Apple users are expecting the AirPods Pro 3 for quite some time now. The company had launched the current AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, and since then it has only updated its high-end earbuds with USB-C charging port. The next-gen update for the AirPods Pro 3 is still awaited. Now fresh leaks suggest that the launch is near and it is possible that the AirPods Pro 3 may arrive as early as next month during WWDC 2025.

While Apple has yet to officially announce any specific plans for the AirPods Pro 3, recent software code changes and leaks suggest that the next-generation earbuds are not far off. MacRumors reports that Apple has subtly changed references from “AirPods Pro 2nd generation” to “AirPods Pro 2 or later” in one of the company’s code. The change suggests that a new model of AirPods Pro is imminent. Typically, Apple launches new audio devices alongside the iPhone in September, but the company has often surprised users with earlier releases.

So if the AirPods Pro 3 are ready, there is a possibility that Apple could launch them next month during its annual developer conference starting on 9 June. This is the next big Apple event, and as AirPods Pro are long overdue for an update, they could be one of the highlights — alongside the next software iterations across the ecosystem.

What to Expect from the Apple AirPods Pro 3

Now as for what the new AirPods Pro 3 will feature, according to rumours, the big updates are going to be health-centric. There is a possibility that the AirPods Pro 3 will get in-ear heart rate monitoring. It is also a strong possibility because this feature is available in the newly launched Powerbeats Pro 2. Unlike wrist-based sensors — that can struggle during high-movement workouts – in-ear sensors may offer more consistent readings, especially during intense physical activity such as running. Reports also indicate that Apple may include in-ear temperature tracking in the AirPods Pro 3, improving upon the skin temperature sensors currently found in Apple Watches.

Another major internal upgrade could be the addition of Apple’s next-gen H3 chip, which would replace the H2 chip in the current model. The H3 is expected to deliver major improvements across the board — including enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), better audio processing, and more efficient battery usage.

We are also expecting some design changes, as both the first- and second-generation AirPods Pro share a similar design. According to rumours, while the iconic stem may remain for functional and tactile reasons, both the case and the earbuds themselves could be redesigned. The charging case might become smaller, similar to changes made with the upcoming AirPods 4, although this may impact support for MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging magnets. Additionally, Apple may eliminate the visible LED and physical pairing button in favour of more seamless gesture-based controls.

Audio performance is also expected to receive an upgrade, with new drivers and better ANC algorithms. Leaker Kosutami earlier claimed that ANC in the AirPods Pro 3 will be significantly improved, possibly addressing complaints from users who feel that noise cancellation has weakened in recent firmware updates. We might also see support for high-resolution audio.