirPods Pro 3. |
| Preorders | September 9, 2025 | Apple began accepting orders immediately after the announcement. |
| Retail release | September 19, 2025 | AirPods Pro 3 became available in Apple Stores and through normal retail channels. |
Apple said launch availability covered the United States and more than 50 other countries and regions. The official U.S. launch price was $249. See Apple’s launch announcement and its September 19 store-availability report.
Are AirPods Pro 3 available now?
Yes. AirPods Pro 3 are no longer an upcoming product or a rumored release. They are a current Apple product and remain listed in the company’s U.S. store at $249 as of August 10, 2026. Retailer stock, regional pricing and temporary discounts can differ, so the Apple price should be treated as the official U.S. price rather than a guarantee of what every retailer charges.
Regional prices vary by country and currency. The box includes the earbuds, charging case and ear tips, but does not include a USB-C charging cable or power adapter, according to Apple’s store listing.
#1 Best Overall
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
What the original pre-launch forecast got right—and wrong
The original version of this topic was written before launch. A 9to5Mac forecast published on August 27, 2025 predicted an announcement on September 9, preorders on September 12 and a retail launch on September 19.
Two of those dates were correct. Apple announced AirPods Pro 3 on September 9 and released them on September 19, but preorders also opened on September 9—not September 12.
There was genuine uncertainty before the announcement. A June 2025 report citing analyst Jeff Pu suggested that AirPods Pro 3 might not arrive until 2026, while other reports pointed to a fall 2025 launch. Apple software references and the scheduled September iPhone event increased confidence in a 2025 release, but none of that was confirmation. Apple’s September 9 announcement settled the question.
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What AirPods Pro 3 actually include
AirPods Pro 3 launched with a redesigned fit and several health and fitness features. The confirmed specifications are more important than the pre-launch rumor list.
H2 chip—not H3
AirPods Pro 3 use Apple’s H2 headphone chip. Pre-launch reports frequently expected a new H3 chip, but Apple’s published specifications identify H2 in the shipping product. The rumored H3 should not be presented as an AirPods Pro 3 feature.
Redesigned fit and five ear-tip sizes
Apple changed the internal acoustic architecture and redesigned the in-ear shape. The package includes five ear-tip sizes: XXS, XS, S, M and L. The extra-small XXS option may matter more to some buyers than headline audio features because a stable seal affects comfort, bass response and active noise cancellation.
Active noise cancellation
Apple claims that AirPods Pro 3 provide up to twice the active noise cancellation of AirPods Pro 2 and up to four times that of the original AirPods Pro. Those are Apple claims based on its stated testing conditions, not an independent universal ranking of noise-cancelling performance.
Heart-rate sensing for workouts
AirPods Pro 3 can sense heart rate during workouts and send the data to the Fitness app, Health app and supported third-party fitness apps on a compatible iPhone. Apple says the heart-rate sensor and AirPods Pro 3 are not medical devices. They are intended for workout tracking, not diagnosing a heart condition or replacing a clinical monitor.
Live Translation
Live Translation supports conversations through compatible AirPods and an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. It is not performed entirely by the earbuds, and it is not exclusive to AirPods Pro 3.
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
At launch, Apple listed English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish support. Apple’s current store information lists additional language options, including Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Korean, with some language availability depending on region. Supported languages and regions can change.
Battery, charging and durability
- Listening time: up to eight hours on a single charge with ANC enabled, according to Apple’s technical specifications.
- Charging case: Apple’s comparison table lists up to 24 hours of listening with ANC.
- Charging: USB-C MagSafe Charging Case.
- Resistance: IP57 dust-, sweat- and water-resistance rating for non-water sports and exercise.
“Up to eight hours” is a maximum tested figure, not a guarantee. Volume, listening mode, Spatial Audio, heart-rate sensing, environmental conditions and other settings affect battery life. IP57 also does not mean waterproofing; resistance can diminish with normal wear, and the earbuds should be dry before charging.
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AirPods Pro 3 support Apple’s Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features where the necessary software and regulatory authorization are available. These features are not necessarily available in every country or language. Hearing Protection also has important limits: it is not a substitute for proper protection around gunfire, fireworks, jackhammers or sustained noise above 110 dBA.
AirPods Pro 3 versus AirPods Pro 2
AirPods Pro 3 are the newer model, but that does not make every upgrade worthwhile for every AirPods Pro 2 owner. The practical differences are:
| Feature | AirPods Pro 3 | AirPods Pro 2 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-charge battery with ANC | Up to 8 hours | Up to 6 hours | Pro 3 offers Apple’s longer stated listening time. |
| Dust, sweat and water resistance | IP57 | IP54 | Pro 3 has the higher published resistance rating, but neither model is waterproof. |
| Ear-tip sizes | XXS, XS, S, M and L | Four sizes | The additional XXS option can improve fit for smaller ears. |
| Heart-rate sensing | Yes, for workout tracking | No AirPods Pro 2 heart-rate sensor | Useful mainly to people who track workouts with an iPhone. |
| Fit and acoustics | Redesigned internal acoustic architecture and in-ear design | Earlier design | The comfort and seal difference may be more significant than a small specification change. |
| Live Translation and hearing features | Supported with compatible software | Also supported on compatible Pro 2 units | These features alone do not make Pro 3 a mandatory upgrade. |
Apple’s AirPods comparison table provides the published model-to-model specifications. A Pro 2 owner who is happy with the existing fit, battery life and noise cancellation can reasonably keep the older pair, particularly if it is available at a substantial retailer discount. Pro 3 makes a stronger case for owners of the first-generation AirPods Pro, older AirPods or anyone who needs a better-fitting current pair.
Software requirements and compatibility
Basic Bluetooth audio works with a broad range of devices, including non-Apple products, but Apple-specific functions require compatible hardware, current operating systems and updated AirPods firmware.
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- Heart-rate sensing: requires an iPhone running iOS 26 or later and the Fitness app or a compatible third-party fitness app.
- Live Translation: requires AirPods Pro 3 with the latest firmware, an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later, and a supported language and region. Apple currently identifies the feature as beta in its technical documentation.
- Hearing Test and Hearing Aid: require a compatible iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 or later, current firmware and regional availability.
- Hearing Protection: requires supported Apple hardware, current software and the latest firmware; availability varies by region and language.
- Android and other Bluetooth devices: AirPods Pro 3 can function as Bluetooth headphones, but Apple says functionality is limited outside its ecosystem.
For the latest requirements, consult Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 technical support page rather than relying on the software version printed in an older article.
Current firmware and how to check it
Apple’s firmware support page listed version 8B41 for AirPods Pro 3 when checked on August 10, 2026. Firmware is changeable, so this should be treated as an as-of status rather than a permanent specification.
Rank #3
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
To check the firmware on an iPhone or iPad:
- Connect the AirPods Pro 3 to the device.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the Info button next to the AirPods.
- Scroll to About and read Firmware Version.
Apple says firmware updates are delivered automatically while the AirPods are charging, within Bluetooth range of a connected Apple device, while that device is connected to Wi-Fi. Apple’s firmware update guide has the current version list and update guidance.
How to verify that a listing is really AirPods Pro 3
Third-party marketplace listings can incorrectly label older AirPods Pro 2 units as Pro 3. Check the model number in iOS before assuming that a listing or sealed-box description is accurate.
With the earbuds connected, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the Info button beside the AirPods and check the model number. Apple identifies AirPods Pro 3 earbuds by these model numbers:
- A3063
- A3064
- A3065
The MagSafe Charging Case model number is A3122. Apple’s AirPods identification guide lists these as 2025 products.
What the AirPods Pro 3 rumors got wrong
Rumor: AirPods Pro 3 would use an H3 chip.
Correction: The released earbuds use the H2 chip, according to Apple’s specifications.
Rumor: They would include temperature sensing.
Correction: Apple’s confirmed specifications list heart-rate sensing but do not list a temperature sensor.
Forecast: Preorders would begin September 12.
Correction: Apple opened preorders on September 9, the announcement date.
Assumption: Live Translation would be a Pro 3 exclusive.
Correction: Apple supports Live Translation on AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2 and later, and compatible software.
Rank #4
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Pre-launch reporting is useful historical context, but it should not be mixed with the confirmed specifications of the shipping product. Apple’s technical specifications are the better source for what AirPods Pro 3 actually contain.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy AirPods Pro 3 or wait?
Buy AirPods Pro 3 now if:
- You need new earbuds immediately.
- You own the original AirPods Pro or an older non-Pro model.
- You want the redesigned fit, five ear-tip sizes, longer stated ANC battery life or workout heart-rate sensing.
- You want Apple’s current in-ear flagship and do not want to wait for an unannounced product.
- You have an iPhone capable of using the relevant iOS 26 features.
Consider AirPods Pro 2 if:
- You find them significantly cheaper than Pro 3.
- You already own Pro 2 and are satisfied with their fit, ANC and battery life.
- You do not need heart-rate sensing or the Pro 3 fit changes.
- You mainly want software features such as Live Translation or compatible hearing features, which Apple also supports on Pro 2 with the required firmware and device software.
Do not rely on a fixed Pro 2 sale price: retailer promotions change frequently. Compare the actual price at the time of purchase and check whether the seller is authorized and the model number matches Apple’s identification guide.
Wait only for a specific future product
Waiting makes sense only if you specifically want a rumored higher-end AirPods model with possible cameras, a newer chip or advanced gesture controls—and are comfortable with there being no confirmed name, launch date, price or specification.
What about AirPods Pro 4 or camera-equipped AirPods?
That is a separate, unconfirmed product rumor. Reports have variously described a possible higher-end AirPods Pro model, camera-equipped AirPods, an H3 chip and new gesture or AI features. Some earlier reports pointed to 2026, while later reporting shifted the possible timing toward late 2027. The reports are not consistent, and Apple has not officially announced the product.
Do not treat “AirPods Pro 4,” “AirPods Ultra” or “camera AirPods” as confirmed product names. If you need earbuds now, there is no confirmed upcoming launch that makes AirPods Pro 3 an obviously poor purchase. The latest rumor coverage includes MacRumors’ higher-end model report and reporting on the possible 2027 camera-equipped model.
Important limitations before buying
- Not waterproof: IP57 resistance is intended for dust, sweat and water exposure during non-water sports and exercise. Do not swim with them or charge them while wet.
- Not medical monitoring: heart-rate sensing is for workout tracking and does not diagnose or monitor medical conditions.
- Hearing Protection has limits: it should not replace proper hearing protection in extremely loud environments.
- Live Translation depends on the iPhone: it requires Apple Intelligence, iOS 26 or later, current firmware and supported languages and regions.
- Hearing features vary by location: Hearing Test and Hearing Aid depend on regional regulatory authorization.
- Android support is limited: basic audio is possible, but Apple ecosystem features may not be available.
- No charging cable in the box: have a compatible USB-C cable or charging setup available.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did AirPods Pro 3 come out?
AirPods Pro 3 went on sale on September 19, 2025. Apple announced them on September 9 and opened preorders that same day.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhen did AirPods Pro 3 preorders begin?
Preorders began on September 9, 2025, immediately after Apple’s announcement—not on the previously forecast September 12 date.
How much do AirPods Pro 3 cost?
The official U.S. Apple price is $249 as of August 10, 2026. Regional prices and retailer promotions vary.
Best Value
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
Are AirPods Pro 3 available now?
Yes. They are a current Apple product and are available through Apple and normal retail channels, although stock and discounts depend on the retailer and region.
Do AirPods Pro 3 have an H3 chip?
No. The shipping product uses Apple’s H2 headphone chip. H3 was a pre-launch rumor, not a confirmed AirPods Pro 3 specification.
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Do AirPods Pro 3 measure heart rate?
Yes, they can track heart rate during workouts and share the data with supported iPhone apps. Apple says this is fitness tracking, not medical monitoring.
Do AirPods Pro 3 work with Android phones?
Yes, as Bluetooth headphones, but Apple-specific functions are limited. Full functionality requires compatible Apple hardware and software.
Are AirPods Pro 3 waterproof?
No. They have an IP57 dust-, sweat- and water-resistance rating for non-water sports and exercise, but they should not be used for swimming and should be dry before charging.
Do AirPods Pro 2 get Live Translation?
Yes. Apple supports Live Translation on AirPods Pro 2 and later, provided the AirPods have the latest firmware and are paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later in a supported region and language.
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Only if you specifically want a future rumored premium or camera-equipped model and are willing to wait without a confirmed date, price or specification. Apple has not announced AirPods Pro 4.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: AirPods Pro 3 launched on September 19, 2025 and are available now for $249 in the U.S. Buy them for the redesigned fit, five ear-tip sizes, longer stated ANC battery life, IP57 rating and workout heart-rate sensing. Keep or buy discounted AirPods Pro 2 if those changes do not matter to you, and wait for a future model only if you are deliberately betting on an unconfirmed premium or camera-equipped product.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
