If you’re walking around with a pair of AirPods Pro 2 in your ears right now, you might be feeling that familiar itch. You know the one. It’s that "is there something better out already?" feeling that Apple is so good at cultivating. Honestly, the AirPods Pro 2 have been a powerhouse, especially after that mid-cycle USB-C refresh and the surprise hearing aid software update. But technology doesn't sit still.
The question isn't just "when will AirPods Pro 3 come out," it’s whether they are actually here yet or still just a ghost in the rumor mill.
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Well, the short answer is: they’re officially out. Apple dropped the AirPods Pro 3 on September 19, 2025. If you’ve been scouring the web and seeing dates for 2026, you’re likely seeing old reports or looking at the rumored "Pro 3 with cameras" refresh that analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has been hinting at for next year. But for the core third-generation flagship? It’s on the shelves.
The September surprise that wasn't a surprise
We’ve seen a pattern with Apple's "Pro" line. The original Pros launched in October 2019. Then we waited nearly three years for the second generation in September 2022. Following that logic, a late 2025 release was always the safest bet. Apple basically confirmed this by sticking to their fall event cadence.
They debuted alongside the iPhone 17.
What’s interesting is how the rumor mill actually got most of it right. Mark Gurman at Bloomberg was banging the drum for a 2025 release for months, even when others were hedging their bets on 2026. The 2026 date that people are still talking about is actually tied to a different internal project—infrared cameras for spatial computing.
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What actually changed in the AirPods Pro 3?
It’s not just a new case. Although, the case is kinda different. Apple ditched the physical pairing button on the back, moving to a touch-capacitive surface similar to what they did with the AirPods 4. It looks cleaner, though I’ll be honest, I miss the "click" sometimes.
Here is the real meat of the update:
- The H3 Chip: This is the brain. It’s faster and handles the "Adaptive Audio" switching much more gracefully than the H2 did.
- The Heart Rate Sensor: This was the "big one." There is a tiny PPG sensor (photoplethysmography, if you want to be nerdy about it) that pulses infrared light into your ear canal. It tracks your heart rate while you work out.
- Double the ANC: Apple claims the noise cancellation is twice as good. In the real world? It's noticeably quieter on planes, but it won't make a screaming baby disappear entirely.
- New Foam-Infused Tips: They added an XXS size. Five sizes in total now. The foam infusion makes the seal way tighter, which is probably where most of that "2x ANC" actually comes from.
Is the heart rate thing even accurate?
I’ve seen some reviews—like the one from DC Rainmaker—where they compared the AirPods Pro 3 sensor to a dedicated chest strap. It's surprisingly close. Because the ear is a great place to measure blood flow (it’s thin skin and lots of capillaries), it’s actually more consistent than a wrist-based watch during certain movements.
However, it’s a battery hog. If you keep heart rate tracking on all day, you aren't getting those advertised 8 hours of battery life. You’ll be lucky to hit 5.
The weird 2026 camera rumors
You might have heard that "AirPods Pro 3" are coming in 2026 with cameras. This is where things get confusing.
The model currently in stores (the one released in late 2025) does not have cameras. Ming-Chi Kuo, the supply chain whisperer, has stated that Apple is working on infrared cameras for AirPods to help with Vision Pro integration. The idea is that the earbuds could "see" the room to improve Spatial Audio or help with hand gestures in VR.
Basically, there might be a "Pro 3.5" or a refreshed version in 2026. But if you buy the current ones now, you aren't buying "old" tech—you're just buying the version without the creepy-sounding ear cameras.
Why the price stayed at $249
Apple is nothing if not consistent with their pricing. Despite adding a heart rate sensor and a more expensive H3 chip, they kept the price at $249.
In the UK, it actually dropped slightly to £219.
They can afford to do this because the AirPods Pro 2 are still being sold at a discount (usually around $169-$189), creating a clear "Good, Better, Best" ladder with the AirPods 4.
Should you actually upgrade?
If you have the original AirPods Pro from 2019? Yes. Your batteries are probably dying anyway. The jump in sound quality and noise cancellation will feel like magic.
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If you have the AirPods Pro 2? Honestly, probably not. Unless you are a fitness nut who hates wearing an Apple Watch but wants heart rate data, the Pro 2 is still 90% of the experience. The "Live Translation" feature that Apple touted as a Pro 3 exclusive actually trickled down to the Pro 2 via a firmware update anyway.
What to do next
If you are looking to buy, don't wait for a 2026 model unless you specifically want the infrared camera features for a Vision Pro headset. The current AirPods Pro 3 are the definitive version for the next two years.
Check the model number before you buy to ensure you aren't getting old stock of the Pro 2. You want to look for the model with the "foam-infused" tips and the heart rate toggle in the iOS settings. Also, keep an eye on Amazon and Best Buy; we've already seen them dip to $229 during holiday sales, which is the sweet spot for these buds.