Before the event, everyone was wondering what changes we’d see in the AirPods Pro 3. Would it be better sound quality? Improved noise cancellation? Longer battery life? You know, the usual incremental upgrades.
But when the lights dimmed, Apple took us by surprise: they introduced heart rate monitoring, a feature usually found on the Apple Watch, directly into the AirPods. The room paused for a moment, and we did too.
This wasn’t just your typical “let’s make the headphones better” upgrade. This was about turning the ears into a health entry point, and it was a game-changer. Along with the AirPods 4, which get smarter with AI-powered translations, Apple is clearly separating its Pro and standard models — one pushing the boundaries of health, and the other making smart tech available to everyone.
01: The Core of Pro 3 Upgrade – It’s Not Just About Listening Better, It’s About Monitoring Your Health
The AirPods Pro 3’s big highlight isn’t just improved sound or noise cancellation. It’s that they’ve found a new place for health — integrating heart rate monitoring right into the tiny earbuds.
Why the ears? According to the tech team, blood flow in the ear canal and outer ear is more stable and less prone to interference, making them ideal spots for tracking. It’s not just about seeing a number on a screen. This data syncs with the Health app, so even if you’re not wearing an Apple Watch, your heart rate can still be tracked.
You can track up to 50 types of workouts, monitor calories, and even compete with friends’ fitness rings. This shifts the AirPods from being just a phone accessory into a real health device.
For people who don’t want a bulky smartwatch while running or lifting weights, this is a lightweight alternative that still offers health tracking. Plus, the Pro 3 is IP57 rated for sweat and water resistance, so you can really push it without worrying about damage.
It’s clear: you can sweat in these without a problem, and they’ve taken over some of the fitness tracking that used to be exclusive to the Apple Watch. The ear becomes your health hub.
The basic AirPods Pro functionality hasn’t been sacrificed. The Pro 3 is smaller and tighter in the hand, with better performance in a more compact body. Battery life has also been extended — you get up to 8 hours of active noise cancellation on a full charge, which is 2 hours more than the previous model.
The result: no anxiety about battery life during daily wear or long flights. This larger battery is a game-changer for commuters and frequent travelers.
02: Noise Cancellation Gets a Boost, and Sound Quality is Sharper
Apple made a big push with noise cancellation on the Pro 3. The foam ear tips have been replaced with a new structure, and the difference is noticeable. We tested them in a noisy environment, and once we adjusted the fit, the noise from the air conditioning and surrounding conversations faded.
It’s a combination of physical isolation and active noise cancellation that takes things to the next level. You feel like the world outside has been shut out, and the quiet in your ears is on a whole new level.
Sound quality is also improved, thanks to a new porous acoustic architecture that widens the soundstage. Listening to some familiar tracks, the bass is steadier, and the vocals and instruments are more unmistakable. The overall listening experience is noticeably enhanced.
One of the most significant new features is the AI-powered real-time translation. This works seamlessly across AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 with iOS 26. The process is simple — squeeze both earbuds at the same time, and you’re ready to translate.
We tried it on-site, and it went smoothly. You could hear short phrases translated into the other person’s AirPods, like a real-time translation bridge for a conversation.
03: AirPods 4: AI-Powered and Ready for Everyone
This feature isn’t exclusive to the Pro 3. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 (with iOS 26 updates) also get AI translation. The standard AirPods 4 focus on comfort, clear calls, and now the translation feature. They don’t have the health monitoring module like the Pro 3, but they offer AI capabilities that make them smarter. They’re perfect for those who don’t need the extreme noise cancellation or heart rate tracking but still want a more innovative, more capable daily tool.
Pricing is a big differentiator: Pro 3 starts at $219.99, while AirPods 4 are $129.99. If you already have the old version, a simple software update through iOS 26 will give you access to the translation feature.
The lines are clear now:
- For athletes or frequent flyers who need noise cancellation and longer battery life, the Pro 3 is the winner. Health tracking and more advanced features come built in.
- For commuters, video meetings, or anyone who needs clear calls and a solid, comfortable fit for everyday use, the AirPods 4 provide an outstanding balance, especially with the added AI-powered translation.
04: A New Way to Think About Your Tech Setup
We’ve been testing both models, and one thing is clear: now that the ear has become a health hub, you start to wonder if you really need a wrist device.
Running with just your earbuds and phone feels lighter. You get all the tracking and music you need without that extra watch on your wrist. However, when you need deeper sleep tracking or full-body health monitoring, the watch still has its place. Apple has added a new entry point in the ear with this launch, so users will likely create their own combos based on their needs.
This year, the AirPods Pro 3 is all about pushing boundaries in health, while the AirPods 4 focus on making everyday tech smarter. The choice comes down to whether you’re more into fitness and health tracking or need a reliable daily companion.
So, are you an athlete or a commuter? Your choice is now clear.
| Apple AirPods | Price |
| AirPods Pro 3 | $219.99 Buy on Amazon |
| AirPods 4 | $69.00 Buy on Amazon |
