Apple AirPods Pro 3 Leaked with Enhanced Features, Set to Launch in 2025

The anticipation for the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is reaching new heights with recent leaks suggesting significant upgrades. Based on a patent filed by Apple with the US Patent and Trademark Office in early February 2025, it appears that the next-generation AirPods Pro will feature more intelligent functions and substantial design changes.

One of the most exciting developments is the enhanced touch controls. The AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to incorporate advanced external touch sensors, allowing users to control their earbuds with vertical swipes. Adjusting the volume might become as simple as swiping up or down on the stem. What's particularly interesting is that these sensors might not rely on traditional touch input, meaning they could be responsive even when wearing gloves, eliminating the frustration of unrecognized commands in cold weather.

Another notable feature is the introduction of new venting ports. While the exact purpose remains unclear, these vents could serve multiple functions. They might aid in cooling the earbuds during extended use or play a role in improving the active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities. Given that the ANC on the AirPods Pro 2 was already impressive, any enhancement in this area could position Apple as a leader in noise-cancellation technology, competing fiercely with brands like Sony.

There's also speculation about the integration of health-tracking features. Apple has hinted at incorporating health sensors into its audio devices, and the AirPods Pro 3 could be the model that brings this to fruition. Features like heart rate monitoring or body temperature sensing might be on the horizon, expanding the utility of the AirPods beyond just audio playback.

Under the hood, the AirPods Pro 3 are expected to house an upgraded H3 chip. This new processor could enhance connectivity range, improve battery life, and enable on-device processing for advanced health monitoring features. With the current H2 chip already supporting active noise cancellation, adaptive EQ, and seamless Siri integration, the H3 chip could take performance to the next level.

The upcoming model might also see improvements in the Adaptive Transparency mode. This feature currently allows important ambient sounds, like traffic noise or voices, to filter through, keeping users aware of their surroundings without compromising audio quality. An upgraded version could offer even more nuanced control, enhancing safety and user experience in various environments.

The AirPods Pro 3 are anticipated to be unveiled later this year, potentially alongside the iPhone 17 in September 2025. As Apple continues to invest in spatial computing and mixed reality experiences with products like the Vision Pro headset, the new AirPods Pro could play a pivotal role in this evolving ecosystem, offering seamless audio integration and advanced features that complement Apple's broader technological advancements.