During its iPhone 17 launch event, Apple introduced the highly anticipated AirPods Pro 3, which are available to purchase today. Prior to the keynote, some leaks suggested we might see bigger changes, including a design with much shorter stems. That didn’t materialize.
Instead, Apple delivered the rumored Live Translation feature, along with stronger ANC, longer battery life, and heart rate sensors. On paper, these all sound like welcome upgrades that could entice many users to opt for the new model. However, a closer look at the spec sheet reveals 7 reasons you may want to stick with the AirPods Pro 2.
Common tongues
Live Translation is one of the neat additions that certain rival brands have offered for a while. As its name suggests, the tool lets you convert someone’s speech from one language to another in real time. The AirPods Pro 3 will pick up the foreign phrases using the embedded mics, translate them to your preferred language, activate ANC to muffle the original speaker, and play the translated audio directly in your ears.
The Live Translation feature is available in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) to follow later this year. If the other party isn’t wearing AirPods, your iPhone can display translations of your speech for them to read and optionally read them out loud.
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We’re not downplaying how powerful and handy this utility can be for tourists and digital nomads, but it’s not exclusive to the AirPods Pro 3. Any AirPods 4 (with ANC) or AirPods Pro 2 user can take advantage of it. So, if you’re getting the latest earbuds for this particular feature, you don’t have to.
So 20H2
The availability of Apple’s new software features is generally tied to the device’s processor. For example, the Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and 11 all offer the same main watchOS perks, as they pack similar chipsets. Likewise, the H-branded chip embedded in Apple’s AirPods line typically dictates what new additions a certain model receives.
Apple first introduced the H2 chip when it launched the AirPods Pro 2 in late 2022. Naturally, some customers may assume the AirPods Pro 3 pack an upgraded, more powerful H3 variant. In reality, the AirPods Pro 3 reuse the H2 chip, which suggests that the Pro 2 and Pro 3 models will continue to receive similar feature updates. And when Apple eventually drops software support for the H2 chip, both models will likely stop receiving updates at the same time—despite the Pro 3 being three years newer. You shouldn’t pay a premium price in 2025 for 2022’s technology.
The case of missing hours
Apple boasted that the AirPods Pro 3 offer up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. Given these earbuds’ compact size, it’s honestly a significant improvement over the AirPods Pro 2’s 6-hour limit. What the company conveniently forgot to mention during the keynote, however, is the charging case’s reduced capacity.
When taking the charging case into account, the AirPods Pro 2 offer up to 30 hours of listening away from a power source. The AirPods Pro 3 downgrades said value to just 24 hours. My AirPods listening sessions rarely exceed 6 hours in a row. And, arguably, charging the AirPods case is less convenient than placing the AirPods themselves in their case for a quick charge. So, looking at the whole picture, I would say the AirPods Pro 3 downgrade the overall battery life coming from the Pro 2 model.
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A redundant beat
Another key AirPods Pro 3 hardware upgrade is the implementation of a heart rate monitor in each earbud. Like the Powerbeats Pro 2, users can now measure their heartbeats when recording workouts in compatible apps.
If you’re reading this, however, chances are you are an Apple enthusiast and already have the company’s smartwatch on your wrist. In this case, the AirPods Pro 3’s heart rate sensor is pointless, as your Apple Watch can collect the same data and more—and not just during exercise.
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Truly wireless
Ever since Apple completed its transition from Lightning to USB-C, I started placing multiple charging cables in different parts of the house. Whether I’m using my iPhone, iPad, or something, I can quickly top up its battery no matter what room I’m sitting in. Thus, I always appreciated the bundled cable in AirPods and other devices’ boxes, as it spared me from needing to pay for one out of pocket whenever a cord decayed.
Unfortunately, this generous tradition is coming to an end, as the AirPods Pro 3 no longer includes a charging cable in the box. You’ll need to buy one separately if needed.
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Sound value
Taking the above into consideration, if you’ve already got a pair of AirPods Pro 2, you may want to stick with them for the time being. Otherwise, if you’re an OG Pro user or buying your first pair, I’d advise you to check out Amazon, which is still selling the AirPods Pro 2 for $199, arguably a better deal than the full-priced AirPods Pro 3.
A new wave of control
The final reason to avoid the current AirPods Pro 3 is the upcoming iteration rumored to launch next year. If the reports materialize, Apple could release a higher-end AirPods Pro 3 edition in fall 2026, featuring IR cameras for gesture controls. Instead of clicking the stems to adjust music playback, you’d potentially be waving in the air.
To accommodate the new controls, the company could possibly introduce a more powerful H3 chip, which would future-proof the accessory for years to come. Logically, the rumored model could cost more than $249, but it would at least include a fresh batch of features to justify the price markup. Our advice? Especially if you have an Apple Watch, just wait for the rumored earbuds or settle for the AirPods Pro 2.
Author: Mahmoud Itani, Contributor, Macworld
For a decade, Mahmoud has rigorously evaluated Apple hardware and software. His current technological arsenal features an iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, MacBook Air M2, iPad Air M1, AirPods Pro 2, AirTag, Apple TV 4K 3, and HomePod Mini stereo pair. Outside of work, you’ll likely find him jogging at a park, swimming in open water, brainstorming at a coffeehouse, composing poetry on a rooftop, or merely lost in nature.