Key Highlights
- The upcoming Apple AirPods Pro 3 are expected to launch in 2025, not 2024.
- A major new feature will likely be a heart-rate sensor, integrating health monitoring directly into the wireless earbuds.
- Expect significant upgrades in performance, including improved active noise cancellation (ANC) powered by a new H3 chip.
- The design is expected to remain similar, but with a USB-C charging case and potential tweaks to touch controls.
- Other rumored health features include body temperature sensing and advanced hearing aid functionalities.
Introduction
The anticipation for the next generation of Apple’s flagship earbuds is building. While the AirPods Pro 2 set a high standard for audio quality and performance, the upcoming AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to push the boundaries further by venturing deeper into health and wellness. The most talked-about upgrade is the potential inclusion of a heart-rate sensor, a feature that could transform your wireless earbuds into a powerful fitness tracker. How will this integrate with your other Apple devices like the Apple Watch and the Health app?
AirPods Pro 3 Release Timeline and India Launch Expectations
If you were hoping to get your hands on the new Apple AirPods Pro this year, you might have to wait a bit longer. Despite a busy 2024 for Apple with updates to other AirPods models, the third-generation Pro model was notably absent. All signs now point toward a 2025 release.
This timeline aligns with Apple’s previous launch cycle, creating a roughly three-year gap between major Pro releases. While a global launch is expected first, an India launch would likely follow soon after, with price predictions staying close to the current generation. Let’s look at the latest leaks and price expectations.
Latest leaks on global and Indian market release
According to prominent Apple analyst Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, we shouldn’t expect the AirPods Pro 3 until 2025. His reports suggest that “a new version of the AirPods Pro is coming as soon as next year.” This aligns perfectly with Apple’s historical release pattern for its premium wireless earbuds. The first generation arrived in late 2019, followed by the second generation in September 2022. A 2025 launch would mark a similar three-year interval.
Further evidence supporting a 2025 release comes from code found within iOS 26, which directly references the name ‘AirPods Pro 3’. Since iOS 26 is slated for a fall launch, it fuels speculation that the new earbuds could be unveiled alongside it.
As for the India launch, Apple typically releases its products in the Indian market shortly after the global announcement. Therefore, you can expect the Apple AirPods Pro 3 to become available in India within a few weeks of its international debut.
Price predictions and availability
When it comes to the price of the AirPods Pro 3, most industry insiders believe Apple will stick to its current pricing structure. The AirPods Pro 2 launched at $249, and it’s likely the new generation will debut at a similar price point in the US market.
However, it’s worth noting that competitors like Sony have increased the price of their premium wireless earbuds with new releases. If Apple introduces significant new features, such as the rumored heart-rate sensor and a more powerful H3 chip, a slight price adjustment wouldn’t be entirely surprising.
Here’s a quick look at the expected pricing compared to the previous generation:
| Model | Launch Price (US) | Expected Price (US) |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro 2 | $249 | – |
| AirPods Pro 3 | – | Around $249 |
Availability will likely follow Apple’s standard rollout, with the earbuds available for purchase shortly after their official announcement in 2025.
Rumored Design Changes and Sensor Placement
While the AirPods Pro 3 are poised for major internal upgrades, don’t expect a radical cosmetic overhaul. Apple’s iconic bud-and-stem design is tried and tested, and it’s unlikely to change dramatically. The focus appears to be on refining the existing form factor to accommodate new technology.
The primary design challenge will be integrating new sensors for features like heart-rate monitoring without compromising the fit or comfort. These changes will likely be subtle but crucial for unlocking the new health-tracking capabilities. We’ll explore where these sensors might go and what other small upgrades you can expect.
Possible cosmetic upgrades and fit for heart-rate monitoring
The AirPods Pro 3 will probably look very similar to their predecessors. You can expect the same smooth, white finish and stem-based design that has become iconic. Placing the second and third-generation models side-by-side might reveal very few external differences. However, Apple has filed patents that hint at some functional refinements.
These potential upgrades focus on improving user interaction and performance, which are essential for a device intended for both listening and health tracking. Key changes could include:
- Redesigned Touch Controls: A patent suggests a new external touch sensor that allows for vertical swipe gestures, possibly for volume control, which might even work while wearing gloves.
- New Air Vent: Part of a new patent filing shows a redesigned air vent, which could be engineered to improve the effectiveness of active noise cancellation.
As for new colors, it’s highly unlikely. Apple has maintained the classic white for its in-ear AirPods, and that tradition is expected to continue. The fit will remain a priority, ensuring the earbuds are snug enough for accurate heart-rate monitoring during workouts.
Where would the heart-rate sensor be integrated?
So, where exactly would Apple place a heart-rate sensor in a device so small? The technology is expected to be adapted directly from the Apple Watch. This involves using LED optical sensors that make contact with your skin to measure blood flow.
In the case of the AirPods Pro, these sensors would be integrated into the body of the earbuds. The placement would be critical, ensuring they make consistent contact with the skin inside your ear canal. This area is excellent for gathering biometric data, as it is less affected by external light and movement compared to the wrist.
Other rumors have suggested that future AirPods could even detect body temperature from the ear canal. This points to Apple’s strategy of turning its wireless earbuds into comprehensive health devices, with the sensors cleverly hidden within the existing design, requiring minimal cosmetic upgrades.
Heart-Rate Sensor Technology in AirPods Pro 3
The rumored heart-rate sensor in the AirPods Pro 3 isn’t just a gimmick; it’s based on proven technology that Apple has already perfected in its other wearables. The system will likely use photoplethysmography (PPG), the same optical technology found in the Apple Watch, to track your pulse.
This involves shining LED light onto the skin and measuring the amount of light that is reflected. Since blood absorbs more light, the fluctuations in reflected light correspond to your heart rate. The challenge is implementing this technology accurately in such a small device. Let’s look at how this could work in real-time and compare its accuracy to other devices.
How could Apple implement real-time heart-rate tracking?
Implementing real-time heart-rate tracking in the AirPods Pro 3 would leverage Apple’s existing health ecosystem. The earbuds would be equipped with tiny LED optical sensors that pulse light more than 100 times per second against the skin inside your ear. These sensors detect changes in blood flow, which are then translated into heart-rate data.
This process would happen continuously, allowing you to monitor your heart rate live during a workout, a run, or even just throughout your day. The raw data captured by the sensors would be processed by the new H3 chip, ensuring speed and accuracy.
All of this information would then sync seamlessly and wirelessly to the Health app on your iPhone or Apple Watch. This integration means your heart-rate data from your AirPods Pro would be stored alongside all your other health metrics, giving you a complete picture of your fitness and well-being.
Accuracy compared to smartwatches and existing health wearables
How accurate can a sensor in your ear be? While the ear is a viable location for measuring heart rate, the Apple Watch will likely remain the gold standard within Apple’s ecosystem. The compiled information suggests a clear hierarchy for data collection.
If you are wearing both an Apple Watch and the new AirPods Pro, fitness apps will default to using the data from the Apple Watch. This indicates that while the AirPods Pro will provide convenient and fairly accurate readings, the watch is still considered the primary and most reliable health device.
Here’s how the accuracy might stack up:
- Convenience: The AirPods Pro 3 will offer a great way to track heart rate when you don’t want to wear a watch.
- Primary Device: For serious athletes or those needing medical-grade precision, the Apple Watch will remain the superior choice.
- Data Integration: Both devices will feed data into the Health app, creating a more comprehensive health profile.
Conclusion
As we anticipate the release of the AirPods Pro 3, the heart-rate sensor has become a focal point of interest among tech enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike. With innovative design changes and advanced heart-rate tracking technology, Apple seems poised to enhance its audio products in ways that extend beyond sound quality. The potential for real-time heart-rate monitoring could revolutionize how users engage with their health and fitness, seamlessly integrating into daily routines. As we await more official details, keeping an eye on insider leaks and expert analyses will be crucial. If you want to stay updated on the latest developments regarding the AirPods Pro 3 and its features, make sure to follow our blog for ongoing insights and announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AirPods Pro 3 allow live heart-rate tracking during workouts?
Yes, the AirPods Pro 3 are expected to support live heart-rate tracking. The data from the optical sensors will sync in real-time with the Apple Health app and other fitness apps, allowing you to monitor your heart rate directly during workouts.
What other health and wellness features are expected in AirPods Pro 3?
Beyond heart rate, rumors suggest the AirPods Pro 3 could include sensors for detecting body temperature via the ear canal. Features like sleep and fertility tracking have also been discussed for future generations, along with advanced hearing aid functionalities.
Will new health apps come bundled with AirPods Pro 3?
It is unlikely that new, standalone health apps will be bundled with the AirPods Pro 3. Instead, the new health data from the earbud sensors will integrate seamlessly into the existing Apple Health app on your iPhone and iOS devices.
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