According to a recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the upcoming model will undergo a significant design overhaul and feature notable upgrades in audio quality, health tracking, and active noise cancellation.

Although Apple has not disclosed many details, reports indicate that both the earbuds and the charging case will be redesigned to include new features. This mirrors the changes made with last year’s AirPods 4, which launched with a smaller case and updated aesthetics.

Apple has a track record of boosting audio quality with each new iteration, and the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are no exception. Expect further refinements to Active Noise Cancellation, which has already seen steady improvements across AirPods generations. Some reports suggest Apple is working on enhancements to deliver an even more immersive listening experience. The current USB-C Apple AirPods Pro 2 introduced lossless audio for the Vision Pro (Apple’s mixed-reality headset designed for immersive experiences and augmented reality applications), so will Apple be integrating further spatial audio refinements and enhanced compatibility with future mixed-reality devices?

At the heart of these upgrades will likely be a new Apple H3 chip, replacing the current H2. The H-series chips power everything from Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive EQ, and Siri integration to fast device switching, and an upgraded H3 chip could unlock improved range, battery life, and on-device processing for new health features.

Apple’s long-term strategy to integrate health monitoring across its product ecosystem appears to be expanding to the Apple AirPods Pro 3. Patent filings suggest the next-generation earbuds could include heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing, giving users more access to fitness and wellness data without needing an Apple Watch. Apple has already introduced hearing assistance features with the Apple AirPods Pro 2, including the functionality of mild-to-moderate hearing aids.

A recent Apple patent filed with the US  Patent and Trademark Office reveals a touch-sensitive sensor that detects vertical swipe gestures, even through gloves. This could enhance volume control and playback for the Apple AirPods Pro 3. Apple is also exploring the integration of cameras into future AirPods, possibly releasing them between 2026 and 2027. This feature could enable real-time environmental awareness and augmented reality applications.

If Apple follows its historical release cycle, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 will arrive alongside the next-generation iPhone 17, which is projected to launch in September 2025. With Apple's increasing focus on the Vision Pro—its mixed-reality headset designed for immersive experiences and augmented reality applications—and on spatial computing, which integrates digital and physical environments, allowing users to interact with virtual objects in real-world spaces, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are expected to play a significant role in the company’s evolving ecosystem.

Claims of superior audio quality, improved health tracking, and enhanced user experience sound promising. As always, we will reserve our final judgment until we can experience them firsthand.