Apple’s fall hardware event on September 9, 2025 is expected to officially unveil the AirPods Pro 3, according to iOS 26 beta code discoveries and Bloomberg reporting. Pre-orders are anticipated to start September 12, with retail availability on September 19—following Apple’s now-predictable September hardware cycle. Your upgrade timing just got clearer, especially if you’ve been holding off on replacing aging AirPods while waiting for the next generation.
New H3 Chip Powers Major Audio Upgrades
Enhanced processing reportedly delivers stronger noise cancellation and smarter features.
The H3 chip reportedly drives significantly improved active noise cancellation beyond the already-solid AirPods Pro 2. Enhanced audio processing is expected to deliver cleaner calls and better overall sound quality. While Apple hasn’t confirmed specific technical improvements, multiple sources suggest these upgrades will be noticeable during daily use.
Health Sensors and Live Translation Enter the Mix
Biometric monitoring and real-time language support could expand beyond just audio.
Heart rate monitoring could transform your AirPods into fitness trackers, though details remain unclear about accuracy compared to dedicated wearables. Live translation features are rumored to provide real-time language conversion during conversations—potentially valuable for travel or international business calls. Both features sound impressive on paper, but execution will determine whether they’re genuinely useful or just marketing fodder.
Supply Chain Concerns Threaten Timeline
Analyst warnings about production delays create uncertainty despite strong launch signals.
Ming-Chi Kuo and other supply chain analysts have warned that new sensor technology could delay production into 2026. However, no concrete evidence suggests Apple is actually behind schedule as of late August 2025. The iOS beta references and multiple corroborating reports from reputable outlets indicate Apple remains on track for September.
$249 Pricing Holds Steady Against Premium Competition
Apple maintains Pro series price point while competitors like Sony push higher.
The expected $249 price matches current AirPods Pro 2 pricing, offering upgrade value without the usual Apple tax increase. This positions them competitively against Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. September 9 will reveal whether Apple’s rumored feature set justifies choosing AirPods Pro 3 over established alternatives—or if you should consider discounted Pro 2s instead.
