AirPods Pro 3 Expected This Year With Game-Changing Health Feature
Apple’s AirPods have become more than just wireless earbuds. Over the years, they’ve evolved into essential companions for music, calls, and even spatial audio experiences. Now, according to Bloomberg
A First for AirPods: Heart Rate Tracking
The new AirPods Pro 3 will reportedly include LED optical sensors that pulse more than 100 times per second to detect blood flow and measure heart rate. This is the same underlying technology Apple uses in the Apple Watch, adapted for earbuds.
This feature isn’t entirely new in Apple’s lineup. Earlier this year, Apple introduced heart rate monitoring on the Powerbeats Pro 2. When both earbuds are worn, they can collect continuous heart rate data, which integrates seamlessly with the iPhone’s Health app. For workouts, this data can also be shared with popular third-party fitness apps.
If users are wearing both an Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 3, Apple says apps will default to the Watch’s readings, which are generally more precise given their wrist placement. Still, having dual sensors in different devices opens the door to redundancy and cross-verification of data, improving accuracy over time.
Why Heart Rate Monitoring Matters
Heart rate tracking in earbuds is more than a novelty — it’s practical. For athletes, casual runners, or anyone mindful of their health, it means:
No longer relying solely on a smartwatch or chest strap for accurate readings.
More seamless workout logging, since you’ll likely be wearing AirPods anyway for music or podcasts.
A chance for Apple to expand its role in digital health and fitness tracking, reinforcing the iPhone as a hub for wellness data.
What Else to Expect From AirPods Pro 3
Beyond health features, the AirPods Pro 3 are expected to deliver several upgrades:
Improved Sound Quality: Apple is likely to refine its audio drivers for cleaner highs, richer mids, and deeper bass.
Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation: With smarter algorithms and possibly better microphones, ANC should improve in noisy environments.
Design Refinements: While Apple is unlikely to overhaul the iconic Pro design, subtle tweaks in comfort and durability are expected.
Deeper Integration with Apple Intelligence: With iOS 19 rolling out, the new earbuds may leverage Apple’s latest AI features for adaptive sound profiles or voice-based health insights.
Looking Back: The AirPods Pro Lineup
The AirPods Pro 2 launched in September 2022 and were refreshed in 2023 with a USB-C charging case and minor tweaks. They remain among Apple’s most popular accessories. However, three years later, the competition has caught up — with brands like Sony and Bose pushing boundaries in sound quality and noise cancellation.
The AirPods Pro 3 arrive at a time when Apple is under pressure to innovate, and health monitoring could provide a true differentiator.
The Bigger Picture: Apple’s Health Ambitions
Adding heart rate monitoring to AirPods Pro 3 fits neatly into Apple’s long-term strategy. The company has positioned itself as a leader in consumer health tech, starting with the Apple Watch’s heart sensors, ECG, and blood oxygen features. By expanding this functionality into earbuds, Apple strengthens its ecosystem and ensures users remain tied into HealthKit and Apple’s services.
It’s also a way to compete in a crowded earbud market: where sound quality is already excellent across brands, health and wellness features may become the next battleground.
Release Timeline and Outlook
Gurman expects the AirPods Pro 3 to launch later this year, likely during Apple’s fall event alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, new Apple Watches, and updated iPads. Pricing is expected to remain in the current Pro range, although the added health features could justify a slight bump.
With heart rate monitoring, better sound, and tighter AI integration, the AirPods Pro 3 could represent the biggest leap forward for Apple’s earbuds since their debut.
✨ Subscriber Insight: Apple’s push into health isn’t slowing down. By embedding sensors in everyday devices like AirPods, the company ensures that even casual users contribute to the ecosystem. For Apple, it’s not just about earbuds — it’s about turning every product into a health device.
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