Apple Unveils AirPods Pro 3 with 400% Improved Noise Cancellation and Heart Rate Monitoring

Apple has launched the AirPods Pro 3, the company's first major update to its wireless earbuds lineup in three years. The new model introduces several enhancements, including a heart rate monitoring feature, improved noise cancellation, and a more comfortable fit.

The AirPods Pro 3 is priced at 249 dollars and will be available for pre-order starting September 9, with shipping beginning on September 19. The new earbuds feature a heart rate sensor that works in conjunction with an iPhone to track the user's pulse and measure calorie burn during workouts. This feature is designed to support over 50 different types of exercises, making it a versatile tool for fitness enthusiasts. The heart rate monitoring is achieved through LED optical sensors that emit light pulses into the ear canal, measuring changes in blood flow to calculate heart rate data. This data can be automatically synced with Apple Health and third-party fitness applications.

In addition to the new health features, the AirPods Pro 3 boasts improved active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. The ANC system adjusts the volume of the speakers to reduce background noise, enhancing the listening experience. The earbuds are equipped with advanced microphones and the latest H3 chip, which focuses on processing sensor data and optimizing power efficiency. While the H3 chip typically indicates improved audio performance, the primary upgrade in this iteration is centered around health monitoring capabilities.

The design of the AirPods Pro 3 has been refined for better comfort and fit. The earbuds feature a redesigned structure with adjusted curve angles and material distribution, ensuring a more secure and comfortable fit. The charging case has also been updated with a touch control area on the front, allowing users to swipe to change tracks, pause playback, and adjust the volume. The new earbuds come with additional ear tip sizes to better accommodate a wider range of users.

Apple's introduction of heart rate monitoring in the AirPods Pro 3 aligns with the company's broader strategy of transforming its high-end AirPods into intelligent health devices. This shift began with the addition of hearing aid and hearing test features in the previous generation. The heart rate monitoring feature could also help drive sales of Apple's Fitness+ subscription service and serve as an entry point for more expensive devices like the Apple Watch. Earlier this year, Apple integrated similar heart rate monitoring capabilities into its Beats brand earphones.

Apple first introduced the AirPods Pro in 2019, adding noise cancellation and improving sound quality. These features were further enhanced in the AirPods Pro 2, released in 2022. According to Apple, the latest version offers four times the noise cancellation of the original AirPods Pro. The new earbuds also feature a longer battery life, with up to eight hours of playback time when listening to music, compared to six hours in the previous model.

With the AirPods Pro 3, Apple continues to push the boundaries of what earbuds can do, integrating advanced health monitoring features with superior audio performance. The new model is set to appeal to a wide range of users, from fitness enthusiasts to those seeking a more immersive listening experience. As the market for smart earbuds continues to grow, the AirPods Pro 3 is poised to maintain Apple's leadership position in this competitive space.