Apple has not introduced any new paint job to the AirPods Pro 3, which might make average consumers believe that there are not a significant number of changes between the newer wireless premium earbuds and the AirPods Pro 2, but that is where they are sorely mistaken. We have highlighted seven key differences between the two products to help you decide which one you want to make your daily driver. If you are going to skip through all the differences and want to view a detailed table showcasing all the necessary details, you can scroll down.
New foam-infused eartips
For the first time, Apple has brought what it likes to call ‘foam-infused’ eartips to the AirPods Pro 3. These additions provide a better seal for your ear and includes more sizes such as XXS to accommodate different a wide range of customers.
Better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Before the AirPods Pro 3 were officially announced, a common rumor doing the rounds was that these would offer twice the Active Noise Cancellation compared to the AirPods Pro 2. With the new eartips coupled with the upgraded sound algorithms, Apple has successfully made its flagship wireless earbuds cancel more noise, all while retaining the same H2 chip.
Improved Transparency Mode
Apple introduces a new ‘Next-Gen Transparency’ mode with the AirPods Pro 3. The feature leverages the new microphones to make your voice and ambient sounds more natural, leading to higher-quality conversations. With this mode enabled, the newer wireless earbuds obtain a 67 percent boost in battery life, lasting for up to 10 hours on a full charge.
Better dust and water-resistance rating
Compared to the AirPods Pro 2’s IP54 rating, the AirPods Pro 3 are IP57 dust and water-resistant. Apple states that its new earphones can withstand submersion in water for up to 1 meter for a 30-minute duration. The AirPods Pro 3 also sport better protection against sweat during those taxing workout sessions.
Increased battery life for each individual AirPods Pro 3 earbuds
Improved endurance is one of the biggest perks you will experience with the new AirPods Pro 3. With ANC enabled, the latest wireless earbuds can last for up to 8 hours on a single charge, and, as mentioned above, up to 10 hours with Transparency Mode enabled. This is higher than the AirPods Pro 2’s runtime of 6 hours with ANC active.
While you get better battery life with each separate AirPods Pro 3, the charging case accompanied with these does not have better battery life compared to the AirPods Pro 2’s case. Where you can get a total of 30 hours of listening with the AirPods Pro 2, you will experience a 25 percent reduction with the AirPods Pro 3, because with the charging case, you can only net 24 hours.
Whether it is the inclusion of a smaller battery, or the existence of the U2 chip, which might consume more power, we cannot confirm at this time, but if you plan on getting the AirPods Pro 3, know that you will receive fewer ‘top ups.’
Heart-rate sensor
For the first time, Apple has brought a heart-rate sensor to the AirPods Pro 3 as the company expands its health-focused features to different products. Apple says the new earbuds are equipped with a custom-built photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, which pulses invisible infrared light 256 times per second into your ear canal. The light absorption in the blood flow then calculates the heart rate.
New U2 chip
It was assumed that the AirPods Pro 3 would be treated to the new in-house H3 chip, but Apple had different intentions and incorporated a new U2 silicon in the wireless charging case. This is the company’s second-generation ultra-wideband chip that upgrades the accessory’s location tracking capabilities. Users can get up to a 3x longer tracking range and can locate the device by up to 200 feet, or 60 meters.
You will also get directional guidance and distance estimates when you fire up the Find My app, making tracking the AirPods Pro 3 case a breeze. A speaker is present that plays sounds that are audible enough for you to find it if you are unable to locate it using the location tracker.
When you purchase a pair of AirPods Pro 3 for the first time, you will notice that there is no charging cable included in the packaging, and that is because, for the sake of the environment, or that is what it claims, Apple is not including the freebie. Then again, it is not that big of a deal since you will likely use the one from your collection.