4 standout AirPods Pro 3 features that convinced me I need to upgrade

Alongside the new iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air, Apple officially unveiled the AirPods Pro 3 at its “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, 2025. While the new AirPods Pro 3 don’t look much different from their predecessor at first glance, Apple has packed in several upgrades to its flagship earbuds.

As for me, I’ve been avoiding AirPods ever since their launch in 2017. While much of that had to do with not diving deeper into Apple’s walled garden, it looks like Apple has finally done enough to convince me. After years of avoiding AirPods, I might just give in and buy the AirPods Pro 3 this time around.

4

I can track my workouts without wearing a smartwatch

The new built-in heart rate monitor covers everyday fitness needs

Apple

I’ve been an active fitness tracker user until recently. From the new Whoop MG to the Pixel Watch 3 and even basic trackers like the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3, I’ve tried them all and used them to track my workouts extensively over the past couple of years.

Lately, though, I’ve been drifting away from the whole workout-tracking routine. Tracking workouts and recovery has started to feel more like a burden than a help for either fitness or recovery, but the AirPods Pro 3 comes with one major upgrade that might be perfect for me.

One of the biggest upgrades in the AirPods Pro 3 is the new heart rate sensor. Apple has added a small heart rate sensor directly into the AirPods Pro, using which the earbuds can track basic workouts, including running, walking, yoga, and even HIIT sessions, all through the Fitness app on the iPhone.

For someone like me who occasionally likes to track runs and calories burned, this AirPods Pro 3 feature could be exactly what I need, especially since I’m already wearing earbuds during workouts. The accuracy of tracking is something that remains to be seen, though.

3

Active Noise Cancellation is even better this time

Apple says ANC is 2x better than AirPods Pro 2

Apple

When it comes to noise cancellation on in-ear earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are often regarded as the gold standard. Many competitors like the Bose QuietComfort and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have come close, but the AirPods Pro remain a class apart.

Apple is building further on this momentum. According to the company, the AirPods Pro 3 deliver twice the ANC of the AirPods Pro 2, which were already best in class. Apple says this is possible thanks to ultra-low-noise microphones and new foam-infused ear tips for even better noise isolation.

If these claims hold true, Apple will once again surpass all other earbud makers in this category, and with improved ANC, the AirPods Pro 3 might just become my go-to earbuds for flights and daily commutes.

2

Durability has finally improved with the AirPods Pro 3

Sweat, water, and daily wear don’t feel like a threat anymore

Apple

While the AirPods Pro 3 look similar to the AirPods Pro 2, one of the biggest changes to the build is improved durability. The AirPods Pro 3 carry an IP57 dust and water resistance rating, meaning they’re not only sweat- and splash-proof for workouts but can also be used in the rain.

As per the official rating, the AirPods Pro 3 should withstand heavy rain and even submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. So if you drop your earbuds in the water, in a pool, or wear them to the beach, the AirPods Pro 3 should survive just fine.

While I love the Pixel Buds Pro 2, they only have an IP54 dust and water resistance rating, so I need to be slightly careful where I use them. With the AirPods Pro 3, that constant worry might finally go away.

1

Battery life is now on par with other flagship earbuds

I can finally get through a full flight without worrying about a charge

Apple

Another major but under-the-radar upgrade on the AirPods Pro 3 is improved battery life. Apple’s competing earbuds, like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Pixel Buds Pro 2, both offer up to 8 hours of battery on a single charge with ANC turned on.

The AirPods Pro 2, however, lagged behind at just 6 hours of battery life with ANC turned on. While you could technically stretch it to 8, that was only by turning off ANC — and that experience is never the same.

With the AirPods Pro 3, Apple has finally matched the competition, offering 8 hours of battery life with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the case. This makes long-haul flights of around 8 hours much more bearable, whereas with the previous generation I often had to recharge mid-flight.

The AirPods Pro 3 also retain the same magnetic wireless charging as before, making on-the-go charging convenient.

I’m finally ready to buy the AirPods Pro 3

These are some of the upgrades on the AirPods Pro 3 that have finally won me over. But these aren’t all — there are other improvements I’m looking forward to, including the improved design, which Apple claims to be smaller than before, yet stable, as well as Live Translate, which could be useful when traveling abroad.

Although it’s been reported that the Live Translate feature is also coming to the previous generation AirPods Pro 2 as well as AirPods 4.

Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 are still expensive at $249, but the upgrades are compelling enough to make me consider switching this time. If not, I might just stick with my Pixel Buds Pro 2, which have served me well for over a year.