As is tradition, Apple welcomes the last quarter of the year with the presentation of the new iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro . However, and as usual, the new iPhone arrives surrounded by the new Apple Watch 11 and something more unexpected: New AirPods Pro 3 .
Three years have passed since the launch of the last AirPods Pro and, finally, we have a new generation that comes with something as rumored as expected: A heart rate sensor . Because Apple wants the third generation AirPods Pro to work seamlessly with Apple Fitness+, but there are other battery news and active noise cancellation improvements.
Next, we go with all the characteristics of the AirPods Pro 3.
AirPods Pro 3 Technical Specifications
| |
|---|---|
Sound | Spatial audio Adaptive audio Conversation detection Adaptive equalization Pressure compensation Active noise cancellation |
Chip | H2 in headphones U2 in the case |
Connection | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Controls | Tactile Siri |
Sensors | Two exterior microphones Internal microphone Skin sensor Accelerometer Heart rate sensor |
Battery Life | Up to 8 hours with active cancellation Up to 7.5 hours with Spatial Audio and dynamic monitoring Up to 6.7 hours with heart rate measurement Up to 24 hours with the case charge 5 minutes of charging provides an hour of audio |
Case Charging | USB-C Compatible with MagSafe and Apple Watch Charger |
Extras | IP57 certification against water and sweat in case and headphones Five silicone pads of different sizes Live translation |
Price | €249 |
“The Safest and Most Comfortable AirPods in History”
At first glance, the new third-generation AirPods are identical to the second generation. The design follows the adage of “if it is not broken, do not fix it,” but upon closer inspection, we begin to see some changes in its form.
Apple claims they are the most comfortable they have designed so far , a goal they achieved by adapting to a wider variety of ear shapes. They utilized data from over 10,000 ear scans and more than 100,000 hours of user feedback to subtly redesign the contour of the headphones to ensure they are more comfortable and, above all, stay in place.
The AirPods Pro 3 come with five different ear tips, allowing users to find the size that best suits their ears, as well as an IP57 certification that guarantees water and sweat resistance.
Heart Rate Sensor: One of the Major Innovations
While sound quality and isolation are critical for any headphones, it is worth mentioning the long-awaited heart rate sensor, which Apple has now introduced in these devices. This sensor can measure heart rate effectively, similar to the technology found in the recently launched Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.
The headphones feature a PPG sensor that measures light absorption in blood flow 256 times per second using infrared light. This data is cross-referenced with information from the integrated accelerometer to track heart rate . While this technology is similar to what is found in smartwatches, it utilizes the convenient placement of various blood vessels found in our ears for more precise measurements.
In conjunction with Apple Fitness+, users can monitor heart rate data as if they were using an Apple Watch, with the added feature of calorie tracking. They’ve also introduced a ‘Workout Buddy’ feature, providing motivational prompts during workouts.
Live Translation
Another standout feature of the AirPods Pro 3 is live translation . Apple has integrated this feature into the earbuds to break down language barriers, making it easier for users to communicate with others speaking different languages.
When enabled, the AirPods Pro 3 can automatically translate spoken language in real-time. If the other party does not have AirPods, an iPhone can serve as a horizontal display, showing translated transcriptions of conversations. Utilizing active noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro 3 minimize background noise, allowing users to focus solely on the translation. This live translation feature will initially support English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with plans for compatibility with Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese by the end of the year.
Noise Cancellation and Battery of the New AirPods Pro 3
While the heart rate sensor and live translation are the standout features, users have been eagerly awaiting new advancements in battery life and noise cancellation technologies. Apple has redesigned the ear tips, which now incorporate foam for improved sound isolation.
Moreover, active noise cancellation has seen a notable increase in performance—now twice as effective as the previous generation. Efficiency has been improved, allowing the AirPods Pro 3 to support eight hours of battery life with active cancellation and up to ten hours with transparency mode.
Price and Launch of the AirPods Pro 3
Having explored the main features of the new third-generation AirPods Pro, let’s delve into the launch details. The new Apple headphones can be reserved starting today and are set to hit the market on September 19 . The price of the AirPods Pro 3 is €249.
In closing, these innovations represent Apple’s continued commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that meets the evolving needs of consumers. The AirPods Pro 3 are a significant leap forward, integrating health monitoring and advanced features for an improved listening experience that stands out in today’s competitive market.