AirPods Pro 3 Leaks: What Do We Know?
- Attila Buyer
- Apr 19
- 5 min read
Alright, let’s cut through the noise and talk about the AirPods Pro 3, which are shaping up to be a big deal for 2025. Based on the latest chatter from industry insiders and X posts, Apple’s next premium earbuds are expected to drop around September 2025, likely alongside the iPhone 17. They’re rumored to pack some serious upgrades—think better sound, smarter noise cancellation, and health-focused features that could make them more than just earbuds. But not every rumor pans out, so let’s break down what’s buzzing, what’s likely, and what’s a stretch, all with a human vibe and no rehash of other articles.
When Are They Coming, and How Much?
Most sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, peg the AirPods Pro 3 for a fall 2025 launch, probably September, since Apple loves pairing AirPods with iPhone events. The first AirPods Pro hit in October 2019, the second in September 2022—roughly a three-year gap—so 2025 fits the pattern. A tipster named Kosutami floated a May or June release with an AirTag 2, but their August 2024 “soon” claim flopped, so September’s the safer bet.
Price-wise, expect $249, same as the AirPods Pro 1 and 2. No whispers of a hike yet, though new features like health sensors could nudge it up. X posts like @Afatima641Ali (April 19) back the $249 tag, and with AirPods Pro 2 dipping to $169 on sale, Apple might stick to the sweet spot to fend off Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or Sony’s WF-1000XM5.
What’s New? The Big Rumors
Here’s the juicy stuff people are hyped about, based on leaks and patents:
Redesigned Buds and Case: Gurman says both the earbuds and case are getting a makeover. Don’t expect a wild departure from the iconic white, stemmed look with silicone tips, but the case might shrink like the AirPods 4’s and add a front-facing capacitive pairing button. A U.S. patent hints at a touchscreen case, like JBL’s Tour Pro 3, for controlling playback or settings without your phone. X’s @mariusfanu (April 18) mentioned a “slimmer design” with a hidden LED, but Reddit’s r/apple warns a touchscreen could be a gimmick, scratching easily in pockets or draining battery.
H3 Chip for Better Everything: The AirPods Pro 2 use the H2 chip, and the Pro 3 are tipped to get an H3. This should boost audio processing, active noise cancellation (ANC), and battery efficiency. Posts on X and 9to5Mac expect “much better” ANC—potentially doubling the Pro 2’s noise-blocking power—tackling high-pitched sounds like gym equipment or lawnmowers, a sore spot for some Pro 2 users. The H3 could also enable real-time features like live conversation translation via the iPhone’s Translate app, letting you hear translated speech instantly.
Health Tracking Features: Apple’s pushing wearables as health devices, and the Pro 3 might follow the Powerbeats Pro 2’s lead with in-ear heart rate monitoring, which is more accurate during workouts than an Apple Watch. Gurman and @latestly (April 19) also mention ear-canal temperature sensing for faster, more reliable readings than wrist-based sensors. A hearing test feature, already on Pro 2, could expand, and there’s talk of the buds doubling as hearing aids for mild hearing loss. Infrared cameras for gesture control or spatial audio tweaks are rumored but likely for AirPods Pro 4, not 3.
Audio and ANC Upgrades: Expect richer sound with clearer bass and a wider frequency range, thanks to the H3 chip and tweaked acoustics. ANC should muffle more frequencies, rivaling Bose and Sony. Personalized Spatial Audio, already great for gaming, might get more precise head-tracking. Some hope for lossless audio support, but that’s a long shot given Bluetooth limits.
Battery Life: The Pro 2 get about 6 hours per bud and 30 hours with the case. Rumors suggest a bump to 7-8 hours per bud and 30-35 hours total, thanks to the H3’s efficiency. Apple might shrink the battery for a sleeker design, though, so don’t bank on huge gains.
Charging and Connectivity: The case will stick with USB-C, likely keeping MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging. A patent for a case that wirelessly charges other wearables (like an Apple Watch) is floating around, but it’s iffy for 2025. Improved Find My via a U2 chip is expected, and glove-friendly touch controls (swipes over squeezes) could make winter use easier.
What’s Less Likely?
Some rumors are exciting but shaky:
Cameras in Earbuds: Gurman’s mentioned Apple exploring AirPods with infrared cameras for AR glasses or environmental awareness, but TechRadar says the tech’s not ready for Pro 3—maybe Pro 4.
Environmental Sensors: Patents hint at air quality or humidity monitoring, but these feel like a stretch for 2025, more suited for future health integrations.
Stemless Design: The stems are iconic and practical for controls, so Apple’s likely keeping them, per AppleInsider.
Why the Hype?
Apple’s wearables crushed Mac and iPad sales in Q1 2025, so the AirPods Pro 3 are a safe bet to keep the momentum. X users like @EvanKirstel (April 18) are stoked for health features and ANC, seeing them as a fitness and audio upgrade. But competition’s fierce—Samsung’s AI-driven Buds 3 Pro and Sony’s top-tier ANC are gunning for Apple’s crown. The Pro 3 need to nail ecosystem perks (like seamless iPhone/Vision Pro pairing) and justify $249 when AirPods 4 with ANC start at $179.
Should You Wait?
If you’ve got AirPods Pro 2, they’re still killer with iOS 18 updates like Adaptive Audio and hearing aid mode. But the Pro 3’s H3 chip, health sensors, and ANC leap could be worth holding out for, especially if you’re into fitness or want the best noise-blocking for flights. If you need buds now, grab Pro 2 on sale ($169-$189) or AirPods 4 for less.
My Take: Exciting, But Stay Grounded
The AirPods Pro 3 sound like a banger—heart rate tracking and insane ANC could make them a gym rat’s dream or a commuter’s escape pod. At $249, they’re not cheap, especially when a Galaxy Book 5 Pro costs $1,349 or scam calls can drain thousands. I love the touchscreen case idea, but I’m skeptical it’ll ship; a scratched-up screen in my pocket sounds like a hassle. The H3 chip and health features are the real draw—imagine checking your heart rate mid-run without a watch. Still, Apple’s gotta deliver on ANC after Pro 2’s mixed reviews.
Keep an eye on WWDC 2025 (June) for hints, but don’t hold your breath for early leaks—Apple’s secrecy game is tight. If you’re hyped, set a code word with your family to dodge AI voice scams while you save up. What’s got you pumped—health sensors or that sweet ANC? Or are you side-eyeing the price?
