Everything we know about the AirPods Pro 3 rumors

✨ AirPods Pro 3 speculation 

T​​he AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to arrive in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17, with pricing expected to remain close to the current $250.00 mark. Design changes could include a slimmer charging case, improved touch controls, and possibly new color options. 

Under the hood, a new H3 chip may deliver better active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and adaptive transparency, while rumored health features like heart rate monitoring and in-ear temperature sensing could make them more versatile than ever. Additionally, connectivity might receive improvements with Bluetooth 5.4 or LE Audio, although battery life is likely to remain around six hours. 

AirPods Pro 3 rumors on release date: A familiar launch window and price 

If there is one thing we can all count on with Apple, it is its launch sequencing. According to industry experts like Mark Gurman, the new Pro 3 release has been hinted at for some time. He estimated that a release was expected to be “months away” in February already. 

Gurman’s timeline estimates indicate that the iPhone 17 is set to launch in September; unsurprisingly, these new earphones are also expected to drop then. What backs up Gurman’s AirPods Pro 3 release date rumors is the recent information that came to light surrounding the Apple AirPods Pro 3 leak.  

According to Apple Insider, a researcher named Aaron Perris says Apple's recent software release included an AirPods Pro 2 text string that was altered to read “AirPods Pro 2 or later,” which, to many, suggests that a new model could be debuting soon.  

So, we know the AirPods Pro 3 release date rumors are likely on the money with the September 2025 release date, but what about prices? If we look at Apple's competitors, there has been about a 10% price hike on recently released premium headphones from brands like Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. Despite this, prices for the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are expected to remain​​ around $250.00.  

 ✨Key takeaway: The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to be releasing in September 2025, and pricing is likely to be similar to that of the previous generation at approximately $250.00. 

A subtle design refresh could slim things down 

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 may feature a slight design refresh rather than a complete overhaul. It remains a mystery what exactly will be changing, but rumors suggest the earbuds and case will see tweaks. 

If leaks are to be believed, the case is expected to be smaller and slimmer, featuring an LED indicator and a more discreet or touch-sensitive pairing button. With the earbuds, design changes may be made for improved fit and comfort, and the touch controls could be made more sensitive, potentially even working through gloves.   

Although these changes are exciting, many people like the current look of the Apple AirPods Pro line, with one Redditor stem defender saying,  

“I like the stem design, honestly. It gives you something to adjust your earbuds to fit better and pull in and out of your ears, and it gives you something to adjust the volume and change songs without having to tap against your ears like other buds.”  

However, this is not the general consensus. Many AirPods Pro users find the stems to be too long and cumbersome. So, if the stems are shortened as some rumors suggest, there could be much rejoicing, even if no singing from the rafters.   

Additionally, it's worth noting that some analysts predict the Pro 3s will come in different color options besides the classic white, and feature new materials and finishes. However, we’re unsure how accurate this prediction is, considering Apple's usual design choices. Nevertheless, there are individuals interested in different colorways, as evidenced by this pro-color options Redditor: “I’d like to see other color options, specifically the color black.” 

 ✨Key takeaway: Users may notice slight design changes for an enhanced listening experience, including potentially improved touch controls and additional color and finish options, alongside a slimmer case with an LED indicator. 

Big audio improvements may be on the way 

If there is one thing we all want in a new set of headphones, it's better audio quality, and it looks like Apple will deliver on this with the AirPods Pro 3. Rumors suggest that the AirPods Pro 3 will pack quite a punch under the hood, featuring a faster audio chip known as the H3.  

The H3 could offer significantly better active noise cancellation (ANC), which is quite an achievement considering the AirPods Pro 2 already provide impressive ANC. If the Pro 3s do feature this chip and the rumors are accurate, it's possible that these earbuds could compete with rivals like Bose's QuietComfort Ultra and Sony's WF-1000XM5. 

Additionally, along with the H3 chip, the AirPods Pro 3 expected features include adaptive transparency modes in addition to better ANC, meaning you might enjoy clearer calls, more intelligent audio adjustments in real time, smoother spatial audio, and better noise filtering.  

Even with all of these expected upgrades, though, some still feel the AirPods Pro 2 are worthwhile:   

“APP3 will be a difficult sell for me. The 2s fit me great, they sound good enough, and the ANC is more than satisfactory.”  

Although we are excited for the next generation of Apple's earbuds, we have to agree that a refurbished set of AirPods Pro 2s will get the job done. 

 ✨Key takeaway: If the AirPods Pro 3 feature the H3 chip, they could offer users the best Apple audio experience yet with improved ANC, better spatial audio, real-time adjustments, and adaptive transparency.  

AirPods might start caring about your health even more 

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 models have garnered countless accolades from hearing care specialists such as HearingUp, which praises the earbuds for being significantly more affordable than traditional hearing aids. Dr. Cliff Olson even said that with the AirPods Pro 2 being turned into over-the-counter hearing aids, “we're facing what could be a revolution in hearing care accessibility,” and this accessibility is likely to carry over to the AirPods Pro 3.   

But this isn’t all. The AirPods Pro 3 are also rumored to be equipped with other health-related features. For example, some sources indicate that they will include heart rate monitoring with a built-in heart rate sensor, which will help more health-conscious individuals access and analyze their heart data.  

They could also come equipped with in-ear temperature detection. This could offer users faster and more reliable body temperature readings, aiding in sleep monitoring and potentially facilitating the detection of illnesses. These readings may even surpass what is currently achieved with devices like the Apple Watch Series 8 and later if it is rolled out with the AirPods Pro 3. However, this is is a tad less likely than the heart rate sensor. 

✨Key takeaway: The AirPods Pro 3 could be far more health-forward than expected,  with presumed features like heart rate monitoring, in-ear temperature detection, and hearing assistance.  

Looking for hearing aid assistance now? Consider a set of AirPods Pro 2. 

Connectivity upgrades are coming, but battery life may stay put 

Considering the AirPods Pro 3 will presumably come equipped with the H3 chip, we may see slightly improved battery life compared to the other AirPods Pro generations. In our opinion, it's likely to be nothing to write home about, as we expect the battery life to still fall within the standard six-hour range.  

What we might be fortunate enough to receive, however, are connectivity gains. Some ​​sources believe the AirPods Pro 3 will feature Bluetooth 5.4 or LE Audio, which could improve latency, pairing, and multi-device support.   

This is what some users are looking forward to the most, with a disgruntled Redditor saying: “Man, at this point, all I want is a proper Bluetooth connection that doesn't drop the audio quality when the mic is on.” We haven’t experienced these connection issues, but we can understand the frustration.  

✨Key takeaway: Connectivity issues may be a worry of the past if the AirPods Pro 3 come equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 or LE Audio, with rumors suggesting they just might.  

Want good connectivity at a decent price? Check out the Apple AirPods Pro 1.  

Can you trust these AirPods Pro 3 rumors? 

At Back Market, we take pride in sharing our knowledge and insights into all the latest tech. We’re optimistic that we have helped you learn more about the AirPods Pro 3 expected release date and the features that may be offered with the next generation.  

We want to stress, however, that everything we have shared here is based on expert insights and rumors, so nothing is proven until the earbuds are released. We’ve been burned by wild Apple predictions before, and we don’t want you to fall victim to them by getting your hopes up too high straight out of the gate. But this doesn’t mean you can't be excited.  

Still, if you’re erring on the side of caution and you don't want to wait for the AirPods Pro 3, you can get your hands on a quality set of Pro 2s or earlier at Back Market. We know how difficult it can be to wait for new tech to drop, and that new tech often comes with quite a hefty price tag — even though the Pros 3s may be reasonably priced.   

That’s why we offer environmentally friendly and wallet-friendly Verified Refurbished earbuds from Apple and other brands, along with a trade-in program designed to help you save even more money. So why not check out what we have on offer? You still have time to weigh your options.