Comparison of Specifications: Apple AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and Pro 1

Comparison of Specifications: Apple AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and Pro 1
Apple AirPods Pro 3

Launch of AirPods Pro 3: Apple’s Advanced Wireless Earbuds

Apple has unveiled the much-anticipated AirPods Pro 3, marking a significant update to its flagship wireless headphones lineup. After a three-year hiatus following the debut of AirPods Pro 2, this new model introduces enhanced features tailored to fitness enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.

Innovative Features and Design Enhancements

The AirPods Pro 3 are notable for being the second set of Apple’s wireless earbuds equipped with a heart rate sensor, following the Powerbeats Pro 2. This innovative PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor utilizes infrared light to assess blood flow, although it is currently limited to providing insights during fitness sessions rather than continuous monitoring like the Apple Watch.

Comparative Analysis: AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and Pro 1

In comparing the latest model against its predecessors, several key differences and similarities stand out. The following table summarizes their major specifications:

Specifications AirPods Pro 3 AirPods Pro 2 USB-C AirPods Pro 1 MagSafe
Processor Apple H2 Apple H2 Apple H1
Active Noise Cancellation 4x greater than AirPods Pro 1, 2x greater than Pro 2 2x greater than AirPods Pro 1 Basic ANC
Battery Life
  • Up to 8 hrs with ANC
  • Up to 7.5 hrs with Spatial Audio
  • Up to 6.5 hrs with heart rate sensing
  • Up to 10 hrs with Transparency mode
  • 24 hrs total with charging case
  • Up to 6 hrs with ANC
  • Up to 5.5 hrs with Spatial Audio
  • 30 hrs total with charging case
  • Up to 4.5 hrs with ANC
  • 5 hrs without ANC
  • Over 24 hrs total with charging case
Heart Rate Sensor Yes (for workouts, supports 50 types) No No
Water Resistance IP57 (dust, sweat, water resistant) IP54 (dust, sweat resistant) IPX4 (sweat resistant)
Ultra Wideband (in Case) Apple U2 chip for enhanced tracking Apple U1 chip No UWB
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.0
Sensors
  • Touch Control
  • Skin-detect sensor
  • Touch control
  • Skin-detect sensor
  • Force Sensor
  • Dual optical sensors
Audio Features
  • Adaptive Audio
  • Transparency mode
  • Conversation Awareness
  • Adaptive Audio
  • Transparency Mode
  • Conversation Awareness
  • Transparency mode
Accessibility
  • Hearing Test
  • Hearing Aid compatibility
  • Hearing Protection
  • Automatic Conversation Boost
  • Live Listen
  • Headphone levels
  • Headphone Accommodations
  • Hearing Test
  • Hearing Aid compatibility
  • Hearing Protection
  • Automatic Conversation Boost
  • Live Listen
  • Headphone levels
  • Headphone Accommodations
  • Live Listen
  • Headphone levels
  • Headphone Accommodations
  • Conversation Boost
Live Translation With supported apps With supported apps Not available
Audio Recording Studio-quality audio recording Studio-quality audio recording Supported
Size
  • Height: 1.22 inches (30.9 mm)
  • Width: 0.76 inch (19.2 mm)
  • Depth: 1.06 inches (27.0 mm)
  • Height: 1.22 inches (30.9 mm)
  • Width: 0.86 inch (21.8 mm)
  • Depth: 0.94 inch (24.0 mm)
  • Height: 1.22 inches (30.9 mm)
  • Width: 0.86 inch (21.8 mm)
  • Depth: 0.94 inch (24.0 mm)
Weight
  • Each AirPod: 0.20 ounce (5.55 grams)
  • Case: 1.55 ounces (43.99 grams)
  • Each AirPod: 0.19 ounce (5.3 grams)
  • Case: 1.79 ounces (50.8 grams)
  • Each AirPod: 0.19 ounce (5.4 grams)
  • Case: 1.61 ounces (45.6 grams)
In the Box
  • Foam-infused Silicone ear tips (XXS, XS, S, M, L)
  • No USB-C charging cable
  • USB-C MagSafe case without physical button
  • Silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L)
  • USB-C Charge Cable included
  • Apple USB-C MagSafe case with speaker and lanyard loop
  • Silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
  • Lightning to USB-C Cable
  • MagSafe Charging Case
Launch Price $249 $249 $249

Marketplace Position and User Comfort

Apple promotes the AirPods Pro 3 as providing unparalleled in-ear active noise cancellation (ANC), along with a redesigned structure that enhances comfort and stability—particularly for vigorous activities like running, yoga, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).Despite being smaller, they have slightly increased in weight compared to the Pro 2, likely due to design adaptations.

Improvements Through User Research

To refine the design, Apple conducted extensive research, analyzing over 10, 000 ear scans and gathering more than 100, 000 hours of user feedback. This led to the inclusion of foam-infused ear tips that enhance noise isolation and the introduction of an “XXS”size tip to cater to a broader range of users.

Battery and Durability Aspects

While the AirPods Pro 3 offer a significant battery life increase when compared to the original Pro model, they fall short by about six hours in total battery duration when stacked against Pro 2. The new model maintains the same level of dust protection while enhancing its water resistance capability, making them more suitable for various environments.

Availability and Future Features

Apple has discontinued the AirPods Pro 2, but many of the newest features, such as Camera Remote and Live Translation, will be accessible on that model through future software updates. The AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $249 and are now available for purchase through the Apple Store and other retailers.

Apple is rumored to follow a bi-annual release strategy for their premium earbuds, suggesting potential upgrades to the AirPods Pro 3 as early as next year. Users with the upcoming iOS 26 update will benefit from advanced features like Live Listen and studio-quality audio recording, alongside enhancements across other apps like Phone and Camera.

Your Thoughts

What’s your opinion on the new AirPods Pro 3? Share your insights in the comments below.

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