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AirPods Pro 3 arrive with heart-rate sensing and live translation using AppleIntelligence
Apple unveiled the AirPods Pro 3 at its 'Awe-dropping' event, featuring heart-rate tracking, enhanced audio, and a more compact charging case. Priced at $249, they are available for pre-order, with a release date of September 19. Key features include improved active noise cancellation and live translation capabilities. Speculation surrounds a potential high-end variant expected in 2026 with advanced features.
Key points
- Apple launched AirPods Pro 3 on Tuesday.
- They feature heart-rate tracking using LED sensors, syncing with Apple’s Fitness app.
- Improvements include active noise cancellation, removing double the noise compared to Pro 2.
- Live translation is enabled via iOS 26 while using AirPods for multilingual conversations.
- The earbuds are designed to fit better, including new foam ear tips in five sizes.
- The pricing is set at $249, with pre-orders now open and a release on September 19.
- Speculation exists about a high-end second version with advanced features expected in 2026.
Why it matters
- The introduction of health and fitness tracking features aligns with the rising trend of integrating health tech in consumer electronics.
- There’s a growing demand for wearables to offer multifunctionality, similar to Apple Watch.
- Live translation capabilities reflect advancements in AI and language processing, significant trends expected to grow through 2025.
The AirPods Pro 3 represent a significant step for Apple in merging health technology with audio products, indicating the company's focus on innovative features in wearables, while also setting the stage for future high-end models.