Apple unveils AirPods Pro 3 with heart rate monitor, live translation and improved ANC

Apple has officially introduced the highly anticipated AirPods Pro 3, representing a significant upgrade to its premium earbuds after a three-year hiatus. This new iteration brings a heart rate monitor, enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), and a groundbreaking live translation feature, all aimed at transforming user experiences across languages. According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 3 boasts the "world’s best ANC," a claim supported by innovative foam-infused ear tips that provide double the noise isolation compared to earlier models. Users can expect a broader soundstage and superior audio quality, promising a more immersive listening journey. A highlight of this release is the live translation feature. Once activated, the ANC system reduces external sounds, allowing real-time translations to be delivered directly into the user's ears, making the AirPods Pro 3 not just a gadget for entertainment but also a practical tool for communication. The design of the earbuds has also seen a refresh. Apple utilized insights from over 10,000 3D ear scans to create a more compact and comfortable fit. With five different ear tip sizes available, users can find the perfect match for their ears. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 3 holds an IP57 certification, ensuring they are sweat and water-resistant, catering to users with an active lifestyle. With the rollout of iOS 26 this fall, all AirPods users will receive new software enhancements. These updates will allow AirPods to function as a remote for the iPhone’s camera app. Furthermore, existing models, including the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, will benefit from studio-quality audio enhancements for music, podcasts, and videos, along with improved call clarity and automatic sleep-detection features. The AirPods Pro 2 were launched three years ago with upgrades in sound and noise cancellation, and they received a refresh in 2023 with added dust resistance and a USB-C charging case. With the introduction of the AirPods Pro 3, Apple is blending wellness features with cutting-edge AI capabilities. In India, the AirPods Pro 3 is priced at Rs 25,900.