AirPods Pro 3 are the third generation of Apple’s flagship earbuds, released in September 2025. Many immediately started comparing them with AirPods 4 and were surprised by the results. The update turned out to be much more significant than the exterior might suggest: improved noise cancellation, a built-in heart rate monitor, redesigned fit, and increased battery life. In this article, we’ll break down all the key changes and help you understand whether the AirPods Pro 3 upgrade is worth the money — especially if you already own AirPods Pro 2.
AirPods Pro 3: why the upgrade is worth it
Differences Between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2
At first glance, AirPods Pro 3 look nearly identical to their predecessor — the same white body, the same in-ear form factor. But there are some visual differences between AirPods 3 and AirPods 2.
At the very least, the earbuds differ in shape and it’s noticeable
AirPods Pro 3 deliver best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC), eliminating up to 2 times more external noise than the previous generation AirPods Pro and up to 4 times more than the original AirPods Pro. The updated design helps the earbuds sit better in the ear and provides greater stability during activities like running, HIIT workouts, and yoga.
Here are the main differences between the third and second generations:
- Twice as powerful noise cancellation — a new acoustic system with multiple ports and updated microphones suppress external sounds noticeably more effectively.
- Built-in heart rate monitor — for the first time, users can measure their heart rate and track over 50 types of workouts through the Fitness app on iPhone.
- Improved fit — Apple analyzed thousands of different ear shapes and made the AirPods Pro 3 form more universal. The ear tips have changed: five pairs are now included, and acoustic foam is located beneath the silicone.
- IP57 water resistance instead of IPX4 — while AirPods Pro 2 had splash resistance (IPX4), Pro 3 received full IP57 — dust protection and the ability to withstand brief submersion in water.
- Up to 8 hours of battery life with ANC — AirPods Pro 3 last up to 8 hours with noise cancellation enabled (versus 6 on the previous version) and up to 10 hours in transparency mode.
- Live Translation feature — real-time conversation translation comes to AirPods, helping you communicate with people who speak a different language.
How to Update AirPods Pro 3 Firmware
Apple regularly releases firmware updates for AirPods Pro 3 that fix bugs and improve stability. In March 2026, firmware version 8B39 for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4 was released. Keeping track of the firmware version is a good habit: it’s through firmware updates that Apple sometimes adds important features — for example, real-time speech translation or the ability to function as a hearing aid.
AirPods Pro 3 don’t have an “Update Firmware” button in the settings. The update happens automatically — when certain conditions are met. To speed up the process, follow these steps:
Make sure to connect the earbuds to a charger and place them in the case
- Make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac has the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS installed and that Bluetooth is enabled. The earbuds must be connected via Bluetooth.
- Connect the device to Wi-Fi. Plug the charging case into power. Place the AirPods in the case and close the lid. Keep the case within Bluetooth range.
- Wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
- Open the case lid to reconnect the AirPods to the device.
To check the current firmware version: open Settings — Bluetooth, tap the “i” button next to your AirPods name, and scroll down to the “About This Device” section — the firmware version will be listed there.
The firmware version is shown in the AirPods settings
If the firmware version hasn’t changed after completing all the steps, leave the AirPods in the case on the charger for 30–60 minutes. Restart your iPhone or iPad. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the earbuds in Bluetooth.
Do AirPods Pro 3 Fall Out of Your Ears
The fit is one of the main improvements in the third generation that’s hard to evaluate from specs on paper. The change in body shape and shifting the ear tip toward the center allowed for more even pressure distribution and eliminated the tension felt during prolonged use of AirPods Pro 2. The earbuds have become more comfortable for watching videos, conversations, and listening to music.
Thanks to the new shape, the earbuds stay in your ears much better
The ear tips have also changed: five pairs are now included (instead of four), including a new XXS size. Beneath the silicone sits a special acoustic foam that improves sound quality and seal. The foam provides a tighter fit while keeping ears from getting tired as quickly.
The complete redesign of the AirPods Pro 3 architecture was the result of hours of research, gathering user feedback, and thousands of ear canal measurements. Apple claims these earbuds fit more people than any previous AirPods model.
The case for the third version is slightly larger but lighter — about 44 g versus nearly 51 g for the Pro 2. The difference is noticeable in your pocket, especially if you carry the case every day.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode in AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 can eliminate twice as much external noise as AirPods Pro 2, and are nearly four times more effective than the original Pro. This result was achieved thanks to an enhanced acoustic system with multiple ports that optimizes airflow and boosts bass.
AirPods Pro 3 active noise cancellation is effective even on a noisy street or in the subway
