At its “Awe-dropping” event today, Apple finally unveiled the long-anticipated AirPods Pro 3, marking the first major refresh in three years. Priced at $249, the new earbuds are now available for preorder and will be released in stores on September 19, bringing a host of new health, audio, and usability features.

Headlining the upgrades is the introduction of heart-rate sensing, a first for the AirPods line. Utilizing advanced LED sensors, the Pro 3 can deliver accurate heart-rate readings synced directly to Apple’s Fitness app, providing users with a more integrated health-tracking experience on the go.

Noise cancellation also takes a serious leap forward, with Apple claiming the Pro 3 can reduce twice the external noise compared to the Pro 2. Comfort has been improved with smaller earbuds and foam ear tips in five sizes, which Apple touts as its “best-fitting AirPods” yet. The redesigned charging case is slimmer, more interactive, and easier to carry.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature is what’s coming next: live translation. With iOS 26, AirPods Pro 3 will allow two-way conversations in different languages, with one language routed through the iPhone and the other directly through the AirPods.

Rumors of a higher-end Pro 3 variant persist, with an expected release in 2026 featuring infrared gesture controls and enhanced spatial audio for Apple’s Vision Pro headset. For now, the AirPods Pro 3 delivers meaningful improvements for fitness enthusiasts, frequent travelers, and anyone who values best-in-class wireless audio.

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