New AirPods Pro 3: Features and Capabilities

The new capabilities of AirPods Pro 3 headphones became one of the hot topics after Apple’s September 2025 presentation. There is indeed a lot to talk about: the accessory delivers improved sound, is tightly integrated with artificial intelligence, and has even undergone a shape change. Let’s take a closer look at the new features of AirPods Pro 3, including their pros and cons, and, most importantly, how to use them in real-life situations. 

New Fit 

Apple developers analyzed more than 10,000 ear scans to create comfortable earphones — now they fit more people. AirPods Pro 3 fit more comfortably in your ears: they are slightly smaller, and the center of gravity has been shifted by changing the ear tips. By the way, for this generation, the ear tips are made of foam to enhance passive noise cancellation. 

Another innovation for the comfort and fit of AirPods Pro 3 is the size of the ear tips. A new XXS size has been added to the set. To determine which size is best for you, take the new acoustic test when you first connect to your phone. Your iPhone will analyze the fit and suggest replacing the ear tips if necessary. 

Dust, sweat, and water resistance have also been improved to IP57. The previous generation was IP54. These improvements to the AirPods Pro 3 allow you to safely use the accessory in the rain or during intense workouts. 

AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancellation 

The noise cancellation system has been upgraded with new digital processing algorithms and multichannel acoustic architecture. This muffles outside noise and gives the sound from the earbuds themselves a spatial effect. A comparison of AirPods Pro 3 with previous generations showed that active noise cancellation (ANC) in this version is twice as effective as in AirPods Pro 2. And when compared to the first AirPods Pro, it is four times as effective. 

At the same time, the battery life of AirPods Pro 3 with ANC enabled reaches 8 hours (previously it was up to 6 hours). Without ANC, the accessory works for up to 10 hours. The total operating time with periodic recharging in the case is 24 hours. 

The sound quality of AirPods Pro 3 has also improved. This is thanks to the Adaptive EQ, which expands the soundstage and enhances the bass. In transparency mode, all sounds are now more natural and comfortable for the ears. 

Workout and Health Features 

AirPods Pro 3 are better suited for workouts. Apple uses the smallest heart rate sensor in the company’s history. It works using infrared light to track your heart rate in real time. Other sports and health features: 

1. Smart workouts — when paired with your phone, the headphones recognize up to 50 types of activities, autonomously read your heart rate and calories burned, and send the data to your phone to close your activity rings. 
2. New Apple Fitness+ mode — if you have a subscription, you can track your heart rate, calories, and other transmitted data in real time — the metrics are displayed on the screen. 
3. Workout Buddy feature — the system analyzes your previous workouts and progress and, based on that, gives you tips and encouragement during your workouts. 

There is one caveat: all these options are only available when the headphones are connected to a phone that supports Apple Intelligence, and the main interface language is English. 

Live Translation 

Live Translation is another useful feature based on Apple Intelligence. It allows you to quickly translate speech in real time, and it does so realistically — you hear a natural voice in your headphones. If your conversation partner does not have headphones or a smartphone with the new AI model, you can use text transcription on your phone. The feature is also available on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 (ANC). 

As with workouts, there are language restrictions. The option is currently available in French, English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German. Italian, Japanese, Korean, and a simplified version of Chinese are planned to be added by the end of this year. 

AirPods Pro 3 Review: Hearing Health Options 

Last fall, Apple unveiled its first comprehensive hearing system, and this year it is actively developing it. With these headphones, you can check your hearing at home. Comparisons between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 have shown that the new version will provide more accurate results thanks to more effective noise cancellation. 

Universal Access features allow you to use your headphones as a hearing aid. For example, AirPods Pro 3 now automatically amplifies speech — this option is typically used in noisy environments to help you hear your conversation partner more clearly and muffle background noise. 

Sum Up 

AirPods Pro 3 provide good sound in all conditions — from the subway to a noisy café. The focus is on integration with artificial intelligence, health, and fitness options. But keep in mind that Apple Intelligence has some restrictions by country and language. 

If you want to buy Apple wireless headphones, it’s best to supplement this review with your own experience — you can test the gadgets in person at iSpace. Come to our brand stores in Yerevan and check whether the headphones really fit comfortably in your ears, how the speech amplification works, and whether this level of noise cancellation suits you. You can also place an order in our online store: the website offers a comparison option and shows the current price of AirPods Pro 3. If you still have questions, please contact our experts. 

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