So, everyone is buzzing about the AirPods Pro 3.
We have been stuck with the second generation for a while now.
I, personally, have been using my Pro 2s daily since launch, and while they are great, they do have that tiny battery drain issue when ANC is on max.
There is a lot of noise (pun intended) about what the next big thing will look like.
The rumors are flying around the internet faster than you can say ‘USB-C’, but are they actually true? We are going to look at the leaks, the expected features, and figure out if you should actually upgrade or just hold onto your old pair.
Finally, the USB-C Change?
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room.
The charging port.
We have been stuck with Lightning for what feels like forever.
Apple is moving everything to USB-C for the iPhone 15 series.
It only makes sense that the AirPods follow suit.
In real situations, this is actually a huge win for travel.
I hate carrying two different charging cables for my phone and my earbuds. Here’s the interesting part.
If the Pro 3 uses USB-C, it becomes a lot easier to just have one cable in your bag.
I know a lot of people were hoping for MagSafe charging again for the case, but from what I’ve seen in the schematics, it looks like a solid USB-C connector is the main focus. And this is where things get interesting.
It is about time.
Why this matters to you
It’s not just about the cable type.
It is about the ecosystem.
If you buy the new iPhone, you want your accessories to match. Oddly enough,
I think most people overlook this small convenience factor until they actually experience it.
You don’t have to search for that tiny lightning cable when your battery hits 1%.
It just makes life a little easier.
The charging speed might also get a bump, which is always a welcome feature for those of us who are always on the go.
ANC is Getting Better, Or So We Hear
Noise cancellation is the whole reason we bought the Pros in the first place.
The second generation had Transparency mode that was miles ahead of the first one.
But for the third gen, rumors suggest Apple is aiming for something even better.
There are whispers of an ‘Active Cancellation 3.0’ system.
The idea is that the earbuds can react to noise 400 times a second instead of the current 200.
This is a big deal if you ride the subway or live near a busy street.
I tried to imagine what that would feel like.
It would probably feel like the world just… And this is where things get interesting.
got quieter.
Like someone turned down the volume knob on reality.
Transparency Mode 2.0
Along with the ANC, the Transparency mode needs to be spot on.
The Pro 2s are great at this, but a new version might allow you to hear exactly where sirens are coming from without that tinny sound.
It feels like the sensors need to be sharper.
If Apple nails this, the AirPods Pro 3 could finally put standard earbuds out of business.
That sounds dramatic, but honestly, they are the only ones doing it right.
Battery Life Expectations
This is the part where I get a little sad.
I know, we all want 12 hours on one charge.
But let’s be realistic.
The Pro 2s give about 6 hours of listening time with ANC on.
Unless Apple completely re-engineers the battery chemistry, the Pro 3 probably won’t jump to 8 or 9 hours.
However, they could improve the charging case efficiency.
Imagine if the case gave you a quick 10-minute charge that lasts for an hour.
That would be a game changer. And this is where things get interesting.
You know, like, if you just have time to grab a coffee, you get enough juice to listen to one whole song without worrying about it dying.
Price and Value
Here is where it gets tricky.
If the Pro 3 comes out and costs the same as the Pro 2s—currently around $249—people might hesitate.
I personally think it’s a fair price if the ANC is that much better.
But if they just change the port and charge $300, I’m going to be annoyed.
Most people overlook the resale value of tech.
If you buy the new one, you can trade in the old one, which softens the blow.
I usually check to see what my old stuff is worth before I upgrade.
It helps with the budget.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
It really depends on what you are using right now.
If your Pro 2s are acting up, or if you have the first-gen model, the Pro 3 is a no-brainer.
The sound quality and ANC on the second-gen are lightyears ahead of the original.
But if you are happy with your current pair, you might just want to wait for the AirPods 4 or maybe see what Sony or Bose do next.
I’m personally holding out to see if the Pro 3 introduces wireless charging for the case again.
That would make me flip instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the AirPods Pro 3 be released? Most rumors point to late 2024 or early 2025, but Apple hasn’t officially announced anything yet.
- Will the AirPods Pro 3 have a charger? Yes, the biggest rumor is a switch to USB-C to match the iPhone 15 lineup.
- Is the noise cancellation better? Speculation suggests a significant upgrade in processing speed for Active Noise Cancellation.
Final Thoughts
Look, I love my gadgets.
I really do.
But I hate when companies just change the color and charge more money.
The AirPods Pro 3 has the potential to fix some of the little annoyances we deal with, like the cable situation and the noise floor. Here’s the interesting part.
However, I am skeptical until I see a proper review.
We have to remember that these are just leaks. Now think about that for a second.
Sometimes they are totally wrong.
So, keep your wallet in your pocket for a little while longer and watch this space.
Image source: pexels.com
Image source credit: pexels.com