Hoping for big AirPods Pro 3 changes? Last-minute rumors suggest you could be disappointed

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Color us disappointed

The earbuds for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 held next to each other
(Image credit: Future)
  • Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 update could arrive later today
  • But a prominent leaker says not to expect “major” audio changes
  • Instead, Apple might focus on health and design features

While much of the focus of Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event today will naturally be on the iPhone 17 range, we’re expecting a lot more products to make an appearance, including a set of newly-updated AirPods Pro 3 headphones. But if you’re looking forward to a bumper upgrade in this department, you might want to rein in your expectations.

That’s because prominent journalist Mark Gurman has claimed that Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 will miss out on “major” tweaks to two of its most important aspects: audio and active noise cancelation (ANC).

That might come as a disappointment if you were hoping for improvements in these areas, as enhanced audio output is always a welcome addition. Instead, it looks like you’ll have to keep waiting for audio changes for a while longer.

According to recent rumors, the AirPods Pro 4 are expected to be the "more significant" update, but that doesn't mean today's announcement won't bring any good news...

Focusing on other features

Apple AirPods Pro 2 in open case

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

Fortunately, this news isn't quite as significant as it might seem. For one thing, Apple’s AirPods Pro headphones already come with superb audio and ANC, with our AirPods Pro 2 review noting that they offered “phenomenal” sound quality and “genuinely amazing” ANC.

Even if the AirPods Pro 3 don’t expand on these aspects at all, you’ll still be in for a treat – albeit one not quite as sweet as if a new H3 chip or ANC enhancements made the cut.

Still, it’s not like the AirPods Pro 3 will be carbon copies of their predecessors – they’re expected to come with a range of new features and extras. That includes heart rate tracking, which will use LED sensors to measure your blood flow, with the possibility that this info can be synced to popular health and fitness apps.

We could also see a new design, according to the rumors. The case could get a fresh look, too, with a slimmer appearance that’s more akin to the AirPods 4 case.

While this is just speculation for now, we’ll find out for sure later today, when Apple kicks off its Awe Dropping event. Aside from the AirPods Pro 3, we’re also expecting to see the iPhone 17 lineup, new Apple Watches, and more. We’ll have all the latest news as it’s announced.

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Alex Blake
Alex Blake
Freelance Contributor

Alex Blake has been fooling around with computers since the early 1990s, and since that time he's learned a thing or two about tech. No more than two things, though. That's all his brain can hold. As well as TechRadar, Alex writes for iMore, Digital Trends and Creative Bloq, among others. He was previously commissioning editor at MacFormat magazine. That means he mostly covers the world of Apple and its latest products, but also Windows, computer peripherals, mobile apps, and much more beyond. When not writing, you can find him hiking the English countryside and gaming on his PC.

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