While Apple has typically focussed on audio quality when it comes to its AirPods range, the latest release, AirPods Pro 3, add heart rate tracking as well as Live Translation in addition to improved noise cancellation.
Apple says its new active noise cancellation tech can remove twice as much background noise as previous generations. The design has been updated for better fit while people are active – an important consideration given the new heart rate monitoring will likely encourage more people to wear them while working out.
Apple says the AirPods Pro 3 have a new multiport acoustic architecture that enhances how airflow carries sound into the ear. And a next-generation Adaptive EQ transforms the bass response, widens the soundstage so users hear every instrument with vivid vocal clarity whether your listening to music, watching a movie or TV show, or on a call.
The improved active noise cancellation is made possible by ultra-low noise microphones, advanced computational audio and new foam-infused ear tips for greater passive noise isolation. The enhanced design comes from 10,000 ear scans with more than 100,000 hours of user research. The new foam-infused ear tips that now come in five sizes including a new XXS size for better in-ear fit
Battery life also gets a boost with AirPods Pro 3 able to deliver up to eight hours of music playback – a 33% increase over the previous generation.
In-ear heart rate monitoring
Apple says that more people exercise with AirPods Pro than any other headphones in the world. The AirPods Pro 3 have Apple’s smallest custom-built heart rate sensor that uses a custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that shines invisible infrared light pulses 256 times per second to measure light absorption in blood flow.
Combined with data from the AirPods Pro accelerometers, gyroscope, GPS, and a new on-device AI model on iPhone, users can start up to 50 different workout types, track their heart rate and calories burned, close their Move ring, and earn awards in the Fitness app. Previously, this kind of functionality required an Apple Watch.
With AirPods Pro 3 and iPhone, users will also have access to Workout Buddy, a first-of-its-kind fitness experience powered by Apple Intelligence that incorporates a user’s workout data and their fitness history to generate personalised, motivational insights during their session. And Apple Fitness+ subscribers with AirPods Pro 3 can also view real-time performance metrics directly onscreen, such as heart rate, calories burned, progress on their Move ring, and the Burn Bar.
Live Translation Comes to AirPods
AirPods Pro 3 get Live Translation, which is currently in beta, for in-person communication across select languages. Live Translation on AirPods is available in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, and will be coming to Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) by the end of the year.
Pricing and Availability
You can pre-order AirPods Pro 3 today, with availability in stores beginning Friday, 19 September. AirPods Pro 3 prices start at $429. You’ll need an Apple device running the latest operating system software to get the full set of features in the AirPods Pro 3.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.