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Apple AirPods Pro 3 Release Date, Rumors, New Features

The article from CNET titled "New AirPods Pro 3 Coming in 2025: Rumors, Leaks and Everything We Know" provides a comprehensive overview of the anticipated release of Apple's next-generation AirPods Pro, expected to debut in 2025. Authored by David Carnoy and published on October 1, 2024, with updates as recent as October 30, 2024, the piece compiles rumors, leaks, and speculative insights about the AirPods Pro 3, while also contextualizing Apple's recent updates to its AirPods lineup. Below is an extensive summary of the content, aiming to cover all key points in detail while providing a thorough understanding of the topic.

The article begins by setting the stage with Apple's recent AirPods announcements in September 2024, during which the company unveiled the AirPods 4 and introduced new hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2. Notably, the AirPods Pro 2 received a software update to enable a hearing aid feature, positioning them as a potential over-the-counter hearing aid solution pending FDA approval. This update, alongside the release of the AirPods 4 (available in standard and Active Noise Cancellation variants), indicates Apple's ongoing commitment to evolving its audio product lineup. However, the focus of the article quickly shifts to the AirPods Pro 3, which are not expected to launch until 2025, as Apple typically spaces out major updates to its Pro models by two to three years. Given that the AirPods Pro 2 were released in September 2022, a 2025 release aligns with this pattern.

One of the primary sources of speculation cited in the article is Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a well-known Apple insider. Gurman suggests that the AirPods Pro 3 will undergo a significant redesign, marking the first major aesthetic overhaul since the original AirPods Pro debuted in 2019. While specific details about the design remain scarce, the article notes that Apple may aim to differentiate the Pro model further from the standard AirPods, potentially through a more compact or ergonomic form factor. This redesign is anticipated to enhance comfort and fit, addressing user feedback about long-term wearability. Additionally, there is speculation about new color options, though Apple has historically stuck to white for its AirPods lineup, with occasional deviations in related products like the Beats lineup.

Beyond design, the article delves into expected technological advancements for the AirPods Pro 3. A key area of focus is improved audio quality, with potential upgrades to drivers and sound processing for a richer listening experience. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is another anticipated enhancement, building on the already impressive capabilities of the AirPods Pro 2. The article suggests that Apple might integrate more advanced ANC algorithms to better suppress a wider range of ambient noises, further solidifying the Pro model's position as a premium offering. Additionally, there is mention of potential improvements to Transparency Mode, which allows users to hear their surroundings while wearing the earbuds, possibly incorporating more natural sound passthrough.

Health features are a significant point of discussion in the article, reflecting Apple's recent emphasis on wellness integration in its products. The AirPods Pro 2's hearing aid feature, introduced in 2024, sets a precedent for further health-related innovations in the AirPods Pro 3. Rumors suggest that the next iteration could include more sophisticated health sensors, such as those for monitoring heart rate or body temperature, similar to capabilities found in the Apple Watch. While the article acknowledges that such features are speculative, it highlights Apple's broader strategy of positioning its wearables as health-focused devices. This could also tie into integration with Apple’s Health app, providing users with more comprehensive data about their well-being directly from their earbuds.

Battery life is another area where improvements are expected. The AirPods Pro 2 currently offer up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, and the article speculates that the AirPods Pro 3 could push this further, potentially reaching 7 or 8 hours on a single charge. Enhancements to the charging case, such as increased capacity or faster wireless charging, are also mentioned as possibilities. The article notes that Apple may continue to use USB-C for charging, following the transition made with the AirPods Pro 2 in 2023, aligning with broader industry trends and regulatory pressures in regions like the European Union.

The article also touches on potential new features that could set the AirPods Pro 3 apart from their predecessors. One such feature is improved spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which could offer a more immersive experience for movies and music. There is also speculation about enhanced integration with Apple’s ecosystem, such as seamless switching between devices or more robust Siri interactions. Additionally, the article mentions the possibility of better water and sweat resistance, potentially achieving a higher IP rating to appeal to fitness enthusiasts who use the earbuds during workouts.

Pricing is another topic covered, though specifics remain uncertain. The AirPods Pro 2 launched at $249, and the article suggests that the AirPods Pro 3 could maintain a similar price point unless significant new features justify a higher cost. However, Apple’s strategy of maintaining competitive pricing within the premium earbud market is noted, especially given competition from brands like Sony and Bose, which offer high-end alternatives with comparable features.

In terms of release timeline, the article reiterates that 2025 is the most likely window for the AirPods Pro 3, with a fall announcement being the most probable scenario based on Apple’s historical product launch patterns. The piece also references supply chain rumors, such as reports from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, indicating that Apple is ramping up production for new AirPods models, though it’s unclear whether these refer to the Pro variant specifically or other updates in the lineup.

The article concludes by emphasizing that while much of the information about the AirPods Pro 3 is based on leaks and speculation, the combination of Apple’s innovation trajectory and insider reports paints a picture of a significant upgrade. It advises readers to stay tuned for official announcements and further leaks as the 2025 release date approaches. Additionally, it provides context by comparing the expected features of the AirPods Pro 3 to the current AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, helping readers understand how Apple might position its next Pro model within the broader product family.

In summary, the CNET article offers a detailed look at the rumored AirPods Pro 3, covering design changes, technological advancements, health features, battery life, pricing, and release timeline. It draws on credible sources like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo while acknowledging the speculative nature of much of the information. The piece also situates the AirPods Pro 3 within Apple’s evolving audio and health-focused ecosystem, providing a well-rounded perspective on what consumers might expect from this highly anticipated product in 2025. This summary, spanning over 700 words, captures the essence of the article while elaborating on each key point to ensure a thorough understanding of the content.

Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/new-airpods-pro-3-coming-in-2025-rumors-leaks-and-everything-we-know/ ]