Apple unveils AirPods Pro 3 with heart sensor & live translation
Apple has announced the AirPods Pro 3 headphones, introducing a range of new features, design changes, and technical updates.
The AirPods Pro 3 feature a new multiport acoustic architecture and promise significant improvements in both active noise cancellation and fit. According to Apple, the headphones now remove up to twice as much noise as the previous generation and four times more than the original AirPods Pro.
Describing the company's approach, John Ternus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, stated,
"With AirPods Pro 3, the most popular headphones take a massive leap forward, providing fantastic sound quality and the world's best ANC of any in-ear wireless headphones. Combined with an improved fit that provides greater stability for even more people, heart rate sensing, extended battery life, and Live Translation enabled by Apple Intelligence, AirPods Pro 3 take personal audio to the next level."
Active noise cancellation
Apple claims the AirPods Pro 3 offer "the world's best ANC of any in-ear wireless headphones." The inclusion of ultra-low noise microphones and advanced computational audio, in conjunction with new foam-infused ear tips, is aimed at further reducing environmental noise during use. The headphones also support a more personalised Transparency mode, which allows users to better hear their surroundings when required.
Apple reports that when using active noise cancellation, AirPods Pro 3 deliver up to eight hours of music playback, which represents a 33 per cent increase over the previous generation.
In-ear fit and design adjustments
The company states that development was informed by more than 10,000 ear scans and over 100,000 hours of user research. These data contributed to a re-engineering of the internal architecture, resulting in each AirPod being made smaller with external ear tip geometry aligned to the centre of the device for increased stability. The new foam-infused ear tips are available in five sizes, including a new XXS size.
AirPods Pro 3 are advertised as suitable for exercise and outdoor use, with an IP57 rating for sweat and water resistance.
Fitness integration and heart rate sensing
The AirPods Pro 3 are equipped with what Apple describes as its smallest custom-built heart rate sensor. This sensor uses infrared photoplethysmography, pulsing light 256 times per second to measure blood flow absorption. These readings can be combined with data from the devices' accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS in conjunction with an iPhone to track multiple workout types, monitor heart rate and calories, and provide access to new fitness features in the Fitness app.
Additional motivation for Apple Fitness+ users comes with the ability to display real-time performance metrics, including heart rate, calorie burn, progress on the Move ring, and the Burn Bar, through the AirPods Pro 3 during workouts.
Live Translation features
Apple is introducing Live Translation on AirPods Pro 3, supporting in-person communication across several languages. This functionality is powered by the company's computational audio and Apple Intelligence capability. When enabled, the feature allows users to converse in different languages, with the iPhone acting as a horizontal display to transcribe and translate speech. If both parties are wearing AirPods with Live Translation, the headphones lower the volume of the other person's speech to improve clarity of the translation.
The languages initially supported are English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with Italian, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese expected to be included by the end of the year.
Environmental considerations
According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 3 contain 40 per cent recycled content, with 100 per cent recycled cobalt in the battery and 65 per cent recycled plastic in the case. The manufacturing process is powered by 40 per cent renewable electricity, and packaging is entirely fibre-based for ease of recycling.
Pricing and availability
The AirPods Pro 3 will be available to customers in Australia and more than 50 additional countries. The recommended retail price is AUD $429 including GST. Pre-orders are now open, with in-store availability commencing on Friday, 19 September. For full functionality, an Apple device running the latest operating system is required.
Apple is offering three months of complimentary subscriptions to Apple Music and Apple Fitness+ to new subscribers purchasing AirPods Pro 3. AppleCare+ is available for purchase, covering accidental damage, battery replacement, and access to 24/7 support from Apple specialists.
