AirPods Pro 3
Released: September 19, 2025 | Price: $249 | Chip: H2 (same as Pro 2) + U2 (case)
Upgrade from AirPods Pro 1: Worth It?
Yes, no-brainer. Two full generations of improvement.
Key Improvements over Pro 1
| Feature | Pro 1 | Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ANC | Baseline | 4x better (best in any earbuds, lab-tested) |
| Battery (ANC on) | ~4.5 hrs | 8 hrs (+78%) |
| Total w/ case (ANC) | ~24 hrs | 24 hrs (same) |
| Charging | Lightning | USB-C + MagSafe + Apple Watch charger |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP57 (submersible) |
| Heart rate sensor | No | Yes (infrared PPG, 256 pulses/sec, 50+ workout types) |
| Hearing aid/test | No | Yes (FDA-authorized, mild-moderate loss) |
| Spatial Audio | Limited (firmware) | Full, with head tracking + Dolby Atmos |
| Adaptive Transparency | No | Yes |
| Precision Finding | No | Yes (U2 chip in case, 1.5x range vs Pro 2) |
| Ear tips | Silicone, 3 sizes | Foam-infused, 5 sizes (XS-XXS added) |
| Live Translation | No | Yes (beta, 5 languages at launch) |
| Conversation Boost | No | Yes (automatic) |
Audio Quality
- Custom high-excursion driver + high dynamic range amplifier
- New "multiport acoustic architecture" for deeper bass, wider soundstage, clearer vocals
- Next-gen Adaptive EQ (tunes to ear shape in real-time)
- Sound signature: slightly V-shaped (boosted bass/treble, recessed mids) -- fun, not neutral
- Still AAC-only (no lossless Bluetooth codec)
Health Features
- Heart rate: Infrared PPG, tracks during 50+ workout types via iPhone Fitness app
- Battery impact: drops listening time from 8 hrs to ~6.5 hrs when active
- Hearing test: Clinical-grade pure-tone audiometry, ~5 min, results in Health app
- Hearing aid: Software-enabled for mild-moderate loss (ages 18+), FDA-authorized
- Hearing protection: Active noise reduction across all listening modes
Case
- U2 Ultra Wideband chip (1.5x Precision Finding range vs Pro 2)
- Built-in speaker for Find My
- No physical button (removed), no visible LED (hidden/integrated)
- IP57 rated (up from IP54 on Pro 2)
- USB-C, MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified
- Lanyard loop still present
Caveats
- Fit is polarizing. Redesigned shape + foam tips don't work for everyone. Try in-store first.
- Total case battery is 24 hrs (same as Pro 1, down from Pro 2's 30 hrs)
- Still AAC-only -- no aptX, LDAC, or lossless codec
- Live Translation still feels beta
- Same H2 chip as Pro 2 -- improvements are acoustic/software, not new silicon
Review Consensus
- SoundGuys: "Close to perfect"
- Tom's Guide: Positive, comfort caveats
- CNN Underscored: "Favorite AirPods ever" (skip only if you have Pro 2)
- AppleInsider (March 2026): "Great with one asterisk" (fit)
India Pricing & Best Deals (as of March 2026)
India MRP: ₹25,900
| Store | Effective Price | How |
|---|---|---|
| Vijay Sales | ₹23,900 | ₹2,000 Axis Bank instant discount |
| Croma | ₹23,900 | ₹2,000 off on 9-month No Cost EMI |
| Blinkit | ₹24,499 | Flat price, no card needed |
| Apple India + Amex | ₹24,900 | ₹1,000 Amex cashback |
| Apple India + Axis/ICICI | ₹24,900 | ₹1,000 cashback |
| Flipkart | ₹25,900 | No visible bank offer |
Amex India Offer (Apple Store Online)
- ₹1,000 instant cashback on AirPods Pro 3 (₹25,900 → ₹24,900)
- Note: the ₹10,000 max cashback is for Macs only, NOT AirPods
- No Cost EMI: 3 months or 6 months (at 14% p.a. interest waived)
- Expires: 31 March 2026
- Apple also gives 3 months free Apple Music + Fitness+
Best Deal
- Easiest: Blinkit at ₹24,499 (no card offer needed, fast delivery)
- With Amex: Apple India at ₹24,900 (+ free Music/Fitness+, expires Mar 31)
- Vijay Sales/Croma ₹23,900 with Axis Bank — cheapest on paper but not worth the hassle
Karthik's Situation
- Currently owns: AirPods Pro 1 (2019)
- Has: Amex India card
- Lives: Chennai
- Verdict: Strong upgrade. Every metric improved significantly.