Since the last update to AirPods, it's been about three years, the length of time Apple usually waits before major hardware upgrades. We expected some big jumps in the new AirPods, and Apple delivered. The Pro 3 brings more health-focused features to AirPods, including a heart rate monitor and calories-burned counter that can feed back to an iPhone or Apple Watch.
They've also boosted the audio experience itself, with a new design that mimics surround sound as well as two small earbuds possibly can. The Pro 3 beefs up active noise cancellation to match. The external design is not only more durable, with IP57 sweat and water resistance, but is built to not fall out of your ears — welcome news to those of us who wear AirPods to work out. Apple also promises four more hours of charge than the AirPods 2.
Live translation may have been our most anticipated feature, and Apple made that happen too. Active noise cancellation lowers the volume on the person speaking so you can focus on the translation, then displays your reply on your phone screen in their language. If two people are wearing AirPods Pro 3, they can translate the conversation in real time.