AirPods Pro 3 Upgrade: Is It Worth It for Pro 2 Owners?

Apple has officially unveiled its next-generation wireless earbuds. The new AirPods Pro 3 were announced at a company event on Monday. They introduce several key upgrades over the previous model. The updates focus on health features, comfort, and connectivity.

However, the new model retains the same core audio chip. This means the fundamental sound quality remains similar. The announcement has sparked debate among users about the necessity of an upgrade.

AirPods Pro 3 Key Features and Improvements

Apple’s latest earbuds feature a redesigned form factor. They are slightly smaller and come with new foam ear tips. This design aims to improve the in-ear fit for a wider range of users.

The active noise cancellation has received a significant boost. According to Apple, the ANC is twice as effective as on the AirPods Pro 2. This is due to improved internal microphones and software algorithms.

A major new addition is an integrated heart rate sensor. This allows users to monitor their heart rate directly through the earbuds. The data integrates seamlessly with the Apple Health and Fitness apps.

Evaluating the Upgrade from AirPods Pro 2

Battery life sees a mixed update. Single-use battery life has increased to eight hours with ANC active. Yet total listening time with the charging case is 24 hours, down from 30 hours on the previous model.

The new charging case includes an upgraded U2 ultra-wideband chip. This enhances precision finding features using the Find My network. The case and earbuds also now carry a higher IP57 water resistance rating.

Despite these changes, the H2 audio chip remains the same. Industry analysts note that this limits audio quality improvements. Many new software features will also come to older models via future updates.

The AirPods Pro 3 offer tangible refinements in comfort and noise cancellation. For owners of older models, the new health sensors may justify the upgrade. However, current AirPods Pro 2 users may find the changes too incremental for now.

Info at your fingertips

What is the price of the AirPods Pro 3?

The new AirPods Pro 3 will retail for $249. This matches the launch price of the previous generation model.

Do AirPods Pro 3 have a heart rate monitor?

Yes, a new optical sensor inside the earbuds can measure heart rate. This data is used for workouts and general health tracking in Apple’s apps.

Is the noise cancellation better on the new model?

Apple claims the active noise cancellation is twice as effective. This is due to hardware refinements and advanced computational audio.

Will older AirPods get the new translation feature?

Yes. The Live Translate feature announced alongside the Pro 3 will come to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 via a future software update.

When will the AirPods Pro 3 be available?

Pre-orders for the AirPods Pro 3 begin this Friday. The first units are scheduled to arrive to customers next week.