Apple looks poised to unveil its highly anticipated AirPods Pro 3 at its Awe Dropping event on September 9, marking the first major update to the premium noise-canceling earbuds since 2022. Multiple sources suggest the third-generation model will bring significant hardware upgrades alongside Apple’s continued software feature rollouts. Check out all the AirPods Pro 3 rumors below.
AirPods Pro 3 rumors: New health sensors and design changes
Apple reportedly plans to ship new AirPods Pro models this fall, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. That most likely means we’ll see them at Apple’s Awe Dropping event on September 9, much like we saw the popular AirPods Pro 2 debut at the 2022 version of the event.
The timing aligns with Apple’s historical pattern of launching AirPods alongside new iPhones during September events. And on Thursday, Apple dropped a teaser about PowerBeats Fit sports earbuds, which could arrive at the same event.
Based on Apple’s typical release schedule, industry watchers expect preorders for AirPods Pro 3 to begin September 12, with general availability starting September 19. This mirrors the expected timeline for the iPhone 17 series and other fall products.
However, some analysts have suggested potential delays. Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities and Jeff Pu of GF Securities Hong Kong both hinted that the launch could slip to 2026, though recent software leaks continue to point toward a 2025 release.
Heart rate monitoring takes center stage
The most significant rumored addition is in-ear heart rate tracking. According to Gurman, Apple is integrating biometric sensors that would allow the AirPods Pro 3 to monitor users’ pulse directly from the ear canal. This feature already exists in Apple’s Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, though those earbuds cannot simultaneously stream music to gym equipment.
Apple seemingly confirmed this development through iOS 18 beta code references to wireless earbuds with built-in heart rate sensors. The company also holds patents dating back to 2014 for such technology in wireless earbuds.
Design refinements and case changes
New info on AirPods Pro 3…
The case size will decrease slightly, and the pairing button will be removed. Instead, you can tap on the case itself. pic.twitter.com/vA7dY2Pa4j— Asher (@asherdipps) August 26, 2025
Multiple supply chain sources like leaker Majin Bu point to a refreshed design for both the earbuds and charging case. AirPods Pro 3 are expected to feature a slimmer form factor with a concealed status LED and a front-facing capacitive pairing button, similar to the approach taken with the fourth-generation AirPods.
Leaker Asher Dipprey, known for collaborating with Front Page Tech, says the charging case will be notably smaller and will eliminate the physical pairing button entirely in favor of tap-based controls. This design philosophy aligns with Apple’s broader trend toward simplifying hardware interfaces.
The smaller case design might require Apple to resize the earbuds themselves. That could result in shorter stems or more compact buds while maintaining space for microphones, batteries and new sensors.
Enhanced audio processing and noise cancellation
Under the hood, Apple may be planning a new H3 audio chip for its new top-tier earbuds. The updated chipset would likely bring better feature management and even stronger active noise cancellation compared to the already impressive AirPods Pro 2 with Apple’s H2 chip.
That improvement will be crucial as Apple faces increasing competition from the likes of Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.
Additional health sensors under consideration
Beyond heart rate monitoring, Apple is researching ear canal temperature sensing technology. If implemented, this feature could provide faster and more reliable body temperature readings than the skin-temperature estimates currently offered by Apple Watch Series 8 and later models. However, it remains unclear whether this sensor will be production-ready for a 2025 release.
Future-looking features
Image: Apple
One intriguing rumor suggests the AirPods Pro 3 will work with the iPhone’s Translate app to deliver real-time conversation translation directly through the earbuds. This would allow users to hear instant translations of foreign languages without handling their devices. Apple shouldn’t dawdle, because other earbuds already feature translation.
Looking further ahead, KGI Securities analyst Kuo thinks Apple is prototyping AirPods with infrared cameras to enhance Spatial Audio experiences and enable “in-air gesture control” through hand movements. Bloomberg‘s Gurman also reported on small cameras being explored for AI-driven features, though both projects are unlikely to debut before 2026.
AirPods Pro 3 rumors: Software enhancements
Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 will add several new AirPods features via firmware updates, including automatically pausing audio when users fall asleep, the ability to use AirPods as a camera remote, and improved call quality, rumors suggest.
AirPods Pro 2 have maintained their market dominance partly through regular software updates that added features like Adaptive Audio, head-gesture Siri commands, and Food and Drug Administration-authorized hearing aid functionality for mild to moderate hearing loss.
With AirPods Pro 3 potentially offering the biggest leap since the original Pro model launched in 2019, consumers face the familiar Apple dilemma of buying the current proven model or waiting for the next-generation upgrade that could set new standards for premium wireless earbuds.
