Multiple reports suggest Apple has big plans for an ecosystem of AI products, but the lack of progress with Siri AI has been an obstacle. Now that Siri AI has been unveiled, and set to roll out to iPhones later this year, progress can finally be made on those devices. That includes the long-rumored camera-equipped AirPods, which some have referred to as "AirPods Ultra."

According to a new report from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is set to release those AirPods sometime in late 2027. This means they will likely launch around the same time as the iPhone 20, which is being released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone's release.

The report notes that the AirPods are set to be the first wearable AI product Apple releases, and will be built around communicating with Siri AI. That includes being able to speak to the AI as normal, while also adding extra input via the AirPods' built-in cameras.

How the AirPods Ultra will work

The cameras themselves are not designed for recording video or taking photos, and are instead meant to offer Siri some visual input. The idea is that users can ask Siri about different objects or the environment, and have the AI understand what's going on without needing to look through an iPhone camera — as has been the case so far.

It's not entirely clear what kind of cameras are included, and past reports suggested that they could be infrared to enable hand gestures. However, considering Siri is supposed to be able to see things from those cameras, it's likely they're going to be pretty traditional camera lenses — albeit rather small and low-powered. If that's the case, it's going to be interesting to see how Apple stops these AirPods from being hacked or jailbroken in order to record video from your ears.

What AirPods Ultra could look like

Gurman says that these new AirPods will resemble the AirPods Pro, with the only major design difference being the presence of both the camera and status LEDs that are visible to other people. Those lights are supposed to show others whenever the AirPods are sending data to the cloud for processing.

The AI AirPods were expected to launch this year, but the issues Apple faced with Siri saw them pushed back. Don't expect them to be the only AI wearables Apple has to offer, either. Gurman has reiterated that Apple's AI glasses are supposed to launch at the end of next year too, and the rumored AI pendant will likely arrive in the near future.

The AirPods are apparently further along the development process than both of these. The earbuds are said to have reached "advanced stages of development," with Apple actively testing them alongside iPhone 20, iPhone Fold 2 and iOS 28.

This seems a little early, considering we're still around 15 months out from the 2027 iPhone launch event. But I suppose being proactive about these things ensures problems can be solved early, rather than scrambling to fix them at the last possible minute.

It's going to be a long wait before these AirPods Ultra actually arrive, even if there aren't any issues that crop up over the next several months. But, hopefully, as time goes on we'll be hearing more leaks and rumors about what Apple has in store.

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The long-rumored AirPods Ultra may already be in the later stages of development, meaning their release might be sooner than we initially thought. According to sources speaking to Bloomberg, development has now entered a phase featuring prototypes with "near-final design and capabilities."

Sources say that testers within Apple are actively using prototypes of the new AirPods, as part of what's known as design validation testing (DVT). This is the final stage of the development phase, and once complete Apple will start a production validation test (PVT). That's when the sample units of the final design are built, ahead of full-scale mass production.

What we know about AirPods Ultra

The AirPods Ultra will reportedly have a design that's siimilar to the AirPods Pro 3 but with a number of important enhancements. For one, these AirPods are supposed to be built around Siri and AI, offering the kind of AI-enhanced hardware we've started seeing from the likes of Meta and others.

The AirPods Ultra aren't designed for taking photos or shooting video; they're designed to help Siri see the world and are only capable of capturing "visual information in low resolution." Potential AirPods Ultra features include:

• A version of Visual Intelligence: that lets you ask Siri questions based on your surroundings. The example cited includes looking at the contents of your fridge and suggesting dinner options based on the ingredients within.
• Visual reminders: The AirPods Ultra can remind you about tasks or activities based on what it sees around you, such as picking something up at the store when you see it on the shelf.
• Enhanced turn-by-turn directions: The AirPods Ultra use external landmarks to help you navigate through unfamiliar areas with voice prompts ties to what the earbuds see.
• Built -in LED: Bloomberg's report mentions a small LED light that indicates whenever the AirPods Ultra are recording and communicating with the cloud. This would be a privacy feature.

Sadly, while early rumors suggested these cameras would offer gesture controls, this claim has been shot down multiple times. According to Mark Gurman, the technology to fit gesture controls into a pair of AirPods doesn't exist yet

It's all up to Siri

The big question is when will the AirPods Ultra will actually launch? According to Bloomberg, Apple had hoped to put the AirPods on sale during the first half of this year, but the launch was postponed due to the high-profile delays to Siri's AI-overhaul.

Reports tell us similar delays have affected Apple's HomePad smart display, which was built on the assumption that Siri would be ready in time. Sadly, the emphasis on AI was so encompassing that releasing the display without Siri 2.0 wasn't worth it. No doubt the rumored AI glasses and camera pendant are similarly affected by this.

Siri is expected to debut in September, powered by Google Gemini, alongside iOS 27 and iPhone 18 Pro. But so far, that hasn't been confirmed by Apple, and likely won't be until WWDC 2026 at the earliest. Still, even if the Siri upgrade does arrive by the end of the year, there's no telling Apple will start rushing out AI-centric devices to capitalize on that. Given the issues it's had upgrading Siri, Apple may want to give the AI the time it needs to adjust to widespread daily use by the general public.

But, assuming the development process is as far along as this report claims, we could be seeing the AirPods Ultra arrive pretty soon. It may just be down to what Apple does with Siri.

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As reports of the demise of the Apple Vision Pro began circulating in the last two days, conflicting stories have popped up over what the leftovers will contribute to other Apple devices.

In a social media post, Mark Gurman pushed back on rumored gesture controls on Apple Glasses and reiterated that Apple is developing new AirPods that will feature cameras meant "for Siri." It harkens back to reports from March when Gurman said Apple has a set of "AirPods Ultra" in the works.

Rumors about a version of AirPods featuring infrared cameras first popped up in July 2024 from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. At the time, Kuo said the cameras would detect environmental changes and possibly enable "in-air gesture control to enhance human-device interaction."

Gurman, on the other hand, doesn't believe the technology for camera-based gesture controls exists. "The technology to do this reliably with a single camera, no neural band and no eye-scanning doesn’t exist today as far as I know," he said in a different post.

He's previously reported that the cameras would work by "feed[ing] visual intelligence data to Siri." In essence, this would be similar to how the camera is used in the Face ID system on iPhones.

Another link in the Ultra chain

In recent weeks, several rumors have suggested Apple is pursuing "Ultra" branding across several of its most popular devices. Currently, Apple sells one Ultra-branded device, its Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Later this year, alongside the AirPods Ultra, we could also get the foldable iPhone, rumored to be labeled the iPhone Ultra, and the long-rumored touchscreen MacBook Ultra.

All of these Ultra models would supersede the Pro moniker that currently denotes Apple's highest-end devices. Though we have been hearing rumors about an alleged iPhone Ultra for years now, usually centered on rebranding the Pro Max.

Regarding all three devices, we likely won't see them debut until September at the earliest, when Apple holds its annual iPhone event. The AirPods would probably be announced then as well.

The MacBook Ultra will most likely launch in the usual October window when Apple typically debuts its MacBook Pros. If not in October, then possibly in early 2027, as Apple did with the M5 Pro and Ultra versions this year.

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I’ve been covering Apple for 25 of its 50 years, and I’ve had a front-row seat for the moments that for many redefined modern life. I was there when Steve Jobs pulled the original MacBook Air from a manila envelope. I reviewed the first iPhone when it was considered a "gamble," and I was among the first to step into the spatial computing era with the Vision Pro.

Over the last half-century, there have been plenty of "wow" moments, but also the high-profile flops and setbacks you'd expect from a brand that recently became the world's first $4 trillion empire.

The Apple of the pre-iPhone era was more tumultuous—and honestly, more interesting. They didn't just build computers; they made personal computing a household reality with the Apple II and refined the mouse for the masses. But they also faced a near-death experience in the '90s during Steve Jobs’ exile, famously sitting just 90 days away from bankruptcy before his 1997 return.

That "Second Act" sparked a wave of hits—from the iPod and iPhone to the App Store—that changed how we live. But it wasn't all smooth sailing; we lived through controversies like the “you’re holding it wrong” Antennagate, too.

Since taking the baton, Tim Cook has ushered in a massive Apple “ecosystem era,” scaling the brand to heights once thought impossible with the Apple Watch, AirPods, and the revolutionary shift to Apple Silicon. Today, services like iCloud and Apple Music are the invisible glue holding it all together.

To celebrate 50 years of "Thinking Different," we’ve curated a definitive list of the 51 biggest moments in Apple’s history—the iconic triumphs, the public stumbles, and the one "bonus" moment that points to where the next 50 years are headed. — Mark Spoonauer

The Early Years

1977: Apple II revolutionizes personal computing 👍

Where it all started — the big bang of personal computing. Announced in front of a small audience at the West Coast Computer Faire, the Apple II was the first pre-assembled machine to bring color graphics and a built-in keyboard to the masses. With a sleek plastic case and expansion slots, what was once a hobbyist dream had turned into a consumer reality overnight. This is where modern consumer computing truly started. — Jason England

1983: The Lisa's $9,995 price tag buried a beautiful interface 👎

The Lisa was a brilliant, $9,995 disaster. Because sure, it pioneered a lot of things we take for granted today like the mouse and a graphical user interface. But its astronomical price (nearly $30,000 in today’s money) and sluggish performance doomed it. Fun fact: thousands of unsold units ended up in a Utah landfill. — Jason England

The "1984" ad 👍

Apple is perhaps less known for the computer it launched this year than the seminal ad that ran during the Super Bowl. Directed by Ridley Scott, it depicted a female athlete throwing a sledgehammer at an Orwellian Big Brother, shattering his preachings to the hypnotized masses — otherwise known as PC users. It not only positioned Apple from then on as the iconoclastic computing brand, but also shook up the advertising market, too. — Mike Prospero

1985: Steve Jobs is fired 👎

Despite the big push around the Mac the year before, declining sales led to internal divisions between Jobs and CEO John Sculley over the direction Apple should take. A power struggle between the two led to Jobs’ resignation, and a dozen years in the wilderness — during which time he founded NeXT and Pixar. — MP

1990 – 1999

1993: The ambitious (but flawed) Newton MessagePad 👎

Before there was the iPad, there was the Newton MessagePad. John Sculley coined the term PDA to describe this pocketable computer that could take notes, store your contacts, manage a calendar and even send a fax. Handwriting recognition was billed as the device’s killer feature, but it was very inaccurate and widely mocked — including on an episode of The Simpsons. The device’s high price ($700) and poor battery life also hampered it. Once Jobs returned to Apple, he unceremoniously killed the product. — Jeff Parsons

1993: Apple licenses 3rd party Mac clones 👎

In an effort to emulate Microsoft’s strategy, Apple started licensing its operating system to third-party computer makers to capture greater market share. However, it was only pursued half-heartedly, and Steve Jobs killed the initiative upon his return in 1997. — MP

1996: The Apple Pippin flop 👎

Long before the Apple TV was a "hobby," Apple tried to dominate the living room with this game console. And failed miserably. Ten months before Steve Jobs came back to Apple, the company collaborated with Bandai to make the $600 Pippin game machine. Poor graphics, a weird controller (with trackball!) and utter lack of games all conspired against this machine. Apple wound up selling only 42,000 units total, compared to over 300,000 for the Nintendo 64 — in its first three days. — Mark Spoonauer

1996: Steve Jobs returns to Apple and gets a lifeline from … Bill Gates 👍

Apple in 1997 was reportedly just 90 days away from possible bankruptcy, and Steve Jobs needed to buy some time after just returning to the company. That lifeline came in the form of a $150 million investment from Microsoft in non-voting Apple stock. Announced at Macworld Expo, the news was met with boos, but the agreement helped Apple in multiple ways, including a patent truce between the two companies and a commitment from Microsoft to develop Office for Mac. — Mark Spoonauer

1998: The colorful iMac G3 saves Apple from bankruptcy 👍

The fight was on to bring Apple back from the brink, and the company’s answer was a Bondi Blue revolution in the iMac G3. Up until this point, we’d gotten used to boring beige boxes sitting atop desks, but Jony Ive’s translucent all-in-one turned computing into fashion. At the same time, it killed the floppy drive, bet everything on USB and made getting on the internet a three-step process — all three future bets worked out for sure! — Jason England

1998: The terrible "Hockey Puck" mouse 👎

Apple matched the aesthetics of its iMac G3 range with a circular USB Mouse dubbed “Hockey Puck” with a singular button at the top. It was small, with a short cord and forced users to crab their hands around it. Many users also complained of losing the orientation of the mouse when they took their hands off it to type something. The hockey puck mouse only lasted two years, from 1998 to 2000, before it was discontinued. — Jeff Parsons

1999: The iBook – "iMac to go" 👍

I miss this era of Apple design, and you can tell Apple does too with the bright, bold colors of the MacBook Neo. This vivid triumph brought “iMac to go” to the masses with a rugged design and iconic carrying handle. But the huge win here was what laid inside with AirPort — making it the first consumer laptop with Wi-Fi (which Jobs demonstrated by passing it through a hula-hoop). — Jason England

2000 – 2009

2001: The original iPod — "1,000 songs in your pocket" 👍

Before the iPod, we carried Walkmans. Before 2001 other MP3 Players existed at the time, sure, but they offered limited storage and junky user interfaces. The iPod killed both Walkmans and other MP3 players in one fell swoop. Its cutting-edge design was irresistible and its easy-to-use software made transferring music a breeze. It’s no wonder why the iPod and its numerous smaller-sized siblings took over the world for the better part of the aughts. — Nick Pino

2001: The first Apple Stores 👍

Forget Best Buy! Emulating the aesthetic of its products, the Apple Store features a clean, minimalistic design with all of Apple’s products nearly laid out, and with scores of Apple “Geniuses” on hand to answer your questions. Within three years, the company was making $1 billion in sales from these stores. Since then, other major tech brands, including Microsoft and Meta, have tried to emulate this model. — MP

2003: iTunes Store saves the music industry from Napster-era chaos 👍

If you’re going to launch the most successful MP3 player, you need to offer some way to easily download music to the device — for a fee, of course. After securing deals with every major record label, the iTunes Store launched in April 2003. Initially, individual songs cost 99 cents; Apple sold more than 1 millions songs within the first week of its launch. By 2008, it had become the largest music service in the U.S., and eleven years after its launch, Apple had sold more than 35 billion songs. While Apple has in recent years shifted its model towards the subscription-based Apple Music, the impact of the original music storefront was seismic. — MP

2005: iPod Nano (really) shrinks the iPod 👍

After dominating its rivals for several years, Apple pushed the envelope further with the release of the iPod nano in the fall of 2005. While the iPod mini had already reduced the size of Apple’s original portable music player, the iPod nano took portability to the extreme. Steve Jobs famously revealed it at an event by pointing to the small watch pocket of his jeans, from which he pulled the engineering marvel — complete with its 6.9 mm frame. Just like the iPod mini before it, the nano could store the same amount of songs, but at 62% of the size. — John Velasco

2007: The original iPhone: Peak Steve Jobs 👍

No gadget in history had as much hype leading up to it as the original iPhone. But Steve Jobs delivered when he unveiled the iPhone at Macworld in January 2007 with his now-iconic 3-in-1 pitch. “It’s a widescreen iPod with touch controls," a "revolutionary mobile phone," and a "breakthrough internet communications device.”

Jobs also successfully argued that having a fixed keyboard on the bottom third of a smartphone was a waste of space. Even after the iPhone launched there were plenty of skeptics, including Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer ("500 dollars? Fully subsidized?”) and BlackBerry’s Jim Balsillie (“It’s okay, we’ll be fine.”).

The competition underestimated the magic inside the iPhone, including the first-of-its-kind multitouch display, powerful Safari browser and visual voicemail. The first iPhone didn’t have 3G or App Store, but it redefined the user experience on phones for generations to come. — Mark Spoonauer

2008: The MacBook Air 👍

I actually had the chance to attend the launch of the MacBook Air, during which Steve Jobs pulled this iconically sleek laptop out of a manilla envelope. And it wound up transforming the entire mobile computing industry. The $1,799 notebook was the thinnest laptop ever at the time at just 0.16 to 0.76 inches, and the tapered aluminum chassis weighed just 3 pounds.

What truly set the MacBook Air apart is what Apple decided to leave on the cutting room floor, including an optical drive and multiple ports. You got just a single USB 2.0 port and Micro DVI-connector behind a flip-down door. This Intel Core 2 Duo laptop wasn’t the fastest, and the battery life was below-average, but the sheer innovation on display with the design (including the multi-touch trackpad) would spur an avalanche of Windows copycats. — Mark Spoonauer

2008: The App Store creates a multi-billion dollar economy overnight 👍

While the iPhone was a sensation, it didn’t really take off until Apple introduced the App Store, which let third-party developers get their apps in front of iPhone owners in one convenient storefront. In its first weekend, more than 10 million apps were downloaded; by 2025, the App Store generated $114 billion in revenue. There have been a number of legal challenges in recent years — including in-app transactions and the percentage that Apple gets — which have only underscored the dominance of this business model. — MP

2010 – 2019

2010: iPhone 4: A peak design moment 👍

Even though many would argue the original iPhone is the most memorable phone in Apple’s history, I believe that title better fits the iPhone 4. The fourth-generation model wasn’t just a step forward; it was a generational leap that set new benchmarks. For instance, it introduced a premium glass-meets-metal design that ditched the plastic construction of its predecessors. On top of that, it was the first iPhone to feature the Retina Display, FaceTime, a backside-illuminated camera sensor, and Apple’s first custom chip, the A4. — John Velasco

2010: Antennagate — The iPhone 4 flaw that birthed the phrase: "You’re holding it wrong" 👎

There’s hubris, and then there’s HUBRIS. Labeled as the biggest tech fail by many of 2010, “antennagate” refers to how the iPhone 4 suffered from weaker reception when you gripped the lower left corner of the phone. But the bigger controversy was Apple’s reaction. The official statement basically told users that they just needed to stop holding the phone the wrong way or to buy a case. — Mark Spoonauer

2010: Apple TV 2nd Gen — The $99 price point that made streaming accessible 👍

Once Roku hit the market in 2008, it became clear that the streaming player market was going to be a race to the bottom. At just $99, the Apple TV 2nd Gen was Apple’s take on the more affordable streaming box, and while I can’t say that it disrupted the market in the same way Roku did, it’s the linchpin that kept the company’s “hobby project” alive and well in the face of steep (and cheap) competition. — Nick Pino

2010: Ping — The "music social network" that no one asked for 👎

"It is sort of like Facebook and Twitter meet iTunes," Steve Jobs said at the launch of Apple’s music-based social network. Only it wasn’t. Shortly after it went live, Facebook blocked any linking via API to Ping, which disabled a much-touted feature — and squashed any hopes of jump-starting the network. It was also inundated with spam comments soon after launch. Ping sputtered on for another two years before Apple killed it off, and simply added Facebook and Twitter to iTunes. Mission Accomplished! — MP

2010: The iPad Launches 👍

Remember netbooks? These cheap laptops with tiny screens were all the rage back in 2007 and were a big deal for a few years — until the iPad came along. During the iPad launch event in 2010, Steve Jobs mocked the category, saying that “they’re not better at anything.” He wasn’t wrong. Meanwhile, the iPad took tablets mainstream with a 9.7-inch multitouch display, making it a great device for checking email, playing videos, reading e-books and more. Critically, the iPad ran apps developed for the platform, unlike Android tablets that merely ran supersized phone apps. And thanks to the A4 chip you got a very impressive 10 hours of battery life. — Mark Spoonauer

2011: Siri launches, then stumbles 👎

Siri’s original launch came alongside the iPhone 4s in October 2011, and while it initially won a lot of praise for its voice recognition, it wasn’t long before the cracks started to show. Siri could (and still does) function well for basic tasks like scheduling calendar appointments and checking the weather, but Apple’s voice assistant was swiftly overtaken by more capable alternatives from Google and Amazon. Even now, Siri continues to lag behind the current crop of generative AI chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT. Apple promised an upgraded “Siri 2.0” powered by Apple Intelligence back in 2024, which has yet to materialize… — Jeff Parsons

2012: Apple Maps launches a thousand memes 👎

The errors within Apple Maps were enough to drive people crazy, or at least in the wrong direction. Apple released its own navigation app to counter Google Maps, but things were so bad — missing and misplaced landmarks, bad spelling, and more — that CEO Tim Cook issued a written apology, and both Scott Forstall (senior vice president of iOS) and Richard Williamson (the head of the Maps team) left the business. While the problems have been fixed, Apple Maps’ disastrous initial rollout is still referenced every time the company updates the app. — MP

2013: Mac Pro "Trash Can": A thermal design that neglected pro users for years 👎

“Can’t innovate anymore, my ass!” Phil Schiller exclaimed with confidence when announcing the new generation of Mac Pro, which was then famously dubbed the “trash can.” It sacrificed the one thing pros want — modularity — for a sleek cylindrical silhouette. And don’t get me wrong, it looked cool. But by betting on this super small build while packing it with dual GPUs, Apple painted itself into a thermal corner and learned a big lesson in style over substance. — Jason England

2014: iPhone 6 Plus — Finally going big, Apple triggers largest upgrade cycle in smartphone history 👍

For the longest time, Apple was reluctant to follow the industry trend of making phones with larger screens. It wasn’t until the iPhone 5 that Apple finally upgraded from the 3.5-inch screens of its previous models to a slightly larger 4-inch version — a strategy that changed substantially with the iPhone 6 release. In addition to a much larger 4.7-inch display in the iPhone 6, Apple introduced an even larger 5.5-inch display with the iPhone 6 Plus. This change convinced many Android users to make the switch, triggering the biggest upgrade cycle in the company's history. — John Velasco

2014: iPhone 6 Bendgate 👎

If you remember Unbox Therapy’s infamous video of the iPhone 6, then you’ll remember, as I do, how easily the iPhone 6 Plus frame bent under pressure. This kicked off the “Bendgate” controversy, sending Apple’s PR into crisis mode shortly after the video revealed the phone’s structural weakness. Apple learned a hard lesson from the ordeal, eventually switching to 7000-series aluminum with the subsequent iPhone 6s and reinforcing the internal frame. — John Velasco

2014: U2’s Songs of Innocence — forcing an album into 500 million libraries 👎

Who wouldn’t want a free new album from one of the world’s most popular bands? Millions of Apple users, apparently. During the launch of the iPhone 6, Tim Cook announced that he was treating everyone to U2’s newest album, which then showed up on every iPhone, iPad, and iPod — whether you wanted it or not. The backlash was so strong that U2 frontman Bono apologized for how it was delivered. — MP

2014: Apple Watch — Apple’s first major new product category under Tim Cook 👍

The world was waiting to see what Apple’s first new major hardware category would be under Tim Cook and the Apple Watch was the result. Smartwatches were gaining ground thanks to early efforts from Fitbit and Pebble but Apple made its wearable an extension of your iPhone and a capable health and fitness device in its own right. Yearly releases and refinements followed like clockwork, but by always keeping the distinctive squircle design, Apple created a thriving cottage industry of bands, cases and accessories for the Apple Watch. Today, the Apple Watch (and Apple Watch Ultra) continues to be one of the company’s biggest products and is the most popular smartwatch in the world. — Jeff Parsons

2015: The Butterfly Keyboard: The design that launched lawsuits 👎

You know when your keyboard design inspires legal action that you have a problem. The stiff and flat Butterfly Keyboard debuted with the 12-inch MacBook in 2015, but the reports of sticky keys and double typing started to really surface in 2016 once the keyboard landed on the MacBook Pro. Apple would update the Butterfly keyboard multiple times but issues persisted, and class-action lawsuits followed in 2018. Apple retreated and launched the new “Magic Keyboard” in 2019 with traditional scissor switches, and the company began paying out settlement checks in 2024. — Mark Spoonauer

2015: Magic Mouse with charging port on bottom?! 👎

After the Hockey Puck mouse, Apple decided to continue the tradition of form over function when it comes to mice with the arrival of the Magic Mouse. While the Apple Magic Mouse is visually sleek with a single unbroken surface, the decision to put the Lightning port (and later, USB-C) on the underside of the mouse means there’s no way to use it while charging. The $79 mouse will provide up to 9 hours of use from a 2-minute charge, while a full charge will last over a month. But the decision to put the port in such an inaccessible place is still an odd one that Apple has kept in place for over a decade. — Jeff Parsons

2016: RIP headphone jack: Defended as "courage” 👎

When Apple introduced the iPhone 7 back in 2016, it shook the industry by doing something totally unexpected: removing the headphone jack. I remember when Apple’s Phil Schiller famously defended the move as an act of “courage.” While many — myself included — initially saw it as a lackluster excuse, Apple maintained that the extra internal space paved the way for a larger Taptic Engine and improved water-resistant construction. As we eventually learned, the massive success of AirPods would largely negate the need for the jack. Unsurprisingly, the iPhone’s rivals soon followed suit. — John Velasco

2016: AirPods — Apple's first wireless earbuds become a cultural phenomenon 👍

To Apple’s credit, the decision to remove the headphone jack single-handedly popularized the wireless earbuds form factor and, effectively, paved the way for the AirPods to corner the market. The AirPods launched in 2016 and delivered instant Bluetooth pairing, automatic pausing when you pulled them out of your ears and a handy charging case that delivered 24 hours of extra juice. Some criticized the design, but it wasn’t long before these buds were ubiquitous. — Nick Pino

2016: Macbook Pro Touchbar fail 👎

The Touch Bar was an OLED touchscreen strip added to the top of the MacBook Pro instead of traditional function keys. The idea behind it was to offer contextual controls based on the app being used. In some cases, it worked well — like using it to scrub through video edits quickly. However, many users complained that the innovative idea wasn’t as useful as having familiar and ever-present physical buttons. The Touch Bar lasted from 2016 until 2021 when it was phased out on newer MacBook Pros for the return of a standard function row. — Jeff Parsons

2017: iPhone X — The "all-screen" shift and introduction of FaceID 👍

We take the innovations inside the iPhone X for granted now, but they truly changed the game. Face ID revolutionized how we unlock our phones easily and security — and still has not been copied, while gesture-based navigation allowed Apple to ditch the Home button. Add in an edge-to-edge OLED display and the iPhone X was a true turning point for phones. – Mark Spoonauer

2017: Batterygate — Throttling older phones without telling customers 👎

Another major PR crisis for Apple hit in late 2017 when it was discovered that the company was intentionally throttling the performance of older iPhones. Following the release of iOS 10.2.1, it was revealed that CPU speeds were being capped on devices with degraded batteries — an event that kicked off “Batterygate.” Apple defended the move as a way to extend the overall life of the devices, but it was the lack of transparency that sparked the most outrage. Critics accused Apple of attempting to force users to upgrade to new models, a controversy that eventually led to a massive $500 million class-action settlement. — John Velasco

2018: HomePod 1st Gen — Too expensive (and rings on wood furniture) 👎

Several years after Amazon and Google launched their own smart speakers, Apple debuted the HomePod, which, despite excellent audio, cost much more than the competition. And, early reviewers (like yours truly) also discovered that the silicone ring on the bottom of the speaker could leave white rings on wood furniture. To be fair, other smart speakers did too, but none so prominently as the HomePod. — MP

2019: AirPower Cancellation 👎

Apple’s advanced charging mat was supposed to offer a sleek, all-in-one solution to wirelessly charge all your devices. In theory, you could put any Apple device anywhere on the pad to have it charge up. In practice, a prototype mat apparently got so hot it began to melt an AirPods case. In 2019, Apple officially confirmed the product was dead, saying “AirPower will not achieve our high standards and we have cancelled the project.” — Jeff Parsons

2020 – Present

2020: Apple Silicon and M1 — ending the Intel era with a bang 👍

Talk about a gamble. The MacBook Air M1 was Apple’s very first attempt at Apple Silicon in a Mac and a very purposeful move away from Intel. And it could not have gone better. Apple’s M1 chip delivered the longest battery life we’ve ever seen in a MacBook Air at nearly 15 hours in our testing — compared to 9:30 for the Intel model — and it offered remarkably fast performance to boot along with instant wake times. Plus, unlike Windows-on-ARM laptops, most of the software on Apple Silicon actually worked on day one. It would take several years for Intel to catch up. — Mark Spoonauer

2020: The totally underrated MagSafe launches 👍

It might seem like a simple addition, but the arrival of magnetic charging in the iPhone 12 heralded not only an easier way to charge iPhones but enabled all sorts of MagSafe accessories, from battery packs and charging stands to wallets, grips and iPhone mounts. Apple introduced StandBy mode a year later with iOS 17, which turns iPhones with always-on displays into alarm clocks. Samsung hasn’t even added magnets to its phones yet. – Mark Spoonauer

2020: AirPods Max "Smart Case" — The "bra" case that offered zero protection 👎

Woof, for a company that prides itself on design, the AirPods Max’s carrying case is… a choice. AirPods Max owners were quick to take to social media to voice their concerns about how little protection the case offered and it’s still being used as a meme today to diss products with bad designs. The headphones are great, but the case is easily Apple’s worst-designed product of the last decade. — Nick Pino

2020: Ted Lasso — The "kindness" hit that defined the early TV+ era 👍

I’d argue it was the infectious positivity of “Ted Lasso” that truly put Apple’s own streaming service on the map. For a while there, the main reason that you signed up and/or used a free trial of Apple TV+ (as it was called then) was to watch Ted (Jason Sudeikis) stumble his way through his new gig as head coach for Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond. What followed was three seasons of feel-good, warm-hearted TV that made many of us “believe” in Apple’s exclusive shows. — Martin Shore

2021: Apple AirTags and Find My change how you find stuff 👍

GPS trackers have been around for a long time, but Apple’s take completely changed the field with the release of the AirTag in 2021. This diminutive tracker relied on a totally different type of tech to help people track items down, by transforming every Apple device into a beacon for pinpointing the location of a missing AirTag. Apple leaned on Ultra-Wideband technology and its own custom U1 chip to offer Precision Finding through the Find My network. This made an immediate impact on the way we keep track of our personal items and, perhaps most importantly, it was and continues to be remarkably affordable. — John Velasco

2022: CODA’s Best Picture Win — Apple becomes first streamer to win the big Oscar 👍

Another big entertainment win came in 2022 when Apple Original Film “CODA” bested the likes of “Dune,” “West Side Story” and two Netflix releases — “The Power of the Dog” and “Don’t Look Up” — at the Oscars, scooping up Best Picture, plus wins for Troy Kotsur (Best Supporting Actor) and Siân Heder (Best Adapted Screenplay). It made history as the first movie with a predominantly Deaf cast, and it meant Apple became the first streamer to win the top prize at the Academy Awards. — Martin Shore

2024: The Apple Intelligence waiting game 👎

In the aftermath of ChatGPT’s meteoric rise, Apple needed to respond in 2024, and let's just say that Apple Intelligence has not lived up to the hype so far. Two years later we’re still waiting on some of the key features promised — like in-app actions and personal context within Siri — and I had a chance to interview Apple’s Craig Federighi and Greg ‘Joz’ Jozwiak about the delay. Yes, we got some useful AI stuff like Writing Tools and Clean Up in Photos, but we’re still waiting for the revamped Siri. That should change with iOS 27. — Mark Spoonauer

2024: Apple Vision Pro wows (and then underwhelms) 👎

The Apple Vision Pro amazed me when it launched, but I called it a “revolution in progress” for a reason. Being able to navigate with just your eyes and finger gestures wowed, and I loved being able to watch 3D movies and just stare at my MacBook to get a supersized desktop. But the $3,500 asking price was way too high and the design too heavy. And while the new Vision Pro M5 is more powerful with a comfier strap, it’s just not accessible to the masses. Perhaps the rumored Apple Glasses could take visionOS to the spatial computing promise land. – MS

2025: Pluribus becomes Apple TV’s most-watched show ever 👍

When it was revealed that Apple TV won the bidding war for “Pluribus,” it was a big deal. The “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” creator had just wrapped up producing two of the best shows of this century, so whatever was coming next was guaranteed to make a splash. But it exceeded expectations when it not only beat out “Severance” for the biggest launch of a drama series, but then became the most-watched series in Apple TV history, right before its season 1 finale. — Malcolm McMillan

2026: Macbook Neo puts all budget Windows PCs on notice 👍

At a time when Windows laptop makers are raising prices due to RAMageddon, Apple has released the $599 MacBook Neo ($499 for education) — and it could wind up being the laptop of the decade. This system features pretty much everything most users want from a MacBook, including a sturdy aluminum design, a bright display and long battery life, in a very affordable package. — Mark Spoonauer

Your earbuds go everywhere: the gym, your commute, the office, even bed. But despite daily use, most people never clean them properly. Earwax, sweat, and dust accumulate in the speaker mesh over time, affecting both sound quality and hygiene.

Worse, common cleaning methods actually damage earbuds. Cotton swabs push debris deeper into speakers, water can ruin internal electronics, and harsh chemicals can degrade protective coatings. What seems like basic maintenance often causes permanent harm.

James Grifo, Owner and CEO of Audio Visual Nation — an AV production company trusted by Microsoft and Nike — explains the proper cleaning process to protect your earbuds while keeping them hygienic.

How to clean earbuds safely

Common cleaning mistakes that damage earbuds

Grifo highlights several widespread cleaning habits that cause more harm than good. Avoiding these protects your earbuds from accidental damage.

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It's finally happened: Apple has revealed the AirPods Max 2. The company didn't hold an event or tease the announcement. Instead, a post suddenly appeared on Apple's website announcing the new model, which features the powerful H2 chip and vastly improved noise cancellation.

The company says the new AirPods Max 2 features better ANC, improved sound quality, and other intelligent features while maintaining the over-the-ear design for which Apple's most expensive headphones are known. And they're still expensive, coming with the same $549 price tag as the previous model.

AirPods Max 2 — what's new?

According to Apple, the H2 chip and new computational audio algorithms have allowed the cans to reach 1.5x more effective noise cancellation than the previous generation. For anyone who wants to keep the outside out while listening to high-quality music and podcasts, this could be a game-changer.

Beyond noise cancellation, Apple claims the headphones feature improved microphones that make the Transparency sound even more natural. I've never liked the Transparency feature on AirPods, so I'd be curious to try the new and improved version to see how it is.

While most users will probably prefer Bluetooth, Apple also supports 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected via the included USB-C cable. For those willing to trade the convenience of wireless for sound quality, this could be a massive upgrade.

And for the wireless crowd, AirPods Max 2 offers lower-latency wireless audio, making playing in Game Mode on iOS, macOS, and iPadOS games feel even more responsive and immersive.

Spatial Audio is also seeing improvements. The company promises improved instrument localization, more accurate and consistent bass response, and more natural-sounding mids and highs.

The microphones are also better, with Apple saying they include "studio-quality audio recording," which "allows interviewers, podcasters, singers, and other creators to record their content with higher-quality audio and more natural vocal texture."

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Yes, the JLab Go Sport+ cost $29 — which makes them just $5 more than Netflix. I don't know about you, but $29 is way cheaper than my monthly gym membership, cheaper than my weekly grocery bill, and a fraction of the price of my running leggings.

Obviously, if you already have a pair of the best earbuds, like I do, you might not want to shell out even more for some of the best running earbuds. But trust me — proper running earbuds make a huge difference. It's like running with fashion sneakers as opposed to proper running shoes. The JLab Go Sport+ have one job, and they do it really well.

But I wanted to really test them. As I primarily use my AirPods Pro 2 for everything, including running, I wondered how these $29 running buds would stack up against my $249 (but now discontinued) AirPods Pro 2. Can these ultra-cheap buds really beat Apple?

Challenge 1: the fit

Running earbuds and lifestyle earbuds have one major difference: fit. The entire purpose of a running earbud is to stay put in your ear hole, no matter how vigorously you're running.

That's why running earbuds tend to have a 'hook'-style design. This hook fits around the outside of your ear cartilage to prevent falling out or wobbling inside your ear.

It goes without saying that the JLab Go Sport+ fit much, much more securely than my AirPods Pro 2. That's not to suggest that my AirPods fit precariously or that AirPods aren't also great for running — it's more that the Go Sport+ have one job, and they do it really well.

Take a look at my colleague Nikita modeling the Go Sport+ — look at how the hook fits around her ear tightly.

When I was running, I forgot I was wearing them. The Go Sport+ are that secure. Alright, getting them in my ears took a few seconds longer than your AirPods or standard earbuds, but once they were in, they were in. No movement. Like they were soldered onto my cartilage itself. This is ideal for running, as your constant up-down movement can dislodge generic earbuds.

Comparatively, AirPods fit more like those aforementioned generic earbuds. As I have the Pro 2, the silicone tip makes the buds more secure than AirPods 4 (sans silicone tip). Even so, they still move around a little when I run, enough to necessitate my repositioning them mid-sprint.

I don't think this is a surprise, but the JLab Go Sport+ win over the AirPods Pro 2 for fit and security. If you want a pair of cheap earbuds you don't mind getting sweaty — and you want them to lock onto your ears so well you forget you're wearing them — then the Go Sport+ will not let you down.

Challenge 2: sound quality

Don't think I'm about to throw away my AirPods Pro 2 anytime soon, though. There's (obviously) one main area where the Pro 2 reign supreme: sound quality.

Of course, no one buys $29 with the intention of getting some Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2-dupes or anything. You know what to expect when you pay $29 for earbuds.

I don't think you're really focusing on sound quality when you're running, though. Or, I know I'm not. All I need is a powerful low-end with enough bass to help me propel my legs forward. I try to listen to 180BPM+ music when I run, so I can easily fix my slow cadence.

The Go Sport+ have plenty of bass. When I was listening to electronic music, the synths and drum machines crashed through the earbuds with gusto. In more complex soundscapes — like when I was listening to Slipknot, Linkin Park, and Evanescence — some of the guitars muddied. But even so, these are a) running earbuds, and b) $29.

My AirPods Pro 2 sound much, much better than the Go Sport+. The mids are clearer, and the bass has more separation. However, I was also pushing the darn things back in every five minutes, which distracted me from my workout.

I'm going to keep using the Go Sport+ for runs, but continue to wear my AirPods Pro 2 for everything else. Now I've experienced a run without needing to readjust my earbuds every 0.2 seconds, I'm not sure I can go back.

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Apple is currently playing a high-stakes game of “cover the spread.” Right now, we’ve got the MacBook Neo for the budget-conscious users — putting Chromebooks and Windows laptops on notice. But next up (according to a report by Mark Gurman), the Cupertino giant is turning its gaze back to the stratosphere.

The rumored MacBook Ultra suggests that Apple isn’t content with just being “Pro” anymore, and this new higher tier could represent a massive pivot. For years, the line between iPad and Mac was a church and state affair, but the Ultra could break that wall down with an OLED panel and (finally) a touchscreen.

What to expect from the MacBook Ultra?

Well, it’s in the name! Expect it to be the “ultra” interpretation of an Apple laptop. Gurman reports that this notebook will sit above the MacBook Pros, rather than replace them. That (in my mind) is the best course of action, because there’s a whole lot of Pro fans (me included) who don’t need the features a potential Ultra could be touting, and that subsequent price increase.

So to top the beastly Pros, the Cupertino crew’s going to have to go big. And that may mean two key things: OLED and touchscreen capabilities. This would be a huge change from keeping the iPad and Mac distinct in the way you use them, but could be huge for creators.

Now, figuring out where the pricing will go, you can take a look at what happened in other moments where Apple brought an OLED to the party. The iPhone X launched in 2017 with this display tech, and the iPad Pro with Tandem OLED in 2024. In both situations, the price went up by roughly 20%.

Of course, this isn’t taking into account any RAM price crisis-based shenanigans later in the year, but this is the kind of uplift you can expect from a MacBook Ultra. Also, given the anticipation that this notebook lands closer to the fall, I’d expect these to come with an M6 chip — using a new “chips on a system” architecture that you already see in M5 Pro and M5 Max.

Going all-ultra

But this isn’t the only Ultra device that’s set to come. Gurman does suggest two other products may sport this moniker:

• iPhone Ultra: this could very well be the first foldable iPhone Apple makes with a price tag over $2,000.
• AirPods Ultra: these could be the rumored AirPods with a built-in camera to fuel real-time visual intelligence and run the new Siri we’re expecting to see more of at WWDC 2026.

So one thing is becoming clear — Apple’s hitting both the budget and premium prices hard with a wider range of devices to suit all bank balances. The MacBook Neo is going to be a nightmare for Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops, while this rumored MacBook Ultra will gun straight for the luxury market.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this all plays out over the course of 2026.

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The world is, currently, very expensive. I watch my beloved Nespresso coffee pods get more costly by the day, and my packets of sandwich ham seem to rise in price by a few cents every week. Let's not even get started on eggs — waking up just isn't the same without my butter-filled morning scramble.

Headphones and earbuds are expensive, and in a time when it's more important than ever to save a few bucks (especially when a ham sandwich costs what it does now), they're a luxury that's easy to forgo or cheap out on when replacing old or damaged models.

But what do you get? EarPods. No matter if you're an Apple user with an iPhone or an Android faithful wielding a Pixel thing, you should get EarPods. For $20 bucks, you're not going to do any better than Apple's cheapest buds — and there are other benefits besides price. Let me explain.

1. No battery life

Look, I love wireless earbuds. I really do. But there's nothing quite as annoying as opening your buds case, slipping them in your ear, only to receive no sound because you completely forgot to charge them.

Or, when you're on a long trip, and you have no time to add battery life to your buds. Musicless train journeys are simply a no-go in my books.

You know what doesn't have battery? EarPods. They plug into your phone, play music and take calls. They don't need recharging, so you won't need to worry about music-less train journeys anymore. No brainer.

2. More intuitive controls

You see that funny rectangle on the right EarPods cable? That's a controller, and it's so much easier to use than the touch controls on your AirPods. And AirPods controls are great.

You press the volume up button to turn the sound up. You press the volume down button for the sound to go down. You press the middle button to play pause, and the volume up and down buttons twice to skip and go back a track. That's it. Those are the controls.

Not only does this placement make them easy to access, physical buttons are also a cinch if you're wearing big bulky gloves in colder weather.

3. Harder to lose

AirPods (and other wireless earbuds) are small. They're tiny, in fact, in the grand scheme of things. And what happens to tiny things? They get lost — a universal truth that follows us all. Train seat? See ya later, left earbud. Or never again.

By virtue of being attached by a cable, you're far less likely to lose your EarPods. Sure, if you leave them on the tray table and leave the train, you might, but you're not going to drop one down the sofa and be left with just one ear of music.

And if you do leave them on the tray table, you can buy another pair. Because they're $20.

4. Increased call quality

Call quality with modern wireless earbuds is fine, but it's never exemplary. There's a reason most companies supply you with a wired headset when you join — they sound better.

You see, when taking a call, the connection suddenly has to deal with two-way communication. One is the sound you can hear, being transferred from your phone or laptop to the buds.

The other is your voice being transferred from the microphone in your buds to your phone. That's double the audio streams, and Bluetooth just isn't man enough to handle both with much grace.

A cable, though? A cable does just fine — a pair of EarPods will, I'd wager, outperform even the most expensive wireless headphones mics in a head-to-head battle.

5. They're $20

Look, I know I said I wouldn't talk about price, but I have to. The EarPods are cheap. They cost less than a family meal at Burger King. They're cheaper than Coffee for two at a nice cafe in Manhattan. There are everything bagels that cost more than the EarPods. They're so cheap.

And you know what? That's important. Because, like I said up at the very top, the world is currently putting us through the financial wringer, and saving money where you can is paramount. And getting EarPods instead of AirPods is a great way of making sure there are some eggs in the fridge for that all-important morning scramble.

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Apple is doubling down on its AI efforts, and not just with its Siri 2.0 coming in 2026. As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the Cupertino tech giant is working on an Apple AI pendant, the long-rumored Apple AI smart glasses, and AI AirPods that come equipped with cameras. These have been rumored, but Gurman claims that Apple is actively developing these new AI wearable products.

The AI AirPods with cameras could launch this year, and the Apple glasses could start production as soon as December with a 2027 launch. The AI pendant could also launch next year. Here's a closer look at what to expect from Apple's new lineup of AI wearables.

Apple AI Pendent

Previously, Apple's rumored AI device had been expected to be an AI pin, not unlike the Humane AI Pin. However, Gurman suggests it could be worn like a pendant, hence an Apple AI pendant.

The AI wearable will reportedly come in the same size as the recent AirTag 2, possibly along with an aluminum flat disk and glass. With a clip, this will allow users to attach it to their clothing or bag, but reports also note there's a hole so it can be used as a necklace.

As for what's under the (likely small) hood, the AI pendant will feature a camera for visuals, a microphone for sound and a dedicated chipset — all of which will be used for users to interact with Siri via an iPhone. Notably, the cameras won't be used for taking pictures or video, but will be always-on to record the user's surroundings.

According to a leak from The Information, the pendant will come equipped with two cameras, three microphones and a small speaker, along with a physical button. This would allow for voice and gesture controls, but it isn't certain if Apple will incorporate all these components.

As Gurman states, the Apple AI pendant is looking to be the "eyes and ears" of the iPhone, so more of an accessory and less of a product that can be used by itself.

For now, there's no telling when Apple plans to release its AI pendant, or how much it will cost, as it's reportedly in the early stages of development. If its rumored smart glasses end up arriving by 2027, we could see the pendant launch soon after. And, as an accessory, fingers crossed it won't cost as much as the now-dead $699 Humane AI Pin.

Apple AI Smart Glasses

Apple plans to catch up with Meta's Ray-Ban and Google's Android XR in the smart glasses race, and it's looking like we'll finally see its first pair of AI specs by the end of 2026, or in 2027. Apparently, production on these glasses could begin in December 2026.

Apple's AI smart glasses are expected to be fitted with built-in speakers and cameras, depending on Siri for AI capabilities. These aren't likely to receive a display, like the Meta Ray-Ban Display specs, as these should be reserved for Apple's AR glasses predicted to arrive by 2028.

As with its other AI wearables, the specs will connect with a user's iPhone, which will handle the processing. With its built-in cameras, speakers and microphone, the glasses will be able to take and receive phone calls, snap photos and record video.

On top of that, you'll be able to play music and use Visual Intelligence to look at objects, read text and get information about them. Plus, it's expected to have live navigation and translation.

We're expected high-resolution cameras in the Apple AI smart glasses for pictures and video, along with one dedicated to Visual Intelligence. As for design, as with the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, Apple is tipped to deliver a range of sizes and styles, but it's uncertain what these could be.

AI AirPods with cameras

According to the report, the AirPods with cameras are real, but are at an earlier level of development compared to the AI pendant. We've been hearing rumors of these for a few years, and Apple may finally be taking the plunge to launch these AI-powered earbuds.

Again, this AI wearable will come with cameras, but will be used to record information on the user's surroundings rather than capturing photos. From previous rumors, these would be IR (infrared) cameras, offering advanced gesture controls and support for Siri.

There's still a lot to learn about these AI wearables and how they could support other Apple products, but it sounds like they will take more advantage of Apple Intelligence and Siri features.

With Apple pushing forward with its AI plans, we're now expecting to see AI-dedicated products come into the fold, and it's only a matter of time until we see if these devices are worth the wait.

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In a surprise to no one, Apple is working on a new pair of AirPods Pro earbuds. However, the unexpected news is that the company plans to launch the new models in 2026. They won't replace the current AirPods Pro 3, which are easily among the best earbuds, but will instead sit alongside them as an ultra-premium model.

Of course, if Apple wants to justify a higher price tag for a pair of AirPods Pro, it needs to add new features, as no one is going to pay extra out of the kindness of their hearts. Based on a report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and a leak from Instant Digital, it sounds like Apple has some big plans, including advanced gesture controls and the powerful H3 chip.

What to expect from the expensive AirPods Pro 3 model

The biggest hardware upgrade we've heard of is coming to the new, pricier version of the AirPods Pro: a gesture-reading infrared camera. With this, users will be able to control their music, answer calls and do anything else they'd expect to do with the earbuds without pressing any physical buttons or touch areas.

In fact, Instant Digital suggested that these cameras could prompt Apple to remove the fancy new model's pressure sensors and offer gesture controls only. That would be an interesting move from Apple, as people have grown comfortable with swiping to control music and calls.

The H3 chip is also being rumored for the new AirPods. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who has a very reliable track record of reporting on all things Apple, the next-generation audio chip is in development. It could be for a future model, such as the AirPods 5 or an upgraded Max, but that remains to be seen.

Either way, Apple has a large price gap between the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max, with the headphones selling for $249 and $549, respectively. If it were to drop the advanced AirPods Pro 3 this year in the $349-$399 range, it would fill the space nicely.

If these do come to fruition, it'll probably be a few months before we see anything official, as Apple typically drops new AirPods in the back half of the year.

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If you've ever wanted to watch a movie with someone on a plane or share a song with a friend, you've probably ended up passing one AirPod back and forth. It's awkward, uncomfortable, and you both get tangled in the same wire or deal with one ear going silent.

Your iPhone actually has a built-in solution called Audio Sharing that lets two people listen through separate pairs of headphones at the same time. The catch is it only works with Apple and Beats headphones, not just any old wireless pair. Here's how to set it up this feature on your iPhone.

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Taking group selfies or photos where you want to be in the frame usually means awkwardly stretching your arm to reach the shutter button while trying to keep your hand out of the shot. Apple's iOS 26 introduced a feature that solves this problem: Camera Remote for AirPods.

You can set up your iPhone at the perfect angle, step back into frame, and trigger the camera with a simple press. However, it only works with AirPods that have an H2 chip, which includes AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4. Here's how to enable Camera Remote and use your AirPods to take photos.

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Apple's AirPods are some of the most popular earbuds and headphones that you can buy today. It's no great surprise why, considering how well they work with iPhone devices and the sheer number of features available out of the box. But; did you know that there's loads about your AirPods that you might not know about?

There are loads of different hidden features built into the AirPods line, from funky extras that let you take photos with your earbuds to head gestures that can answer and reject calls. Whether you own a pair of AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max, here are the hidden features you didn't know were in your AirPods.

1. Take a picture

I'll bet you didn't know you could use your AirPods as a remote control for the camera on your iPhone! It's super easy as well — you just need to activate it in the settings menu.

Head to the settings menu, and find your AirPods. Scroll down to the camera control section, and choose the option that suits you. You can choose a single or long tap to activate the shutter in the camera app.

From there, open the camera app, and try your new shortcut. You'll get a countdown on screen, and then your phone takes a picture. Perfect for group photos!

Airpods this works with:

• AirPods Pro 3
• AirPods Pro 2
• AirPods 4

2. Nod to accept a call

Ever found your hands full, only to need to answer a call on your earpuds? Don't worry, Apple thought of a solution. There's a setting that lets you nod your head to accept a call and shake your head to decline it. It's found hidden away in the settings menu.

Open the menu, and find your AirPods settings. Scroll down until you find head gestures, and toggle the option on. Now, you can accept and decline calls with a nod or a shake of your head.

AirPods this works with:

• AirPods Pro 3
• AirPods Pro 2
• AirPods 4
• AirPods 3

3. Make sure your AirPods fit correctly

Finding the right fit with any pair of earbuds can be tricky. Which ear tips should you use? How do they slip in properly? Apple has made it easier to make sure that your earbuds are fitting properly with fit test.

Head to the settings menu, and select your AirPods. Navigate to Ear Tip Fit Test, and then run the test. Adjust their fit as needed with a new set of tips — remember, you might need one side to be bigger than the other.

Once it's all done, your AirPods will fit better, they'll even likely sound slightly better. and, as an added bonus, the ANC will block more noise. Make sure you run this test!

AirPods this works with:

• AirPods Pro 3 (it's called "Acoustic Seal Test")
• AirPods Pro 2

4. Chill out with relaxing sounds

Did you know that your AirPods can help you relax? There are built in sounds that can calm you down. They're called "Background Sounds," and there's a series of different options to choose from. Six, in fact.

Head to the settings menu, and go to the accessibility section. Then you'll choose the Audio/Visual menu, and navigate to the Background Sounds option. From there, choose your sound. Now you can sleep peacefully without being woken up by your snoring partner. Or the hamster wheel. Or, well, whatever it is that keeps you up.

AirPods this works with:

• AirPods Pro 3
• Airpods Pro 2
• AirPods Pro
• AirPods 4
• AirPods 3
• AirPods 2
• AirPods Max

5. Watch your movies without disturbing your family

If you've got an Apple TV, you can connect your Airpods and listen to the audio without waking anyone else up at more... interesting hours. It's super easy, and if your AirPods support Spatial Audio, then you'll get surround with some of your content as well.

To see if your AirPods are connected to your Apple TV, press the power button to bring up control center. Check the audio menu here and find your AirPods. Now you can watch all your movies and TV with your AirPods! Simple, and very useful.

AirPods this works with:

• AirPods Pro 3
• AirPods Pro 2
• AirPods Pro
• AirPods 4
• AirPods 3
• AirPods 2
• AirPods
• AirPods Max

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One of my favorite ways of watching movies and TV shows with my Apple TV is with a pair of AirPods. I still get all the surround benefits of Spatial Audio, but I don't disturb the rest of the house with elevated volume levels.

It's super easy to connect your AirPods to your Apple TV, as well. It's even simpler if you've got other Apple devices — you'll almost certainly be able to use them straight away. Here's how to connect your AirPods to your Apple TV.

Models this will work with

• AirPods
• AirPods 2
• AirPods 3
• AirPods 4
• AirPods Pro
• Airpods Pro 2
• AirPods Pro 3
• AirPods Max

The easy way

If you use other Apple devices with your AirPods, like an iPhone or an iPad, your AirPods are likely already connected to your Apple TV without you even realizing. It's all down to that magic Apple device connection — they're linked with your Apple ID.

To check that they're connected to your Apple TV, boot up the TV device and then open your buds. Then put them in your ears, and you should see a connection notification on screen.

Go and play something on your favorite streaming service and check that the audio is coming through. Job done!

If they don't immediately play the audio, you need to choose them as an audio output. Hit the power button on the top right of your remote, select the "audio" section, and choose your AirPods from the list.

If they're not there, then you'll have to connect them manually. Have no fear, it's actually super easy.

The harder way

First, navigate to the settings menu on your Apple TV. From there, find the Remotes & Devices tab. Now, you'll need to find the Bluetooth tab.

Now we need to get the AirPods into pairing mode. This will depend on your AirPods.

For the AirPods 1, 2 and 3, and the AirPods Pro 1 and Pro 2, open the case and find the pairing button on the back. Hold down the button until the status light on the front flashes white.

AirPods 4 (both models) and AirPods Pro 3 have a touch panel instead. Open the case, and then double-tap the front of the case near the Apple TV.

Finally, for the AirPods Max, hold down the ANC button until the status light flashes white.

With your AirPods now in pairing mode, you can find them in the Bluetooth connections menu of the Apple TV. Select your AirPods in the list, and you're away!

Back out of the settings menu, and then double-check that the AirPods are connected properly. Using the power button on the remote control, find the AirPods in the audio devices section.

This is also where you can configure the Spatial Audio settings (if applicable). And with that, your AirPods are connected to your Apple TV — go forth and watch some movies and TV!

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In a matter of months, my AirPods Pro 3 have become my go-to running headphones, and it’s not because they have the ability to track my heart rate. The fit and sound quality is far superior to their predecessors, and they don’t budge, even on really sweaty workouts (nice). However, over the holidays, my AirPods started making a weird clicking, mainly whenever Apple’s Workout Buddy paused my music or podcast with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, but click they did, and it drove me mad.

Luckily, this story has a happy ending, and a rather simple fix, so if you find your AirPods start clicking during your workouts, here’s what to try before you head to a Genius bar.

My AirPods Pro 3 started clicking — here’s the simple fix that saved me having to replace them

When I first googled the problem, I saw that the clicking noise can stem from firmware bugs or hardware issues, or a far simpler alternative — a buildup of dirt causing friction in the ear tip.

I often leave the case for my AirPods at home, and chuck my pods themselves in my jacket pocket when I finish a run, and after a few months of wear, I had yet to clean them. Here are the steps I took:

• I removed the tips of the AirPods and used a cotton bud with micellar water to remove the dust that had accumulated both in the part that sits in my ear, and the opposite side, that sits flush with the headphones themselves — there was a surprising amount hidden in the headphones.
• While they were dying, I used another dry cotton swab to clean out the speakers themselves.
• I allowed everything to dry, before putting the headphones back together and returning them to their charging case.

So far, so good in terms of the clicking noise, and a decent lesson that the simple fix is always a good place to start.

Of course, if this doesn’t work, it’s worth taking your headphones back to Apple to see if the popping or clicking sound is related to hardware, but keep your headphones clean, folks, especially if, like me, you carry them around without the case.

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The AirPods Pro 3 launched to a great deal of fanfare last year, landing with pinpoint accuracy onto our list of the best wireless earbuds. They've got better sound, a (supposedly) improved fit, and a whole load more battery life. Apparently, though, we could see a new version at some point — according to 9to5Mac.

Not happy with having a pair of premium earbuds in its roster, Apple seems intent on making the AirPods line more convoluted and confusing than ever. Two AirPods 4 models and two Pro models.

All of the AirPods

Apparently, the new version of the AirPods looks to replace the traditional idea of smart glasses. To that end, the new model would be equipped with IR cameras, as well as AI integration, so they can make sense of the world around you.

In my opinion, though, it feels like a lot of unnecessary feature bloat, forgetting what makes the AirPods so good in the first place: An excellent audio experience and magical connection with Apple devices.

How likely are they?

Most of the rumors and rumblings that 9to5Mac reports here are old — some of them even pre-AirPods Pro 3 launch. It could be that we see a version of the AirPods Pro 3 launch with some fancy new cameras in the future, but there hasn't really been anything new since last September.

Going by AirPods release calendars past, we could expect a light refresh of the Pro 3 after about a year and a half. That's if things go the same way as the AirPods Pro 2, and given that they only upgraded to match the EU's USB-C mandate, I'm not sure the Pro 3 will follow suit.

Do we need another AirPods Pro model? I'm going to say probably not — the AirPods line is getting confusing enough already, without a second model of more premium AirPods Pro 3 cluttering things up even more.

IR cameras could well be an update to future models of AirPods, but only time will tell whether it's a new model or a refreshed one.

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The AirPods Max are, despite Apple's best efforts, an old pair of headphones. We first saw the Lightning model over five years ago, and then the USB-C version only changed the colors and added a new charging port in 2024. We still await the AirPods Max 2.

So what do I think we'll see out of the AirPods Max, and why have we not seen them yet? And perhaps most importantly, what do we want from Apple's next pair of the best noise-canceling headphones?

AriPods Max 2: Where are they?

The AirPods Max 2 have long been rumored. Instead, all we got so far has been the USB-C version of the AirPods Max, launched to placate the EU and its need for a universal charging standard.

Sure, we also got the USB-C listening mode and some lovely new colors, but there was no way you could call them any kind of sequel. They were a stopgap, to keep us happy until the next version comes along.

So when can we expect them? Good question. Now that Apple has launched the USB-C version, I'm not sure we'll be seeing them any time soon. After all, there were 4 years between the Lightning and USB-C versions, so the timeline could well be that long again.

Having said that, I'd like to cast our minds back to the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro 2. They launched a mere year or so after the Lightning version, only to be replaced again another year later by the AirPods Pro 3. Perhaps, then, we could have a similar situation with the AirPods Max 2, and we're only a few months out from a new version.

One can hope.

Why hasn't Apple launched them?

This is a pertinent question. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg believes that it's because the AirPods Max have not been successful enough to warrant a new version, but they're selling well enough to justify leaving them on shelves. That suggests we may not see a new version at all.

There is some degree of "they're still great" that comes into play as well. Despite some points showing their age, like the 20 hour battery life, the current AirPods Max are still top performers. The ANC can hang with the best of them from Sony and Bose, and the sound is still some of the best around.

The true reason, however, remains a mystery.

What do I want from the AirPods Max 2?

As much as I like the AirPods Max (and despite my many criticisms of the headphones), there is some work to be done to make them even better. For one, while the headband is comfortable and extremely cool looking, it loses its elasticity with age.

My Lightning pair has become loose and saggy, and when I wear them, the two metal arms that support the fabric rest on the top of my head. My USB-C version has survived better so far, but it still leaves me worried for the future.

Strengthen that material, and we're onto a winner. When it's taught, there's little more comfortable atop your head — let's see it stay that way.

There are likely hundreds of thousands of words written about the abominable case that comes packed with the AirPods Max — some of them mine — so I won't labor the point too much. Only that it is bad, and I don't like it.

Some form of proper case with the next version would be very welcome, with a way to not only actually protect the headphones but store something like a cable. And make it out of something that doesn't gather dust and grease within a femtosecond.

Then there's the obvious: Battery life. 20 hours is just not enough, no matter how you slice it. The competition can last longer than the AirPods Max, sometimes over twice as long, so I'd like to see at least 30 hours of life in the next model.

There's one thing that really needs to stay, though. The incredible, tactile controls that are a joy to use. There are few control methods built into a pair of headphones that even come close to the dial and button combo on the AirPods Max. If that's gone from the AirPods Max 2, I'll riot.

You have been warned, Apple.

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So, you got AirPods for Christmas. What now? Well, even though these are some of the best wireless earbuds and the perfect companion for your iPhone, they need to be set up correctly so you can enjoy all the benefits of having a new addition to your Apple ecosystem.

Having the right setup means you’ll have the best experience when using the earbuds and the best sound quality possible. These are some of the steps you can take as soon as you get your new AirPods to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Step 1. Give them a unique name

Obviously, the first thing you’ll need to do is connect the AirPods via Bluetooth to your device. This is straightforward enough, as your Apple device will automatically recognize the earbuds as soon as you open the case.

Making sure you name the AirPods on their first connection is essential, as you’ll be able to recognize them when you move on to connecting to more devices. I also like to set up multipoint connection with my most used devices.

Multipoint connection allows you to switch seamlessly between audio from multiple devices. I love using this feature while I’m working to switch between video calls on my laptop and music on my phone. It’s super handy, and if you set it up right away, it avoids any fuss when you’re rushing to switch over.

Step 2. Turn on Find My...

Make sure you allow Find My to track your AirPods. This makes them so easy to find if you ever misplace them. And you may think that won’t be an issue, but I find myself pinging my AirPods on the Find My app more than I care to admit — and I’d say I’m pretty organized.

You can also set up an alert for the app to alert you if you ever leave your AirPods behind. I find this feature especially useful, and I often forget to throw them in my bag as I head out the door, so it reminds me to turn around and grab them.

Step 3. Run the fit test

With new models, like the AirPods Pro 3 and the AirPods Max, you can run a fit test to make sure you’re getting optimal sound performance. This ensures you’re getting the best ANC (active noise cancellation) and transparency mode performance.

Not getting the best results? You can try the different-sized ear tips that come with the buds to see which ones give the best seal for noise cancellation.

New features on the AirPods 3 will also perform better with a more accurate eartip fit too. These buds have sensors for health tracking, and these metrics will be far more accurate with a better fit.

Step 4. Make sure you're listening to lossless audio

For the audiophiles out there, the most important step in setting up your new AirPods will be enabling lossless audio. It’s going to use up a lot more mobile data, so be aware of that, but if you want the best quality audio possible with your music, you need to enable this high fidelity setting in your music streaming app(s).

You’ll get a better performance with this feature if you use Apple Music for streaming (and you should get 3 months free with an AirPods purchase at Apple), but Spotify recently upgraded its streaming platform to offer lossless streaming to iPhone users.

But the most important thing is to enjoy the music you listen to with these earbuds, as they are going to soundtrack your life for you. From train journeys to long walks, my AirPods come everywhere, and I think you’re going to love using yours with the right setup.

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• I've been using the AirPods Pro 3 for three months — the good, the bad and the ugly

When the AirPods Pro 3 launched, I found them a worthy upgrade to the AirPods Pro 2. They were more secure, sounded (to my ears at least) better, and offered a much-welcome battery life increase.

But now that I've been testing the AirPods Pro 3 for a few months, I've noticed some issues that I missed in my initial assessment. They're still some of the best wireless earbuds you can buy — but my recommendation comes with some caveats from now on. Here's why.

The good

The AirPods Pro 3 get a lot right, as you might expect from Apple's premier earbuds. They're a worthy successor to the AirPods Pro 2, with plenty of upgrades that keep them fresh and new.

The ANC is a good example. The 2nd Gen model blocked out plenty of noise, sure, but the AirPods Pro 3 kick things up a notch, taking the fight handily to its main rivals, Sony and Bose.

There seems to have been blocking improvements across the board, with attention paid to a range of frequencies. There's greater low-end performance, making sure that bus engines are silenced.

Nearby chatter is all but eliminated, and the algorithm is very good at finding loud noises and blocking them out. The AirPods Pro 3 are up there with the best noise-canceling earbuds, that's for sure.

The battery life is also a massive bonus. The extra hours that Apple has packed make them a vastly better option than the previous model, with 10 hours of listening when you're using the transparency mode. 8 hours with ANC turned on is a big improvement over 6 hours as well.

The inclusion of wireless charging and the fast charge over USB-C are both big boons for the buds. The case is smooth and easy to fit into a pocket. They're still a great pair of earbuds for a range of different users — but use them long enough and some issues start to crop up.

The bad

After a few months of testing, not everything is so rosy for the AirPods Pro 3. The first issue that I've found? The sound quality of the buds doesn't stand up to scrutiny.

The AirPods Pro 2 had a very neutral sound profile. It was one of the buds' greatest strengths, further setting them apart from the likes of the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

The AirPods Pro 3 do not have a very neutral sound profile. There are improvements over the last model. There's slightly more detail, and the sound is slightly more weighty. In return, we've lost a sense of liveliness and fun in return for more dynamic bass, bringing them right in line with the Sony and Bose options.

That's a shame. On initial impression, the AirPods Pro 3 sound good. But extended listening and experience have shown me that they're a disappointing departure from what were some unique-sounding earbuds.

The ugly

There are a few features that have become genuine irritations: The AirPods Pro 3 are, indeed, more secure than the AirPods Pro 2. They've changed shape to make sure that they stay firmly in your ear without the risk of falling out.

And that change isn't universally loved. Erin, one of our review team's senior writers, outright doesn't like the fit of the AirPods Pro 3 and has chosen to stick with the old model.

I'm not quite to that level. I find them less offensive, but I am not immune to the problems of their new shape. They now dig into your ear where the old model did not, and the new eartips reach further inside your ears.

It doesn't matter which of Apple's new eartips you try, from the XS fitting buds to the XL options; the shape of the buds has changed to a degree that makes them more uncomfortable for some users, myself included.

Should you buy them?

Despite my issues, the AirPods Pro 3 are still good earbuds for the majority of users. Their sound is generally pleasing, and the ANC is excellent by any standard.

That's not forgetting the extra features — the heart rate monitor and live translation — which make them a great option for iPhone and the Apple ecosystem faithful. What I would say, however, is that the purchasing decision now needs more careful thought.

There are plenty of options out there, including Sony and Bose earbuds, that are vying for your attention — and you can find them all on our list of the best wireless earbuds.

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Most people use their AirPods for listening to music and taking calls, but Apple has quietly added dozens of features through software updates that completely change what these earbuds can do. You can nod your head to answer calls, use them as a real-time translator, or even take photos with your iPhone remotely.

If you bought AirPods in the last couple years or haven't explored your settings recently, you're probably missing capabilities that would actually be useful in your daily life. I discovered five features that made me realize I've been underusing my AirPods. Here's how to find and use each one.

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I love the AirPods Pro 3, I really do. They're some of the best wireless earbuds that you can buy today, thanks to their comfortable fit, excellent sound and stellar noise canceling.

But I can't help but feel left wanting, occasionally, when I look at the competition. There are features out there that I feel would fit very well with the AirPods line, from a personalizable custom EQ to even more fitting options.

These features, found in the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, would make the AirPods Pro 3 even better. Let's dive in and see what Apple should be adding to its AirPods sack before it brings a new pair to store shelves.

Fitting wings

The most comfortable buds I've ever tried, hands down, are the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds gen 2. They're also the most secure, and I'd wager that is down to the extra-fitting wings and assorted silicon 'bud bit' that ensure they stay in your ears.

I have particularly large ears, so fitting wings are a boon anyway. But even then, they stop tight buds from pushing their way out, and loose ones from shaking away. They needn't be particularly invasive — see how subtle the wings are above — but I'd love to see some on the AirPods.

Even better, they could be removable. Given that the AirPods are sweat and dust-proof, making them even more runner-friendly would be a massive positive to notch on their impressive belt.

Is it likely? Probably not. But we can always dream of AirPods that fit even better.

Customizable EQ

There is some customizability built into the AirPods line, thanks to pre-sets that change the sound, but there's no way to change the sound profile more granularly. Compare that to the likes of the Sony WF-1000XM5, which you can tune to your heart's content with a comprehensive EQ section, and the AirPods come up wanting.

I'm not asking for much — just a few channels of adjustment. I'd like to be able to dial in the sound more to my taste, instead of relying on the sound engineers at Apple. They're very good, but you can't please absolutely everbody.

That would make the AirPods an even more compelling option in my eyes, allowing for more customizability.

All the features available on Android

This is about as likely to happen as the second great flood, but a girl can wish. The AirPods line, if you use an iPhone and other Apple devices, are as fully featured as they come. If, however, you happen to also use a Windows laptop, or an Android tablet, many of the features won't work.

They'll connect, and they'll play music, but you'll lose most of their most useful features. Hearing test won't work, the EQ presets can't be changed, and some of the touch controls might get a bit... funky.

I know that the Apple walled garden strengthens those that live within it — but one step outside of those glassy walls brings the restriction into stark daylight. Android customers make up swathes of the smartphone-buying public. There's a fresh customer base right there Apple, and some of them might want to buy some AirPods.

Why not open those gates?

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I've had my AirPods Pro 3 since the beginning — I suppose, in some way, I'm an early adopter. I even penned my thoughts about how they matched up with my "audiophile" sensibilities, and found that they fared well.

I liked the way that they fit in my ears, and I enjoyed the sound re-engineered sound profile. The improved ANC proved to be a massive boon, closing the gap on the Bose and Sony-flavored in-ear competition.

I've now had some time to get comfortable with the buds. I've learned their foibles and become more intimately aware of bugbears and issues. I still like them — but am I still enamored?

What I still like

There is plenty that has made sure I still enjoy using my AirPods Pro 3. For one, the improved ANC really is a noticeable step up from my old pair of AirPods Pro 2. I've taken both on the same train journeys to see how they fare against noisy carriages, and the results weren't surprising.

The AirPods Pro 2 are still a good noise canceler, but extended time with the Pro 3 has highlighted the formers ANC weaknesses. There's better blocking of loud sounds with the Pro 3, sudden noises that want to pull you out of your ANC induced stupor.

They also do a better job of blocking noise while listening to podcasts and audiobooks, something the AirPods Pro 2 aren't all that proficient at. My three months has only enhanced my appreciation of the AirPods Pro 3 and their noise control.

I can't forget the improved battery life. The increase over the old model is always appreciated, and it has changed over the last few months. They just... last longer. And that's good, because I can listen to more death metal. Good stuff. No notes. We may proceed.

What's changed

Initially, I quite liked the new fit of the AirPods Pro 3. It seemed to be more secure and aided the seal for the noise canceling. Using them for three months has brought some irritating issues to light, unfortunately.

That snugger fit does make them terribly uncomfortable after a time. While most earbuds that reach further into your ear generally feature slimmer tips to avoid stretching your inner ear, the AirPods Pro 3 have much wider apertures.

They press more on the inside of my ear, and get pretty sore after a few hours of wear. The new bud shape has caused issues too. They press on my concha too hard, the problem becoming more obvious the longer they sit in my ear.

The result is an initially comfortable fit that gets treacherously close to "get these accursed things out of my ears" territory after a few hours of listening. It's not terrible, and it's more secure than the AirPods Pro 2, but there are more comfortable buds.

My opinion on their sound profile has shifted as well. I was, at first, impressed with the new signature thanks to a warmer overall sound that I thought would make for an easier listen for a wider range of listeners.

While that may be true, I've found the sudden lack of proper detail a problem. The bass is good; it's dynamic, moving, and shifting with the best of them. But the attention to the "people pleasing" bits of the music has left the top end with some hard work to do.

Hard work that it seems too lazy to engage with. Extended listening sessions have only found me wanting for a return to the more "analytical" sound of the AirPods Pro 2, which revealed more detail and gave a more engaging listening experience.

The best way to listen to the AirPods Pro 3 is in the background — but I've never wanted to sit down and use them to actually get into my tunes. And that feels like a shame that's only become more of a bugbear over the last three months.

What's bad

Live translations sounded like something that could have been great. It still could be, in fact, allowing me to communicate with people who don't speak the same language. But it would appearwe're a long way off, given that Live Translation in the AirPods Pro 3 (and by extension the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4) simply doesn't work.

I've spoken to a friend who speaks Spanish to try it out a few times, and each time, it's gotten stuff wrong. "I would like to find the football stadium" became "I really like the football stadium." "Where's the best place to find a glass of wine?" became "There's some nice wine over there".

I'm not familiar enough with Spanish to understand why Live translation changed the meaning of my friend's words, and neither did he. Some were real headscratchers, pulling bizarre grammar out of nowhere.

Perhaps we were using it wrong. But the fact remains. I would've been stuck in Spain had anyone tried to communicate with me.

Perhaps with improvements to Apple Intelligence Live Translation will become what Apple wants it to be. But it feels like it's a long way off.

What was once a boon is starting to become increasingly grating with AirPods. Yes, their connection to Apple devices is magical, but it's also becoming a key weakness. Not everyone owns a MacBook to go with their iPhone, and iPads are becoming so expensive that some AirPods users can't afford to buy one.

There will be a subset of users who struggle to get their AirPods to connect to multiple things, and it doesn't help that the AirPods Pro 3 has a completely innocuous touch panel on the front of the case.

The Apple walled garden, which once felt so safe and secure, is starting to feel like a green prison. Stay within the garden, and everything will work; leave it for only a second, and things will go wrong. The last few months with the AirPods Pro 3 have only exacerbated the problem in my eyes.

I want to use my AirPods with more things, and I want the extra features to work. Spatial Audio, the heart rate sensor, personalized sound. But they don't, and that's a shame. This is not unique to Apple, to be clear, but it is most obvious when you look at just how locked down the AirPods are.

Will they be staying in my pocket?

No. As much as I have enjoyed my time with the AirPods Pro 3, my 3-month experience has shown me that there are now better options for Apple users. They are, objectively, a better pair of buds than the AirPods Pro 2 with more battery and improved noise canceling.

But I just don't like them as much. The sound no longer scratches the crucial "can't wait to put them in my ears" itch, and the fit has revealed its weaknesses over extended wear.

I still like the AirPods Pro 3, but I'm falling out of love with Apple's buds. I'm coming to appreciate things that work with more devices, that put more stock into excellent sound, rather than extras like Live Translation and a heart rate monitor.

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The AirPods 4 were so cheap over Black Friday (still are at $99) that a massive chunk of our readership have grabbed a pair. Now I want to help you make the most of them with some key expert tips.

With all the music, podcasts, TV shows and audiobooks you'll be listening to with these, there are five extra features you should use to get the most out of your shiny new Apple earbuds.

Bear in mind that these are all using an iPhone, but will work with both the ANC and non ANC models of the AirPods 4

1. Activate Spatial Audio

It's one of the most important features of the buds, after all. For Apple Music listeners, it enhances your listening experience with a widened soundstage, so that the music sounds like it's coming from all around you. That provides a more immersive experience, with specially designed mixes tailored for the AirPods line.

You can set it up by heading to Settings > Airpods > Personalized Spatial Audio. From there, you can dial in the Spatial Audio settings. You'll also need to turn on Spatial Audio in your Audio settings.

Head to the Apps section of the settings menu, and find Music. Scroll down until you find the Audio section. In the Dolby Atmos section, you'll want to select Automatic. This ensures your music plays in Spatial Audio when applicable. Remember, not every track is Atmos-optimized, so you won't always find the little Atmos logo in your now-playing screen.

2. Activate Lossless listening

Your new AirPods are capable of impressive lossless listening, bringing more detail to the table for enhanced sound quality. There is a slight difference in sound quality, and I think it's worth it. It's also really easy to set up.

WARNING! Before you go ahead and turn on lossless listening, be prepared for a hefty data bill if you don't have loads of gigabytes ready to use.

To find the Lossless audio setting, head to the settings menu, then click on the Apps page on the bottom. From there, navigate to Music, followed by Audio Quality in the Audio menu.

On the next screen, you'll find some options. You can choose to play lossless audio over your mobile data (not recommended if you've not got much data), with Wi-Fi (recommended) and with your downloaded tracks (also recommended, unless you've not got much storage).

After that you'll find the Lossless logo under the progress bar of compatible tracks.

3. Use head gestures to control them

You can control your AirPods with your head. When it's cold, you'll never have to pull them from your pocket, or when you've got your hands full of shopping, you don't have to drop the watermelon to answer an emergency call from your mom.

When someone calls you, shake your head to reject the call, and nod your head to accept it. It's simple and very effective.

To turn it on, head to the Settings menu. Then, select the AirPods option. From there, you can find the Head Gestures menu, where you'll find a toggle switch.

4. Pair them to other devices

Did you know that there's a touch sensitive pairing button on your AirPods 4 case? It's hidden away, but it's there. While pairing with an iPhone is as easy as opening your buds near your case, pairing with other devices requires you to use this "pairing panel." I can't really call it a button, can I?

Tap the front of the case once to check the battery status, and then tap twice to activate pairing mode. Then you can connect them to other devices like any other pair of wireless earbuds.

5. Use them to watch your Apple TV

Watching a movie while you're up late, and don't want to wake the rest of the family? Pop your AirPods 4 in your ears and enjoy the sound without stirring your nearest and dearest.

They connect pretty much automatically, as long as you use the same Apple account on your Apple TV 4K as your iPhone or iPad. You might need to select them in the sound menu in the quick menu on the Apple TV — hit the power button, and there's the "sound" menu, where you can select the earbuds — but it otherwise works seamlessly.

They also play Surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes, where applicable.

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The AirPods Pro 3 are a lovely pair of the best earbuds — or at least they would be, if they didn't spit horrible static and "whistling" noises at you. That's what some users of the Macrumors forums are reporting — when you've got some form of noise canceling or transparency on, the earbuds emit a strange (and perhaps most importantly, annoying) static sound.

There are plenty of users at MacRumors who are experiencing the issue, and some have even taken their earbuds back to Apple for a successful return. So, what might be happening, and have we been able to reproduce the issue here at Tom's Guide?

The TG seal of... maybe

There are plenty of users of AirPods Pro 3 at Tom's Guide, so I checked in with the team to see how they're getting on with their earbuds. My experience, after sitting down for 10 minutes with the buds in, ANC on, and no music playing, was about what you'd expect. You can hear the ANC doing its work on the world around you, but I'm not getting any kind of static sounds.

Erin and Nikita at the Tom's Guide Reviews center for excellence had slightly different reports with the same earbuds. Erin couldn't hear any kind of static sound, while Nikita was able to detect a faint crackling. It's more than likely that Nikita wasn't picking up a specific issue with the buds, instead hearing the ANC use white noise to block out the noise of their busy office.

Our fitness team also turned their attention to finding static — and both Nick and Jane couldn't find any kind of static being emitted by the buds. This is not to say, of course, that the issue isn't happening at all, only that we were unable to replicate the issues reported. Perhaps we'll be complaining of ANC static soon enough after even more wear and use.

What could be happening?

ANC uses a certain amount of white noise (or static) combined with your music to counteract the noises of the world. With any pair of noise-canceling earbuds or headphones, when you stop playing music with the ANC on, you'll hear the ANC trying to compensate with white noise. That much is expected.

Users are reporting more than that, however. One user says that the "ANC is quieting down the lower frequencies," continuing that "higher frequencies seem to actually get LOUDER." That's more than just the ANC doing its work, given that it seems to be amplifying sounds you really don't want it to.

It sounds like an issue with the noise-canceling engine that Apple is using, although given that it's not affecting everyone, it could be some kind of manufacturing defect or a software bug. Let's hope it's the latter — that's going to be easier for Apple to fix.

Can you fix it?

Unfortunately, it looks like the possibility of an easy fix is out of the question. Users reporting the issue haven't been able to fix it with a restart or reset, instead having to go to Apple and get the buds replaced. There's even a user who got their buds replaced and experienced the same problem again with the new pair of buds — that's not fantastic.

No matter how you look at it, Apple now seems to have some form of issue on it's hands. We'll be sure to let you know if we start to experience the issue, but in the meantime, have you experienced the AirPods Pro 3 static sound?

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Your phone goes everywhere with you. Your laptop sits on your desk collecting crumbs from lunch. Your headphones get sweaty during workouts, and your TV remote passes through everyone's hands. These devices are constant companions, yet most of us barely think about cleaning them until they're visibly grimy.

The reality is sobering: studies consistently show that everyday devices harbor shocking amounts of bacteria. And the problem isn't just that our tech is dirty — it's that we often clean it incorrectly. Harsh cleaners, too much moisture, and wrong techniques can damage equipment, no matter how cheap or expensive it is.

Here's how to clean your gadgets safely without risking a fried circuit or voided warranty.

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As the dust settles on a very successful AirPods Pro 3 launch, Apple already seems to be looking to upgrade the whole family with a new chip. In his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Marc Gurman reports that Apple is working on the H3 chip, the successor to the H2 chip that powers its current AirPods models.

The H3 was pegged for launch with the AirPods Pro 3, but to everyone's surprise, they're powered by the tried and true H2 chip from the previous model. So why are the AirPods of the future likely to need this new chip?

Two words: Apple Intelligence.

Standalone intelligent earbuds

With the AirPods Pro 3, Apple gave us Live Translation. It's a clever system, letting you chat with people speaking other languages while your buds translate what they're saying.

Except the buds aren't doing it — your phone is. The AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4 simply aren't clever enough to do the AI work on their own. If Apple wants buds that can process AI requests without relying on a separate device, it's going to need a new chip.

So, in comes the H3. According to Gurman, Apple is currently working on the H3 chip for a future pair of AirPods Pro 3. Alongside potential AI upgrades, the new chip should also offer better audio quality and improve audio lag.

Apple is also reportedly working on a new pair of budget buds in the AirPods 5, the sequel to (as you might have guessed) the AirPods 4. It would be strange to see those launch alongside the H3 chip, something generally reserved for the Pro buds, but we've been surprised before.

Gurman doesn't think we're going to see the heart rate sensors of the AirPods Pro 3 on board, but we might get other health features, "including a temperature reader."

He does, however, think that we might see camera modules in the buds. Those will aid their AI powers in some way, apparently — although we'll have to wait to see them first. And, as always, we're not really sure when that's going to be.

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I love my AirPods Pro 2, and I use them every single day. From the moment Apple announced the AirPods Pro 3 in early September, I knew I had to try them. I needed to see (hear) what the hype was about.

Thankfully, the hype is justified. The AirPods Pro 3 truly are some of the best wireless earbuds you can get. If you've got an iPhone, it's a no-brainer: AirPods + iPhone is a magical combination.

I got to try out the Pro 3 for a week or so, and I loved them from the moment I pressed 'play' on my music. The sound quality is like ancient gods serenading me. But I still won't be buying them, and here's why.

What I love about the AirPods Pro 3

Before I get into why I'm not going to be upgrading from my beloved AirPods Pro 2, I'll talk about what I loved about the AirPods Pro 3. Because I do love the AirPods Pro 3.

In a nutshell, the AirPods Pro 3 have great battery life, unbeatable sound, and the ANC is actually gobsmacking. If you need earbuds with ANC so good it'd block out a volcanic eruption, then get the Pro 3.

The ANC is actually one of the biggest and best improvements over the Pro 2. When I was using the Pro 3, my boyfriend was playing music from our Tribit StormBox Blast 2 speaker (which is a floor-shaking party boombox — it's loud) and I couldn't hear a thing. I was so surprised when I took out the earbuds, because I genuinely had no idea he was playing music out loud.

So when Apple says the Pro 3's ANC is two times as good as the Pro 2, I believe it. The ANC is unbeatable. Unbeatable enough to be, dare I say, Bose-worthy.

I also love love love the sound quality. When I was listening to music on Qobuz, our best music streaming service for audiophiles, I could hear every layer of the track. In 'Ma Tau Wai Road' by Bolis Pupol, the electronic synth notes were dynamic, affecting, and immersive. Each instrument sounded like it was coming from all around me, and the eerie, reverb-tinged vocal seemed to dissipate into my bloodstream.

It wasn't just electronic music that sounded awesome: 'New Day' by Liz Cooper, a guitar-led track, seemed to magnetize in my ears. I was addicted to this track: I had to play it over and over. The heady bass was swollen and sweet in my ears, and Cooper's scratchy-yet-delicate voice was handled deftly by the Pro 3.

Finally, 'Pain Killer' by Iceage, a heavy, grungier track, was layered perfectly. The soft, feminine backing vocal was infectious and seemed to burrow into my brain. It wasn't overpowered by the gritty, raucous guitar or the irate percussion, and the tension in the track was perceivable enough that it needed to be cut with a knife.

I adored every track I listened to on the Pro 3, and I will put my hand on my heart and say these earbuds would impress audiophiles. Yes, they're Bluetooth, something about lossy audio files, something about wireless streaming, blah blah blah. But seriously... if you're an audiophile who wants a great pair of wireless earbuds to grab on the go, the AirPods Pro 3 are the ones for you.

Why I'm not going to buy a pair

The most obvious reason is that I've got a pair of AirPods Pro 2 that work perfectly fine, so there's little point spending all that money to get a new set of earbuds that have otherwise incremental improvements (in my opinion).

In this economy, I don't think it's necessary to upgrade to the newest model just because it's, well, new. I think it's worth using the stuff you have until you can't use it anymore.

Secondly, while there are a number of improvements over the Pro 2, the Pro 3's changes are generally quite minor. Take the battery life, for example: sure, it's 8 hours in the buds now, but it's still only 24 hours in the case. This means that while you can wear the earbuds for longer periods of time, you'll still be charging the actual case just as often as you would with the Pro 2.

And the sound quality is another reason why I'm not going to upgrade. For me, the AirPods Pro 2 already sound utterly fantastic. While I think the Pro 3 sound incredible too, I don't think it's enough of a difference to justify the unnecessary $249 spend. I've seen other reviews claim the Pro 3 have best-ever sound, but even while listening to 24-bit 192kHz tracks on Qobuz, I didn't notice a night-and-day difference.

This could just be personal preference, or my personal ability to perceive sounds. Hey, maybe I've blasted my eardrums with emo music for so long that I can't hear the difference.

Even so, I'm perfectly happy with the Pro 2 sound quality, and I'll be using them until they fall apart.

But I've not mentioned the number one reason why I won't be upgrading yet. And what is that, I hear you ask? It's the fit.

I'll start by acknowledging that I have small ears. I didn't realize this until I started testing earbuds for a living, but it's true. I've tested tons of earbuds I've adored — namely the AKG Hybrid N5 and the Denon PerL Pro — that are just too big for me.

So when Apple announced that it had redesigned the fit of the Pro 3, my heart sank. Noooo, I thought to myself, why would they do that when the Pro 2 fit me like a silk glove woven directly onto my hands?

And, unfortunately, the fit is most definitely redesigned. Now, the AirPods sit a little deeper into my ear canal, but jut out further on my concha. Some people might like this snug/large fit. Me, personally? I find it quite uncomfortable for more than around four hours.

It's not like Apple hasn't put effort into making them all things for all people. There's the new XS eartip size this time around, and the firm made a concerted effort to make them softer by blending the silicone with foam. And yet, they're just not up there with my beloved AirPods Pro 2. I tried all of the ear tips and found XS to be the most comfortable, but still not as comfortable as my preferred buds.

I've seen loads of reviewers say the original AirPods (Pro and Pro 2) didn't fit properly, and that has been rectified with the Pro 3. But I've also seen loads of reviews say the Pro 2 used to fit perfectly, and now the Pro 3 are too big.

So I suppose there's no "one-size-fits-all" here. Apple has tried to fix the Pro 2 issues with the Pro 3, but now the tables have turned, and the people who were happy with the Pro 2 aren't happy with the Pro 3 and vice-versa.

So I think overall the fit will be up to your anatomy. If you, like me, love the fit of the AirPods Pro 2, then perhaps the Pro 3 won't suit you. But if the Pro 2 always felt unsteady and wobbly in your ears, then you're probably a Pro 3 person.

What I think you should do

Right, I can sense two possibilities in your future.

If you're an iPhone user and you don't have AirPods, I recommend that you get some. Actually, you should've got some yesterday. AirPods are, hands down, the best earbuds for Apple users. I can't imagine a version of my existence wherein I don't have AirPods.

While the Pro 2 have been discontinued by Apple, these dinky little buds are still available from Amazon. But as they've been discounted to just $199 and discontinued by the manufacturer, I'm not sure how long stocks will last. If you want to save as much money as possible but still want some AirPods, I'd hurry up and grab a pair before someone else does.

But if you want the best of the best, the brand-new model, then you should get the AirPods Pro 3. Or, if you have bigger/deeper ears than I (read: normal-sized ears, apparently), you should get the AirPods Pro 3.

Either way, if you've got an iPhone and no AirPods, you're missing out. The way AirPods and iPhones pair is just magical, and I can't express how much I love my Pro 2. Truly, these earbuds changed my life.

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Live Translation was one of the headline features of the AirPods Pro 3 launch. Start it up and translate a conversation in another language, straight out of your AirPods. Excitingly, it's come to older models of the best AirPods, like the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4.

Not that it works straight out of the box, however. There are a couple of loopholes you've got to leap through before you can hold down both stems and have a chat with someone in Spanish. It's all down to your iPhone software, and whether it's up to date.

Make sure your iPhone is up to date

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If you're thinking about picking up a set of the new AirPods Pro 3, then you'd better make sure you look after them properly. As the latest iFixit teardown reveals, the new Apple earbuds suffer the same limitations as older models: the fact that they are nigh impossible to actually repair.

One of the biggest problems is that there's no real way to actually open the AirPods Pro 3. Getting inside requires a lot of heat before you can even attempt to pry the buds open, due to the sheer amount of glue inside. But you have to be careful not to melt the plastic buds in the process.

This is all starting to sound like my worst nightmare. Especially since iFixit wasn't able to actually pry open the buds without causing some cosmetic damage to the outside.

Inside the AirPods Pro 3

While we don't like to hear bad news, the battery isn't that difficult to remove once you're inside. In fact, iFixit claims that this is the easiest battery replacement of any set of AirPods — not that it's a particularly high bar to surpass. You would need specialized equipment to actually get to this stage, though, and resealing the buds would pose its own problems once the swap has been carried out.

The rest of the teardown doesn't go that well. Removing components from the driver side of the buds leads to torn ribbon cables, broken plastic and the conclusion that none of this stuff is going to be removable or repairable.

The stem is the same problem, with more glue holding everything together, and it got to the point where iFixit simply turned up the heat to melt the plastic and force their way in. The buds were already ruined at this point, so why not? It's not like it was actually going to be reassembled.

The case didn't fare much better on the repairability scale, and iFixit realized partway through that there was no getting past the glue holding it together. Apple sure does love glue, and in the end, the AirPods Pro 3 case was put through a CT scanner to see what was going on inside.

The main change inside is that there's a single battery, rather than a pair of cells, and there are fewer rare-earth magnets inside. Sadly, all the parts that may wear down over time and need replacing are buried under layers of plastic, which means they appear to be pretty much inaccessible.

What does this mean for repairs?

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There are always hundreds of headphones and earbuds released every year that tend to fly under the radar, but it's much rarer that you get a 12-month period that's as filled with flagship releases from the likes of Sony, Bose and Apple as 2025 has been.

We've seen high-profile launches from Sony, with the WH-1000XM6 landing with thunderous applause. Bose has released updated versions of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Ultra Headphones, and there's been a surprise new entry that went straight to the top of our best headphones list in the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3.

So what has this year looked like for headphones — and what about the headphones we're still waiting for?

Headphones we did get

Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony's WH-1000XM5 were starting to look a little long in the tooth at the start of 2025. So we were looking forward to seeing if Sony dropped a new entry in its flagship headphone lineup — and the brand didn't disappoint. The WH-1000XM6 might not have been our favorite launch of the year, but it's definitely one of the biggest, and arguably the most impactful.

There have been some big updates brought to the XM series with the XM6. The headphones brought back the crucial folding mechanism to make them more compact, and the case they slip into has a new magnetic closing mechanism so that it's easier to open and close quickly. The headband was widened, fixing a key (literal) sore spot on the old model.

The sound profile saw a look as well, bringing more vocal clarity and a bit more detail. They're still pretty bassy, though, to make sure that they're popular with their old faithful users.

The headphones were reviewed very well across the web, although our own four-star review highlighted some issues. We found the sound wasn't as wide and immersive as the outgoing model, and we can foresee the new folding hinge breaking somewhere down the line. They're also $50 more than the XM5, making them a slightly harder recommendation. Still, they're a great pair of headphones, and a solid addition to the line's legacy.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 were something of a surprise this year. Sure, their forbears, the PX7 S2, were good headphones, but they didn't quite bring enough to beat out Sony and Bose to the headphone top spot. This year, though, B&W brought their entire audio broadside to bear on the competition and blew them out of the water with my favorite headphone release of 2025 (so far).

They're much slimmer and more comfortable than the outgoing model, and feature an excellent hard case that's going to keep them free of scratches and away from any kind of harm they might find in your backpack. The controls are even better and tactile to make them easier to find than before. They're even priced similarly to the competition, $449, so you're not going to have to spend more to get their impeccable build and style.

They stand out not just thanks to their immaculate design, but also their incredibly impressive sound. They're dynamic, warm, and super detailed. While it has a similar curve to other headphones at this price, you'll get more detail and more bass control than you'll find in the alternative options.

We are still missing their spatial audio feature, and the ANC isn't quite as good as Sony or Bose, but this is the best headphone launch of the year. I haven't been able to put my pair away.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 2 were starting to feel quite outdated in 2025, especially compared to the ever-improving competition. The ANC didn't quite work as well as that found in the Sony and Bose buds, and the battery life of six hours was starting to look a little... old hat. So the AirPods Pro launched and fixed pretty much all the problems in what might be the biggest earbuds release of the year.

That ANC problem? Completely fixed. The noise canceling is top-notch, getting very close to the class-leading QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2). The transparency mode received attention as well, and even nets you extra battery life over full noise canceling. Speaking of battery life: It's good. Eight hours out of the buds is a 2-hour boost over the old model. Nice.

Apple has worked on the sound as well. Apple's more neutral sound signature is one that I really like, and the AirPods Pro 3 improved on the formula with some extra bass depth and a wider soundstage than older models. Spatial Audio also works better this time around, although I tend to only use it for watching movies.

The AirPods Pro 3 are a very successful update to Apple's premium earbuds — something that I couldn't say about last year's AirPods 4. Exciting times for AirPods fans and iPhone users who want the best earbuds experience possible.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra series update

There have been two launches from Bose this year, but I'll put them both together because they're more iterative updates than complete redesigns. First up, the improved QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — the creatively titled QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds gen 2.

They brought improved fit, ANC and slightly reworked the sound of the older pair. They retain their $299 price as well, something I wasn't expecting. The changes inside were many, and they made them a much better pair of buds as a result — although perhaps not one worth upgrading to if you've still got the first-gen buds.

The battery life still isn't up there with the best, and the exterior upgrades were few. Still, they now sit at the top of our list of the best noise-canceling earbuds, and have a permanent place in my pocket as a result.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 are, in many ways, the step up over the first generation that I'd been after. They improve the lackluster battery, bringing the longevity up to 30 rather than 24. The ANC is even better, keeping out every single noise that you might throw at them. They're just as comfortable as the old pair, and still feature the helpful EQ to change the sound to your liking.

There are still some bugbears. They're a rattly pair of headphones, and the sound still isn't quite as good as Sony's — but they're still a shoo-in for our list of the best noise-canceling headphones. If only they'd been renovated on the outside, and lost the annoying touch-sensitive volume control... thing.

The headphones and earbuds we didn't get

Despite some of the biggest launches landing this year, there are still some rumored headphones and earbuds we've been expecting that didn't make their way onto my test bench this year.

Sony WF-1000XM6

The WF-1000XM5 are sligtly newer than the over-ear WH-1000XM5, but they're also starting to age a little under the spotlight that the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds gen 2 and the AirPods Pro 3 have now thrown on them. They are due an update at this point, and there was some evidence that we might see them in 2025 — but nothing has materialized yet.

What are we expecting? Improved battery life, a new design, and better sound are always on the docket. New colors too — although there's been no indication that they'll bring something like the AirPods Pro 3's heart rate monitor to the table.

We're not entirely sure when we might see them now, but I'd wager we're going to see more about the buds next year. There's also a couple of months of 2025 left to go as well...

AirPods Max 2

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As a marathon runner, I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with Apple’s AirPods Pro. I love the sound quality when I’m running into the wind, trying to listen to a podcast, but I’ve always struggled with the fit — my earbuds slowly slipping out of my ears as I get further into my run has never failed to annoy me.

That is, until the AirPods Pro 3 dropped onto my desk. I was more excited about Apple’s new headphones than I was about either the Apple Watch 11 or Apple Watch Ultra 3. The AirPods Pro are a huge upgrade on the AirPods Pro 2 — they have a new design for a better fit, a heart rate monitor, and longer battery life.

I’ve worn them for a week’s worth of workouts, from running workouts in the rain to sessions in the gym, and pretty much everything in between over the past week. Here’s the highs and lows.

They fit really well

Apple has finally done it. They’ve created a set of AirPods that stay put in my ears, no matter how much I skip, hop, or jump through my workout. I found the new fit a lot more snug than the previous AirPods Pro sets, and I was able to switch to a smaller earbud easily. I also appreciate Apple’s fit checker — here’s how to use the fit checker with your AirPods Pro 3.

The biggest tactile change to the AirPods Pro 3 is the squishy tips at the end of the buds. This foam infusion feels different from the silicone used on the older models, and makes them a lot more comfortable for hours of wear.

The sound quality is fantastic

Apple says the Pro 3’s Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is twice as effective as the previous model. I decided to test the AirPods in one of the noisiest environments I know (the London Underground) on my morning commute. The Pro 3 did an excellent job of filtering out unwanted noise so I could hear my audiobook with perfect sound. I’m sorry, readers, I tend to listen to books and podcasts non-stop, but here’s what my audio editor colleague thought of the sound quality in more detail.

One time I do switch to music is the final miles of a long run, when I need the extra motivation to keep my legs moving. I tend to avoid using ANC when running for safety reasons, but on one windy day on the Thames Path, I switched it on, safe in the knowledge I wasn’t going to encounter any traffic. It was truly brilliant, and I could definitely notice the difference compared to the AirPods Pro 2.

The heart rate monitor is excellent

I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the on-board heart rate monitor, having tested that in the Powerbeats Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 3, however, was pretty much spot on during workouts when I compared it to my Apple Watch’s data. I was also able to head out for a dog walk, watch free, and use my AirPods to ensure I continued to close my rings.

My colleague Nick Harris-Fry tested the heart rate monitor of the AirPods Pro 3 against a chest strap while running and was also impressed.

There’s not a lot to complain about

I haven't tested the Live Translation features yet, but all in all, I’m impressed with the AirPods Pro 3. Would I invest if I already had a pair of AirPods Pro 2 in my ears? I think the answer lies in how much the heart rate tracking means to you. If you have an older pair of AirPods, however, or you’re looking for a pair of in-ear buds that’ll cope with the sweatiest of workouts, these are hard to beat.

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The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple's latest pair of earbuds, filled with premium features and upgrades over the previous pair. You get improved sound, ANC and fit, along with features like a heart rate monitor. They're the best wireless earbuds that Apple offers right now.

The AirPods Pro 2 are still a great pair of buds in their own right, especially since you can find them for $50 off (and sometimes less). They feature a solid sound signature and good ANC. I've had their AirPods Pro 3 for a little over a week now, and I've stacked them up side by side against the outgoing model to see whether they're worth the $249 upgrade.

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Price

The AirPods Pro 3 are available to buy right now, and you can find them at major retailers. Interestingly, they don't cost any more than the AirPods Pro 2 did on release, with the same $249 launch price. That also makes them cheaper by $50 than some of their closest competition in the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Eabuds gen 2.

The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, are going to get trickier to get hold of now that the new version has been released. At the moment, it's possible to get a pair discounted for around $199 at Amazon and Best Buy, but Apple no longer makes the buds, so once stock is gone, it's gone.

For the time being the AirPods Pro 2 are still readily available, and it could be that you'll stand to get excellent deals over upcoming deals events like Black Friday and Amazon Big Deals Days. So until the AirPods Pro 2 stock runs out, they take this round thanks to their discounted price.

• Winner: AirPods Pro 2

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Design

When I first saw the images of the AirPods Pro 3 at the Apple awe-dropping event, I was immediately struck by their similarity to the old model. The case looked the same, the buds similar — but then I actually got to put them side by side and the differences became a whole lot clearer.

First up, the cases. The new case is actually a little bigger. The AirPods Pro 3 case has a larger footprint, potentially taking up space in smaller pockets. To make up for this slight deviation in size, the case is a little thinner than the old model.

There are some visual and UI differences as well. For one, the power LED on the front is now behind the front plastic panel, so it blends in when it's turned off. To me, this makes them look slightly cheaper than the old model — the diffused light makes the plastic look thin and lower quality to my eyes.

Similarly, the pairing button on the back of the case has been replaced with a touch panel. This hasn't affected usability very much — I very rarely used the button on the old pair very much at all — but it's smoothed out the back of the case.

One key thing I noticed about the cases is a slight change in the in-hand feel. The new case feels lighter, and while premium, it feels a little less substantial than the old case. It's not much, but it makes all the difference when you're paying $249 for your earbuds.

Buds-wise, things are more different between the two devices. The AirPods Pro 3 are smaller with shorter stems and feature re-shaped bud housings. The silicone tips have also changed shape, with a more rounded orifice leading to the inside of your ear. They're a more 'involved' fit as well.

While the AirPods Pro 2 sit in the ear, the AirPods Pro 3 are slightly more invasive. I, personally, prefer this fit because it brings key improvements to the ANC and sound, but some are still going to like the more 'invisible' fit of the Pro 2.

Both buds feel well-made and premium. But the AirPods Pro 3 certainly feel worth every bit of that $249 price tag.

• Winner: AirPods Pro 3

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: controls

The controls on the buds are identical between the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3. They're housed in the stems, and you have to squeeze them as opposed to tap them to make them work. Squeeze once to pause, twice to skip, thrice to go back a track, and hold to change noise canceling mode.

Both buds feature the new Live Translation feature, activated by holding down both stems at the same time. The touch controls on both buds are responsive and easy to use.

• Tie

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Sound quality

Apple claimed that it had redesigned its sonic architecture for the AirPods Pro 3, and I believe it. They definitely sound different than the AirPods Pro 2, with a warmer, potentially more crowd-pleasing sonic signature. They also feature more detail, and a wider soundstage than their predecessor.

Having said that, some might prefer the AirPods Pro 2's slightly more neutral sound. They're still great-sounding buds, but the improvements in the new model are many and immediately noticeable.

Spinning up Revocation's most recent piece of blistering death metal in both Sarcophogi of the Soul, and you'll find all the differences laid bare. The bass is more articulate and plentiful, and there's more detail throughout. The highs are slightly clearer, and there's a heavier focus on soundstage than before. Both sound good, but the AirPods Pro 3 do sound better.

Both earbuds feature Spatial Audio, and there have been enhancements with the new version. Instruments are better placed in the virtual space around you for a more immersive experience. I still personally leave it turned off, but those who enjoy the thinner and more spacious sound will appreciate the improvements.

I don't use it much because the soundstage of the AirPods Pro 3 is so good. Instrument separation is excellent and spacing is good, making for a more immersive audio experience than the AirPods Pro 2.

• Winner: AirPods Pro 3

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: features

The AirPods Pro 2 have plenty of features — Spatial Audio, ANC — but they pale in comparison to the headline feature of the AirPods Pro 3. The new buds have a heart rate monitor housed inside, perfect for those who like to do loads of exercise and leave their Apple Watch at home.

I don't have a use for the feature. But it works well, and to the right user it could be a game-changer.

Features are otherwise comparable between the two options. Both have the magical pairing and multipoint connection afforded to them by their Apple ecosystem compatibility. That's one of my favorite features overall, and it's found in all AirPods that you can buy today.

You'll also get Live Translation in both — and it works well enough. I've not had need to use it in my day-to-day life, but frequent travellers will likely find it more useful.

• Winner: AirPods Pro 3

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: ANC

The AirPods Pro 3 step up the ANC game. The AirPods Pro 2 are good at canceling noise, make no mistake, but the AirPods Pro 3 are better. There's more blockage of high-range sounds, so you don't hear talking and other irritating sounds when the music volume is low.

Turn the volume up slightly and you'll find the ANC can almost completely block anything out. It's a great way to help you enjoy your commute more, or get more comfortable in a busy office environment.

Transparency mode is also very good, even better in the AirPods Pro 3. Voices sound natural, and the earbuds do a good job of keeping out extra sounds while highlighting the bits that you actually want to hear. I found it very useful when buying a bus ticket, and ordering myself some lunch.

• Winner: AirPods Pro 3

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Battery life

The AirPods Pro 3 feature vastly improved battery life over the outgoing AirPods model. The AirPods Pro 2 lasted for 6 hours on a charge, while the AirPods Pro 3 last for 8 hours with ANC turned on.

Even better, if you turn the ANC to transparency mode, you get another two hours to play with. That means you get a grand total of 10 hours of battery, increased to help those who use their AirPods as hearing aids with the hearing health feature.

I've found that Apple's battery life claims ring true, and that you'll easily get the claimed 8 hours of battery. The 6 hours of battery that you get out of the AirPods Pro 2 isn't quite good enough anymore.

• Winner: AirPods Pro 3

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Verdict

The AirPods Pro 3 account for a fairly hefty upgrade over the previous model. Thanks to their updates, they've come out very much on top at the end of this head-to-head.

There are areas where the AirPods Pro 2 still shine, drawing in controls and outright winning when it comes to their discounted price. But they lack the features, sound, and ANC of the newer AirPods Pro 2.

Ratings scorecard

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One of the most exciting new features in the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is heart rate tracking, which uses a new sensor in the headphones.

While heart rate tracking in headphones isn’t new, in my testing, I’ve found that the AirPods Pro 3 are the first buds I’ve tried to actually produce accurate info, so it’s worth using if you wear your buds during workouts in particular.

Here’s how to track your heart rate with the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

How does the Apple AirPods Pro 3 heart rate sensor work?

The heart rate sensor in the AirPods Pro 3 is found on the side of the earbuds, next to the ear tip. You need to make sure this part of the buds is clean and uncovered for the sensor to get a good reading.

This sensor pulses infrared light 256 times per second to measure blood flow in your ears, and algorithms are then used to determine your heart rate from the data. These are important for cancelling out other factors, like the thudding of your feet when walking or running.

The use of infrared light is a key difference to the sensor on the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, which uses green LEDs to track your blood flow, with less accurate results in my experience.

How to track your heart rate with the Apple AirPods Pro 3

When wearing your AirPods Pro 3, open the Fitness app on your iPhone and navigate to the Workout section. You should see an image of the AirPods in the top right of the screen, indicating that they are connected to the phone.

If you then start any workout in the app, your heart rate will be tracked by the AirPods Pro 3 and you will view your stats live in the Fitness app or on your lock screen.

If you’re also linked to an Apple Watch, then the heart rate from both the watch and the AirPods will be tracked and Apple will use what it determines to be the most accurate data at the time.

Your heart rate will also be tracked outside of workouts if you’re wearing the AirPods Pro 3. You can see the recorded data in the Health app, under Heart Rate. You can use the AirPods Pro 3 to track your heart rate during Fitness+ workouts on your iPhone, iPad and Apple TV.

The AirPods Pro 3 should be able to pair with third-party apps like Runna and Nike Run Club in time, but I’ve not been able to make this work yet.

Is the heart rate tracking on the Apple AirPods Pro 3 accurate?

I was skeptical of the accuracy of the AirPods Pro 3’s heart rate tracking purely because I’ve tried several other headphones with this feature, including the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and none of them have been accurate.

However, when I compared the AirPods Pro 3 to the readings from a chest strap, which deliver reliable tracking by using electrical signals from the heart rate, I found the AirPods Pro 3 more or less matched it beat for beat during several workouts.

In my testing so far, the AirPods Pro 3 have been more accurate than the Apple Watch Ultra 3 as well, so when both are paired to my phone, I expect the headphones to provide the heart rate during workouts.

How to turn off heart rate tracking on the Apple AirPods Pro 3

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For the last year, I've been wielding an Android handset — but my brief, fraught love affair with a Google device is finally over. I'm sorry Apple, I promise I'll be faithful from now on. Since turning on my brand new iPhone 17 Pro Max, I've been reminded of just how seamless the AirPods Pro 3 experience is when you pair the two together.

There's something about the AirPods line that comes alive when you wield them with an iPhone. Sure, there are plenty of other options out there, but their integration into your family of devices is really something to be admired and envied — and I'd like to see it replicated elsewhere.

Here's why an iPhone and AirPods are like red wine and spaghetti bolognese, peanut butter and jelly, champagne and brie... The perfect pairing.

It's all in the pairing

No, I mean literally in the pairing — it's so easy to connect your AirPods to an iPhone, it's almost comical. Open the case next to your iPhone, and the AirPods appear on your screen, ripe for Bluetooth pairing. No dipping into separate menus, no playing with Bluetooth settings, no holding down buttons waiting for tiny lights to start flashing. Just simplicity itself.

Android has got something similar in "quick pair," but in my time testing nearly 50 Bluetooth devices with an Android phone, I never once found that it worked properly. There was always some app or another that didn't like the connection, and I found I had to reconnect things through the Bluetooth settings menu for things to work properly.

Earbuds that went all screwy when I connected them to an app, headphones that got annoyed that I didn't connect them through their app, and Bluetooth speakers that didn't get access to their features because I didn't assemble the correct magic circle under the sign of the Empress while wearing the sigil of a long forgotten deity. Bluetooth and Android are a chore, and one that often isn't worth the effort.

If only they could all be as simple as the AirPods connection. It's not just the latest AirPod Pro 3 that features the connection, of course. All AirPods connect easily with a new device. Even better, you only need to do it once. Connecting to your first device binds the AirPods with your Apple account — and that's where the really clever stuff comes into play.

The best multi-device pairing — bar none

With your AirPods connected to your Apple account, the world is your audio oyster. Say, for example, you're listening to your favorite Britney Spears album on your iPhone. And then, suddenly, a call arrives on your MacBook — no problem!

Pause your music, and answer the call on your laptop; the AirPods will instantly switch over without any issue at all. Call finishes, new instructions for the afternoon in hand, you press play on your iPhone. Your AirPods switch over again.

It's the best multi-point connection around. Sure, others work, but none as well as with AirPods and Apple devices. Technics' three-device pairing is about as good as you'll find, but it's not as magical a feeling as Apple's integration. Other headphones fill themselves with beeps and boops as you switch over, or stuttering audio when it gets confused as to which device you actually want to connect to.

Apple only features

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Excitement! Your brand new AirPods Pro 3 have just arrived, and you can try out Apple's latest earbuds. Followed by instant uncontrollable sadness, when the ANC wasn't as good as you hoped, and the sound is all over the place.

Don't worry just yet — your earbuds likely aren't broken. It's likely down to the fit of the buds. It could be that your silicon eartips are too big or too small, or that you've put them in your ears incorrectly.

These are all easy enough to fix. Let me take you through the troubleshooting process, and get your AirPods Pro 3 blocking noise and sounding excellent.

Use Apple's fit checker

The first step is to make sure that the AirPods themselves think they're fitting properly. You can do this with the fit checker, found in the AirPods settings menu on your iPhone or iPad.

In the settings menu scroll down to the 'Test Acoustic Seal' button. From there, follow the on-screen instructions. Your AirPods will play you a funky tune, and at the end, you'll get some results. If you get the image on the right, it might be that you need to do a hearing test to create a new EQ to get your earbuds sounding better.

If it's the left, you'll need to change the fit of the buds, or how they're oriented in your ear.

First up, you'll want to give them a quick wobble in your ear. Take the earbuds out, and then put them back in. You don't need any kind of twisting motion as you might be familiar with if you're coming from other buds, but you might want to push them in a bit further if you're used to AirPods Pro 2.

Run the test again. If you get both green ticks, you're sorted — your fit is perfect. If not, you'll want to change out the eartips.

Sometimes you'll want to have different sized tips in each ear, so make sure you try all the options available for you to find the best fit possible. Run the test each time you try a new combination until you've got those two green ticks.

AirPods still not sounding right? Let's go to the next step.

Hearing test and changing the EQ

This option is slightly more in-depth, but if you suffer from hearing loss, then this is going to make your AirPods sound their very best. It's not going to work if you haven't got hearing loss — it's only for those who might not be able to hear all of their music.

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I really like the AirPods Pro 3, especially now that I've rejoined the Apple fold with my shiny new iPhone 17 Pro Max. I like the instant pairing, the comfortable fit, and the interoperability between my collection of Apple devices. There's a problem, however, since only a handful of those features are available to Android users.

The AirPods are excellent earbuds, but if you use Android, there are superior options available to you. I'm talking about earbuds with better codec support and more features designed for your devices. Will they reach the same heights as the iPhone and AirPods pairing? Perhaps not, but they may well be better in some key areas. I've made a list of three alternative earbuds at different price points so that you can find the best earbuds for you. Let's get started.

Under $150 — Cambridge Audio Melomania A100

The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 might have a long name, but the little buds are an incredible AirPods Pro-like package for an affordable price. Coming in at $100 less than the AirPods Pro 3, they've got reliable touch controls, a compact case, and sound quality that should make Apple's sound engineers look twice at their frequency response graphs.

They're extremely well detailed, bringing out all the finer points of your music. I've popped them in friends' ears (with permission, of course — I am not "she who attacks you with earbuds in the night." ) who've reported that there are small elements to tracks they're familiar with that they've never heard before.

That's not to mention the truly ridiculous battery life. There's 39 hours worth of staying power in the case alone, and 10 hours of use in the buds with ANC on. That's two more hours than the AirPods Pro 3.

Below $300 — Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds gen 2

One of the biggest updates to the AirPods Pro 3 has been the incredible noise canceling — that still doesn't quite reach the same heady heights as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd gen. Bose's buds still live at the top of the best noise-canceling earbuds list thanks to their game-changing noise canceling that really does completely negate the sounds of the outside world.

They're also very, very comfortable — perhaps slightly more so than Apple's buds. It's all down to the extra fitting wings that Bose have fitted to the outside, which means the buds themselves don't have to reach inside your ear cavity as far for a well-sealed and stable fit.

Sound is good, and you can tweak it more easily thanks to a 3-band EQ in the Bose app. Battery life could be better than the 6 hours you're provided straight out of the box, but 6 hours isn't the worst. If you want the best noise canceling, though, these are the way to go.

Under $500 — Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

The Pi8 are an audio monster. They sound incredible, with excellent response across the entire frequency range. The soundstage is wide so your music sounds more immersive, and they're impactful so that drums and bass notes can be physically felt — not just heard. They're one of the best-sounding earbuds you can buy right now, outperforming almost everything else.

They're comfortable as well, although some might find them more intrusive than the AirPods. They connect up easily with Android phones, and work with the B&W Music app so that you can pass music around a B&W-filled home. You can also adjust the EQ here, if you want them to sound slightly different or dial them in for a different genre.

Their battery life is fine but not exemplary, but when you listen to the sound, you won't mind so much. ANC is proficient, and the case is compact. I love my Pi8s, and if you can afford them, they might be the perfect AirPods Pro 3 alternative.

Want to listen along to the Tom's Guide testing team? Check out the Tom's Guide testing playlist below:

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Headphones with heart rate monitors are nothing new — I first tried some out 10 years ago and have tested earbuds from Jabra, Sennheiser, and most recently Beats that all offer the feature. However, headphones with accurate heart rate monitors are something I haven’t come across. All the ones I’ve tried in the past have been unreliable when compared to a chest strap — the most accurate type of heart rate monitor readily available for consumers.

So it’s fair to say I didn’t have high hopes for the heart rate tracking on the Apple AirPods Pro 3, especially as the tracking on the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 was both hard to use and often inaccurate in my testing. Fortunately, the sensor used in the AirPods Pro 3 is a new one, and it delivers the goods in terms of accuracy. I’ve done several runs with the buds and compared them to a chest strap’s readings, and the AirPods Pro 3 have barely missed a beat.

How does the Apple AirPods Pro 3's heart rate tracking work?

The heart rate sensor on the AirPods Pro 3 is on the side of the earbuds near the tip. The sensor pulses infrared light 256 times a second to look at the blood flow in your ears.

Other sensors like the accelerometer and gyroscope on the buds are also used, along with algorithms to separate your heart rate from other confounding factors, like the thump of your feet when running or walking.

This setup is different from the sensor on the Powerbeats Pro 2, which uses green LEDs and pulses 100 times a second. The change in sensor and the algorithms used on the AirPods Pro 3 seem to make a big difference when it comes to the accuracy of the heart rate tracking.

To use the heart rate tracking on the buds, you need to start a workout in the Fitness app on your iPhone, where you’ll see the headphones connected and your live heart rate during workouts.

If you also have an Apple Watch connected, Apple says readings from the heart rate sensor on the watch and the headphones will both be looked at, and the most accurate one will be used for the workout recording.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 heart rate accuracy

To test the heart rate accuracy of the AirPods Pro 3, I compared it to readings from a Garmin HRM600 chest strap. Chest straps measure electrical signals directly from the heart to get their readings, which is why they’re more reliable than optical sensors that measure blood flow in other parts of the body, like the wrist or ears, in this case.

The HRM600 was linked to my Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, while the AirPods Pro 3 were sending the readings to my phone. I turned the Bluetooth off on the Apple Watch 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 during these workouts to make sure the heart rate readings were coming from the headphones, not the watch. Then I could also compare the heart rate from the watches to the AirPods Pro 3.

I checked the readings during my runs and then used the DC Rainmaker Analyzer to get a graph afterwards. The AirPods Pro 3 have not only been more accurate than any other headphones with heart rate tracking I’ve tried, but have also outperformed the Apple Watches in how closely they’ve matched the chest strap.

The hardest test I put them through was an interval workout where I ran 24 60-second reps hard, with a 30-second ‘float’ recovery where I kept running fairly quickly rather than stopping entirely.

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It's taken me slightly longer than my colleagues to get my hands on a pair of AirPods Pro 3, but I've finally got them. I'll admit, I've been excited to try out the latest Pro earbuds from Apple, thanks to their auspicious launch during the recent Apple event.

With some trepidation, I inserted them into my ears and connected them to my brand-new iPhone 17 Pro Max. The familiar pairing ritual initiated, and I was away, listening to tunes and blocking out noise with my AirPods Pro 3. So, how have I found them, and is the new ANC as good as everyone says it is? These are my initial impressions of the AirPods Pro 3.

An improved fit

The AirPods Pro 2 didn't fit badly. They had a slightly less invasive fit than the likes of the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, but that served to make them more comfortable for longer periods of time. There was one problem with their fit, though. They weren't very secure. They had a habit of coming loose while wearing them and falling out when you didn't want them to.

Not great when you're between two underground stops, and they disappear into a chair.

The fit of the AirPods Pro 3 is much better from the start. I did have to size up my tips to the 'L' size for something that felt secure enough, but they were noticeably more stable in the ear.

A note on changing the tips before we proceed any further — it's tricky. You have to unfold the tip, and then pull on it until it clicks out of place. It feels like something is going to break, and I suspect that repeated clickings and unclickings are going to cause some issues.

You have been warned.

That fit security has come at a cost, however. They're not quite as comfortable as their forbears, thanks to those slightly deeper-reaching tips. It's a trade-off that I am willing to make, but they don't quite have the 'barely there' fit of the old model. I suspect this may be one of the more controversial elements of the buds once customers start to get their hands on them.

Better ANC — game changing?

Apple had some strong words about the AirPods Pro 3's ANC. Apparently, it's "class-leading", offering 2x the ANC of the AirPods Pro 2. Now that I've got them in my ears and have been testing them over the course of my workday, the ANC is indeed much better. Class leading, though? The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds gen 2 would like a word.

We're looking at very proficient ANC, straight off the bat. There's an increase in all frequency blocking, from the lowest sounds all the way to the very highest. It is remarkable how much of an improvement there is, especially when you test them side by side with their predecessor.

When you play music, the world outside is, as you might expect, completely silenced. I've found during a quick walk around my block that the noises of surrounding traffic and passing pedestrians were completely negated, the ANC only occasionally defeated by a massive lorry or a loud, rumbling bus.

Take them on a train, and the story is similar. The wooshing of the wheels melts away, and your fellow passengers seem to disappear into their seats. To be clear, it is excellent noise canceling. Some of the best, even. But there is one better, and as close as the AirPods Pro 2 now get, they're not quite there.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds gen 2 are slightly better in the long run. We're splitting hairs here, but there is a slight difference in blocking at the very top from the Bose buds. It's so close, though — and given the AirPods Pro 3 cost $50 less, I think they might actually be the better bet.

Better sound

The AirPods Pro 3 sound excellent. They're a vast improvement over the old model, with smoother delivery, a more controlled low-end and extra resolution across the board. They've still got Apple's signature neutral sound signature, which I really appreciate, but it's been elevated to a new level thanks to Apple's refreshed acoustic architecture.

I've found that drums have more impact, like in Katatonia's Wind of no Change. The kick drum is more pronounced, but quicker and more impactful. The bass is deeper as a result, matching brighter highs and more well-rounded mids. I've really enjoyed my initial audio testing of the AirPods Pro 3 — everything I've played through them has sounded great.

The biggest improvement here is the soundstage. I've been working my way through the Pirates of the Caribbean movies over the last few days, and the soundtrack has ended up in steady rotation. He's a Pirate from the first movie arrives with all of its swaggering glory — and the width of the piece is impressive. There's a great distance between every part of the music, from the strings to the wind and beyond.

The AirPods Pro 2 became my de facto movie-watching buds after a while, thanks to their top-notch Dolby Atmos for movies and TV. I don't like it for music — still don't with the AirPods Pro 3 — but big screen experiences at unsociable hours are massively enhanced. The AirPods Pro 3 are a fantastic replacement for my Pro 2, with increased space in Atmos mixes.

The sounds of movies are well placed, and soundtracks are big and filled with bombast. Dialog is clear and placed well in the mix — it might not have the same presence as a surround system or one of the best soundbars, but it's still very good.

The elephant in the room

You may notice that there are two features that I haven't mentioned yet — those that were focused on during the launch event of the earbuds. First off, the heart rate monitor that now lives in the buds. I turned it off. I exercise with a quick walk every lunch time, and ignore any and all fitness features that my headphones or phone might have. I don't need them, I don't want them and I don't use them.

That's not to say they're bad — they seem to work for many people who like to exercise. But there is something of the gimmick about the feature, something that no one really wanted or asked for. A subset of users is likely very pleased about the inclusion of the heart monitoring kit. But I am not one of them.

The Live Translation feature is not one that I've been able to test yet. I don't know anyone who speaks any of the languages featured in the buds, and I'm not planning on going on holiday any time soon.

I'm sure it works very well, and I'm sure that it's going to come in clutch should I find myself chatting to a Spaniard. But until I find myself in that situation, I'll rest easy knowing it's there.

Verdict — should you buy them?

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The AirPods Pro 3 have only been available to buy for the last three days, but you can already save some money when you buy a new pair. The AirPods Pro 3 are now $239, down from $249, at Amazon.

That might not be the biggest deal we've seen on a pair of earbuds, but it's still a saving over the Apple Store price. You won't be able to get the case engraved with your favorite emoji, though, if that's what you really want.

One of the biggest new features in the AirPods Pro 3 launch is Live Translation, which lets you engage in conversations with people speaking a different language. We've tested it — it's very cool — and now we're here to tell you how to use it.

A couple of things before we get started. You'll need the latest version of iOS — iOS 26 — and have Apple Intelligence activated. You'll also need the Apple Translate app installed on your phone — and then you're good to go.

How to use Live Translate

To get started, you'll want to head into the Apple Translate app and navigate to the "live" panel in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. From there, you can start a translation and see what's being said on screen. From here you can select what language you're listening to — Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and English — and then display the results for you and your conversation partner.

With your AirPods

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I’ve spent over a week with the AirPods Pro 3, and I think it’s safe to say Apple didn’t simply iterate its popular noise-cancelling earbuds. From pretty much the first time I put them in my ears, it was clear these had all-around improvements, but especially stronger ANC power.

Apple has been tinkering with ANC since 2019, but according to Matthew Costello, VP of Hardware and Audio Engineering for Apple, the new AirPods Pro 3 design and geometry, “for the first time, really help us direct audio directly into the ear canal” establishing one of the “fundamental changes” for this generation of earbuds.

This surprised me, assuming that making each bud smaller for AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2 could pose problems. But the smaller design is actually only one part of the story. Apple has been rethinking how ANC interacts with fit, transparency and even the social side of wearing earbuds.

Redefining ANC for AirPods Pro 3

“We’ve been working on this so diligently, and getting to this third generation of AirPods it’s not just about blocking noise,” said Eric Treski, Director of Home and Audio Product Marketing for Apple.

ANC takes a couple of different forms, from limiting the low rumbles of planes to intelligently tuning out distracting background chatter in a café. But it also impacts transparency mode and Adaptive Audio, or the set of features intelligently designed to keep you connected to the world around you.

“Headphones over the years have been a very personal and really isolating experience,” Treski said. “When ANC came about, it just furthered that experience of isolation. It’s great sometimes, but we also wanted to look at the other side of it and how do we actually make it more social? Can we invite people in for communication and talk to people just as though we’re not wearing headphones at all?”

Testing & ear canal scanning: The science of the AirPods Pro 3 fit

Naturally, the folks at Apple aren’t just guessing how to make ANC and transparency frictionless. Ear scans, audiologist consultations, internal labs, and real-world testing all feed into the H2 chip’s algorithms. (Think of the H2 chip like the AirPods Pro 3's brain.)

“We take our internal resources and we put these devices in testing, like hell, inside our organization, and then we do it in different environments as well,” Costello explained. “We use the resources we have from a lab perspective as well as real-world testing and we make that as robust as we can. We take things a step further in a number of ways, than I think many do.”

I actually got a close-up look at how some of this internal testing takes place during a special tour of Apple’s audio labs, including the spaces designed to test for proper tuning across all kinds of ears.

“We’ve really fundamentally architected a lot of the algorithms that are supporting this device,” Costello said. “The self-tuning algorithm we developed specifically for this product is really the thing that’s helping to compensate and correct for the internal geometry of the ear and the variations of the ear canal itself.”

What this means is, AirPods Pro 3 were designed to adjust to your ears, not the other way around. Because it fires more directly into the ear canal, frequencies don’t bounce around as much, giving the engineers and sound experts in Apple’s labs more control over refining the listener’s experience.

What's with the new foam ear tips?

AirPods Pro 3 also introduces foam-infused ear tips. As Costello put it, “this gives us the best seal of anything we’ve ever had, which contributes to ANC and really gives us a big lift.”

In other words, it’s not just for comfort. Those foam tips improve both mid and high frequencies and make human voices sound more natural in transparency mode.

Apple even added an extra-extra-small tip with AirPods Pro 3, which might sound niche, but it further demonstrates dedication to make AirPods suitable for even more ears out there.

“Fit is so fundamental now to everything we’re doing within the product, that adding the extra ear tip just feels natural,” Costello said. “Sometimes you even have to mix and match, because ears are unique.”

ANC: Best-in-class, and perhaps even better for transparency

“We really feel good about it being best in class,” Costello said. “You hear the difference now when you put the AirPods Pro 3 in your ears. Base response and overall across all frequencies is so much more profound. ANC is when you want it, and when you need it, ANC is there and it is fantastic.”

The AirPods Pro 3 are finally here — but I still await mine as they travel the local postage service. Until then, I've been playing with the Technics AZ100, a pair of hi-fi buds that place sound quality above almost everything else, and they're making me wonder if I need Apple's latest buds at all.

They're built like tiny tanks and feature some of the best sound for the price. They might not have some of the fancy features of the latest AirPods, but they make up for it with impressive battery life and secure fit. For $300, they might be your next pair of ANC earbuds.

Look at that premium build

There are some buds at the $299 price point that don't feel like you've spent all that much money. I'm looking at you, Sony and Bose, with your plasticy cases and cheap-looking printed logos. The AirPods, despite being $50 cheaper, generally feel a whole lot better built than the competition, thanks to the metal hinge and solid feeling glossy white plastic.

Then the AZ100 swoops in to show everyone how it's done. Their hinge is smooth, metallic, and instantly satisfying. The embossed logo lends a touch of class. The case is dense and feels top-quality. The buds inside are well-formed and feel like they could be run over by my car and survive with minimal damage.

I'm not going to test it — it's a heavy car — but they feel like they're made in the same factory as a Sherman tank. That matters more than you think when you're spending as much as you do here for buds, and it goes a long way in making them feel like you're getting your money's worth.

Battery life for days

The AirPods Pro 3 have stepped up their battery life over the AirPods Pro 2. As a result, their 8-hour staying power with ANC on is now considered "quite good." The AZ100, on the other hand, are a bit more than "quite good" — they're downright excellent.

With ANC turned on, you'll get 12 hours of battery life out of Technics buds. That's some impressive charge, and it makes them the longest-lasting earbuds at their price. Turn ANC off for some extra battery as well — and pop them in the case when they run out to extend the battery life to 30 hours.

Obviously, that battery life does drop when using one of my favorite features of the buds, the LDAC codec. I'd say the drop in battery life of about 2 hours is worth it, given how good the battery life is already, but your mileage may vary.

A devisive fit

I'm a bit strange. I like my earbuds to feel like they're burying into my ears, digging for my brain. I want them really in there so that they're pointing their drivers directly at my eardrums. So that the fit is secure, and they won't fall out, no matter how much I throw my head backwards and forwards when I'm listening to Crowbar.

The AZ100 go all the way in. They're about as invasive as earbuds get, really getting deep into your ear canal. I like it — but I can completely understand why others do not. It's a lot to handle when you just want to listen to music, and it would make sense that it would put some people off.

The fit does have its benefits over the lighter and less "all-in" fits of buds like the AirPods Pro 2. A better seal for ANC and sound is one, and an increased bass response. Not that these things really need any more bass response — as we'll find out imminently, I had to EQ some of the bass out for them to sound their absolute best.

Endlessly customizable sound

Out of the box, the AZ100 sound good. They're quite bassy, however. There's some serious low-end here, and I found very quickly that it could be considered "too much." To be clear, most people are going to slip them in their ears, press play on Taylor Swift's latest, and say "wow, those sound really good!" when her latest tripe slides into their earholes.

But they can sound better. With some work in the EQ, I was able to dial in some more high-frequency response and ease back some of the slightly boomy bass. The result is more restrained and controlled, and dare I say, pretty excellent.

Cymbals in drum parts are more articulate, and the bass feels more musical. The mids sound amazing, with loads of width and dimension for guitars and vocals. I whipped up a listen of CKY by CKY, and found some lovely edge to distorted guitars and excellent weight for kick drums and bass guitars.

Soundstage is very good, and makes the music feel nice and wide. They're a lovely sonic experience, and I'd wager they're the best-sounding buds before you start spending even more money.

I left the Dolby Atmos setting wedged firmly in the off position, as I'd recommend most people do. It works fine with music made for the format, but otherwise doesn't do enough to warrant its use.

To get my audio settings, you'll want to dabble with the Technics app. In the custom EQ, you'll want to dial down the BASS and 250kHz to about -2 or -3, and then crank the 2.5K and 4K sliders up to about +3. That'll give you more of the high-end that we're looking for, while removing some of the 'boom.'

With all that done? Sublime sound, no notes.

Slight hiccups

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We've had a great time with the AirPods Pro 3 since their very recent release, giving them 4.5 stars in their glowing review. We like the sound, the ANC, and the new features in the form of the heart rate sensor and Live Translation. But, as always, there are some key alternatives for those looking at buds from other places.

I've been lucky enough to test out some of the best wireless earbuds around, and I know what buds you should be looking at if you don't want a pair of AirPods. There are some budget options, and a very cool red pair that outdo the AirPods in both design and sound.

So let's get going — here are three alternative earbud options that offer a different experience to the AirPods Pro 3

Under $200: Cambridge Melomania A100

Cambridge's Melomania A100 earbuds are perhaps one of the most impressive things that I've tested all year. They're not a particularly expensive pair of buds, but they somehow manage to outperform options that cost nearly twice the price. I adore them.

Their sound is the focus here, and it is excellent. There's an alarming amount of detail, revealing the finest points of your favorite tunes. The soundstage is very wide, too, allowing for greater immersion. Bass is well-formed and dynamic — there's really very little extra you could ask for.

ANC is good, and their fit is very comfortable. They don't have any of the AirPods' standout features, like heart rate monitor and Live Translation, but I'm still not sure how entirely useful those features actually are. If you're looking for some excellent buds at a good price, the A100 are the way to go.

Under $300: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2

If it's noise canceling you're looking for, then the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 are a real winner. They're our pick for the best noise-canceling earbuds, with some of the most impressive ANC you'll find in, like, anything. They're unreasonably good at blocking noise.

From the moment you slip them in your ears and the orchestral sound checks noise levels inside and outside, you're coccooned in a world of your own. Every single noise that might want to get in the way of you enjoying your music is eliminated, be that the annoying baby at the back of the bus or the sound of your office neighbours' noisy keyboard.

As you might hope from something that costs $50 more than the AirPods, the rest of the features are great too. Sound quality is good out of the box, they're supremely comfortable, and the case now has wireless charging to make them more convenient to use. Battery life isn't quite as good as the AirPods' refreshed staying power, but it's still enough to get you through the workday if you charge at lunchtime.

Under $400: Noble Fokus Amadeus

I can't think of a pair of buds for the price that sound better than the Noble Fokus Amadeus. They've got this wonderful sound signature that edges out the Apple, Sony, and even the Sennheiser-flavored equivalents, all while bringing a slick-looking design that looks totally unlike anything else.

Part of their sound is down to the Audiodo sound personalization. It uses the familiar series of beeps and boops to check your ears and how well they can hear, and then makes a personal profile for each ear so that they always sound their best. It's saved in the earbuds as well, so it carries over when you listen on other devices. It makes already excellent sound even better.

Battery life is good, ANC is solid, and their red colorway (modeled after Mozart's coat, their namesake) makes them look like a pair of rubies that live in your ears. They're not cheap — they're around $70 more than the AirPods — but they're easily worth the extra.

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Apple's AirPods might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to watching movies, but I've found that they're some of the best wireless earbuds for surround sound.

Link them up with an Apple TV 4K and you've got a great recipe for movies when the rest of the house is asleep, or if you live in an apartment and need to keep quiet. You don't even have to click any buttons or change settings to get them working.

I love watching movies with my AirPods: Here's why you might as well.

Spatial Audio — not it for music, everything for movies

I don't really like Apple's version of Spatial Audio when I'm listening to music. I find it too distracting from the music at hand, and I'm not really a fan of "surround sound music" from the get-go. For movies and TV shows, on the other hand, I am sold.

Movies have, traditionally, been all about the 'massiveness' of their sound. Powerful surround sound mixes that immerse you in the movie, placing audio in precise locations. Dolby Atmos has only served to increase that immersion, with more places for those sounds to come from. Namely, above you.

That's not always possible in a small apartment, or when you want to watch you movie late at night. When your mom's in bed, or your partner is trying to sleep. Best not to poke the proverbial bear, in that case — turn to something with Dolby Atmos that won't disturb their slumber.

One way is to pick up some Sonos Ace headphones and a Sonos Soundbar. It's good! It's also very, very expensive. That's $450 for the cans alone, and even more for the additional soundbar you'll need.

The AirPods option makes more sense if you're looking to watch Dolby Atmos in your ears. The AirPods 4 without ANC cost $129, and an Apple TV 4K base model sets you back $180. That's $150 less in total than the Sonos Ace headphones and soundbar combo. Nice.

You'll get better movie sound

Even with the AirPods 4, you'll get a decent movie-watching experience. No, you won't get the bassy rumble you can feel in your bones a la soundbar+subwoofer combo, but that's a good thing. Everyone is in bed, remember, and you don't want to wake them up? It's a sacrifice you have to make for being a horror-movie watching night owl.

The Spatial Audio built into the AirPods comes into its own when you watch movies and TV. The surround mixes are incredibly immersive, as you can hear cars zoom by you and helicopters hover overhead. Explosions still have plenty of wallop, and there's a lot to be said about the musical abilities of the buds and how well they turn their hands to soundtrack reproduction.

Things are even better when it comes to dialog clarity. Thanks to their excellent audio credentials, the buds are very good at not only placing voices well in the mix but also making them easy to understand. I've had occasions when it feels like a character is whispering over my shoulder (creepy), really adding to the immersion in horror films.

The drawbacks

Unfortunately, there remains no way to connect Spatial Audio-capable earbuds or headphones to your TV without the need for an extra device. As such, this method means you do need to have both AirPods and an Apple TV 4K — neither of which are cheap.

It's also only going to work with content you watch on your Apple TV. That means you'll need to find a way to watch everything on your streaming box, which isn't always possible. Want to watch the news all night long? Tough luck, no late-night news bulletins for you.

It's not the perfect solution, but the AirPods are still my preferred way to enjoy Spatial Audio content from my TV when I don't want to disturb anyone's slumber.

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I’ve reviewed the AirPods Pro 3, and I gave them a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5 stars. For the sake of this story, I must establish that I found virtually zero flaws when it comes to audio performance. These $249 wireless earbuds are impressively detailed, spatially accurate, and immersive in a way that makes music come alive.

As a consumer electronics enthusiast, there’s little more thrilling than actually getting to look behind the curtain at how a product like AirPods Pro 3 is made. I had the opportunity to do just that by visiting one of Apple’s audio labs, a place where industry-recognized engineers scrutinize every aspect of sound to ensure audio coming from any Apple device lives up to standards.

Some spaces in the lab, like the room for audiologist-style hearing exams that inform the AirPods Pro hearing aid feature, looked exactly like the kind of soundproofed rooms you’d expect in any professional audio setting.

But others, like Apple’s anechoic chamber, are unlike anything I’ve seen before. An anechoic chamber is basically a space designed to absorb every sound that hits it and thus eliminate all echo.

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• I love my AirPods Pro 2 but I won't be buying the AirPods Pro 3

I've had my AirPods Pro 2 for over two years now, and I'm just as obsessed today as I was the day I unboxed them. I love everything about my AirPods Pro 2: the music quality is second-to-none, the design is ideal for my tiny ears, and the ANC is proficient enough to drown out airplane engine noise.

The AirPods Pro 2 are, in my opinion, the best wireless earbuds money can buy. But will that remain the same on September 19, when the AirPods Pro 3 release? I'm not sure — I've not tested the AirPods Pro 3 yet — but I know that I won't be buying the Pro 3.

I'm sure the Pro 3 are excellent earbuds, but I don't believe they're an essential upgrade. Here's why.

The AirPods Pro 2 still sound great

Alright, so I've not got my hands on a pair of the AirPods Pro 3 yet, but this is what Apple says about the earbuds' sound quality: "AirPods Pro 3 feature a new multiport acoustic architecture that precisely controls the airflow that carries sound into the ear," which is said to improve spatial audio.

Apple also says the AirPods' "new architecture transforms the bass response, widens the soundstage so users hear every instrument, and brings vivid vocal clarity to higher frequencies across music".

This all sounds amazing, and I can't wait to try out the Pro 3 to see if Apple's claims ring true. However, when I think about it... I'm still really impressed by the AirPods Pro 2's sound quality.

I think the soundstage on the Pro 2 is wide, expansive, and the instrument separation is fantastic. I mostly listen to music on Qobuz (our best music streaming service for audiophiles), and the excellent streaming quality begs to be exploited with earbuds of this caliber.

In my opinion, the AirPods Pro 2's music quality is already as good as I would want it to be. The bass is loud, yet not overpowering, and the treble performance is infectious without being pinchy. I'm listening to "Green Light" by Lorde as I type this, and the background vocals are clear and sound distant, whereas Lorde's lead vocal is close and husky in the center of my ears.

The only area I'd want improvement in is the aforementioned wide soundstage, but this isn't an AirPods Pro 2 issue; this is an earbuds vs headphones issue. I always find that headphones can mimic an expansive soundstage better than earbuds, purely thanks to their physical design and over-ear nature.

While newer earbuds (namely the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds) have spacious soundstages and impactful instrument separation, I don't think the AirPods Pro 2 sound out-of-date enough (to me, and I review earbuds for a living) to justify the upgrade.

The AirPods Pro 2 are getting the Pro 3's Live Translation

So one of the biggest features on the AirPods Pro 2 is the Live Translation feature. Now, I don't realistically see myself ever using this, as I live in the U.K. and pretty much everyone here speaks English as standard, but it would be a great feature to have for vacations or trips abroad. I always like to try to speak the local language when I go on vacation, but there's only so much a week of Duolingo can do for you.

Anyway, this feature works via Apple Intelligence and iOS 26, not the AirPods Pro 3 themselves. As a result, I'll be able to get this feature on my Pro 2 via my iPhone 16 Pro. If you've got an older iPhone (older than 15), but AirPods Pro 3, you won't be able to use the Live Translation feature regardless.

Some Pro 3-exclusive new features include the heart rate monitor (that I don't see myself ever using) and the "studio quality" audio recording (again, that I don't see myself using). As a result, I'm quite content with my AirPods Pro 2.

And the most important reason of all is...

Honestly, the main reason why I'm not upgrading is that I don't think you need to get the newest products all the time. There's nothing wrong with using the tech you have. I had an iPhone 11 until this year. I kept my first MacBook Pro from 2012 until 2018, my second from 2018 to 2022 (it's now my boyfriend's). I'm going to get a second-hand Apple Watch when my Amazfit Band 7 dies, and that's not happened yet.

I am a staunch believer in reducing consumerism and reducing waste, so I am happy with my AirPods Pro 2. There's nothing wrong with them — they work perfectly fine, and just because they're "old" doesn't mean I have to buy new ones.

Also, my AirPods Pro 2 are my one true love, so why give them up?

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The AirPods Pro have been my go-to wireless earbuds for almost everything: commuting, workouts, work calls, you name it. But, like some of you reading this review, I found the second-gen Pro earbuds had a few frustrating quirks, like battery life that barely made it through a long cross-country flight.

That’s where the new AirPods Pro 3 ($249) come in. Apple has taken the best parts of the Pro 2 and addressed the biggest complaints, from longer battery life and microphone quality to a more comfortable fit — and added some unexpected features along the way.

The new Apple buds offer IP57 durability, built-in heart rate monitors for activity tracking, and support for Live Translation. The best part? Not all of these features are exclusive to the Pro 3.

But after testing the AirPods Pro 3, I don't think I could go back to the AirPods Pro 2. The advancements to noise-cancellation and transparency modes make these AirPods the best wireless earbuds for iPhone users, and simply the best AirPods Apple has ever made. Read my full AirPods Pro 3 review below to learn more.

AirPods Pro 3: Quick facts

• Price: $249, the same as AirPods Pro 2.
• Battery life: 8 hours ANC-on (up from 6), 24 hours with MagSafe case, 5 minutes in case = 1 hour listening.
• Design: Reengineered for a more comfortable fit. Comes with XXS ear tip, now 5 sizes total.
• Heart rate sensor: Built into the AirPods for workout tracking, no Apple Watch required.
• Live translation: Real-time translation channeled through your iPhone using Apple Intelligence.
• Active Noise Cancellation: ANC is twice as strong compared to AirPods Pro 2.
• Durability: First AirPods with IP57 dust, sweat, and water resistance.

AirPods Pro 3: Price and availability

The AirPods Pro 3 are available as of September 19 and are priced at $249 / £249 / AU$429, which is the same as the AirPods Pro 2.

AirPods Pro 2 will be discontinued, but AirPods 4 will remain an alternative option at a lower price point. They cost $179 for the version with ANC and $129 for the version without. You can usually find these on sale with AirPods deals, too.

There's the $549 AirPods Max as well, over-ear headphones that are probably the next pair in Apple's headphone family due for an upgrade. Curious about when that could happen? Check out the latest on AirPods Max 2.

I think it's worth noting that the AirPods Pro 3 are also cheaper than the closest Sony and Bose competition. The WF-1000XM5 and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 retail for $299, $50 more than the AirPods Pro 3.

AirPods Pro 3: Specs

AirPods Pro 3 review: Design

At first glance, the AirPods Pro 3 don’t look dramatically different from the previous generation. But spend a little time with both side-by-side, and the changes are noticeable. They’re slightly smaller, but it's more the redistribution of weight that makes them stay in place and feel more comfortable. They now include an XXS ear tip (for a total of five sizes) to fit almost any ear, too.

The AirPods Pro 3 are also IP57 rated, making them the most durable AirPods yet with protection against dust, sweat, and water. This level of protection allows them to handle everything from sweaty workouts to rainy commutes without concern about causing damage. That wasn't the case for the AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4, which are only covered for sweat-resistance.

Apple kept the same MagSafe-compatible charging case design, although it now has the invisible touch pairing controls on the front of the case introduced with AirPods 4.

Speaking of controls, by default, a short press is pause/play, two quick short presses skip to the next track, three short presses play the previous track, and swiping up or down on the stem changes the volume. You can also ask Siri to manage your media playback.

A long press switches between ANC and transparency, while head gestures are useful for incoming calls or notifications.

We've also got a new control. Long-press both stems simultaneously to initiate Live Translation — which I'll cover more below.

AirPods Pro 3 review: Audio and ANC

The AirPods Pro 3 advertise twice the active noise cancellation of AirPods Pro 3, and it might just deliver that. I wore these buds on a plane, on a train, in the office, and around the bustling city — no matter where I went, the ANC proved incredibly effective.

In order to experience the best performance for these modes, you'll need to have the best seal, so make sure to try out the Ear Tip Fit Test in your AirPods Pro 3 settings.

Audio quality also impressed me during testing. Listening to Chris Stapleton’s 'Bad As I Used To Be' from the F1 movie, the strumming texture was impressive, and high-register sounds in an electronic track came through clear and crisp.

I also listened to Taylor Swift's 'So Long London,' where the AirPods Pro 3's spatial audio performance shone. The choral intro swirled around my head while the song's heartbeat-feel thumped through my ears, delivering a surprisingly satisfying bass level for such a small pair of buds.

AirPods Pro 3 review: Microphone quality

Apple also updated the microphone architecture for better voice isolation on calls. I found the mic quality inconsistent on the AirPods Pro 2, so I examined it very closely when testing the AirPods Pro 3 in the real world.

I made calls to several different people through different apps and in different environments, and every time I received positive feedback on how I sounded. Even as I walked through busy Manhattan streets, the voice isolation feature introduced in iOS 26 filtered out the noise to keep my voice in focus.

I'm excited that the AirPods Pro 3 also get the Studio Quality recording feature, which improves the voice recording of your AirPods when you're filming content through your iPhone or iPad.

AirPods Pro 3 review: Live Translation

Live Translation is one of the standout features in this AirPods update. When enabled (with that long-press control I mentioned earlier,) the AirPods Pro 3 microphones pick up speech (English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish are supported) and route it through your iPhone. Using Apple Intelligence and iOS 26, your iPhone will then deliver real-time translations back to your ears.

Meanwhile, Adaptive Audio intelligently lowers the speaker’s volume, making the translation feel seamless. Furthermore, two users with AirPods Pro could carry on a conversation face-to-face without needing to display half the conversation on an iPhone.

I had a conversation with my Spanish-speaking friend, and sure enough, the AirPods Pro 3 fed translations of our weekend brunch plans into my ears. (I know Spanish pretty well, so I could verify the translations.)

That said, for me, this is more of a nice-to-have vs. must-have feature. My favorite thing about it is that it also works on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC, considering Live Translation is powered by Apple Intelligence. The downside of this is that you will need an Apple Intelligence-enabled phone, meaning iPhone 15 Pro or newer.

AirPods Pro 3 review: Heart rate monitoring

The AirPods Pro 3 are the first AirPods to include a dedicated heart rate sensor.

You can start about 50 different workouts from the iOS 26 fitness app on your iPhone, and your AirPods Pro 3 become the heart rate source, no Apple Watch required. They even sync with Workout Buddy for Apple Intelligence-based workout guidance and Apple Music to launch a workout playlist automatically.

I got to try it out a few times, and it seems like a solid option for getting those Apple Watch rings closed when you don't have your watch (or, as is typically my case, when my watch is dead.) I felt like the readings skewed a little high compared to my typical walking workout baselines, but I also noticed when snapping some pictures that I didn't always have the heart rate sensor in full contact with my skin.

Going forward, when I opt to use AirPods Pro 3 as my heart rate sensor, I'll make sure they're properly positioned to get the most accurate data. But then again, if I really want the most accurate fitness tracking data, I'm probably going to stick to tracking with my Apple Watch.

AirPods Pro 3 review: Battery life

Battery life is now 8 hours with ANC on, up from 6. There are 10 hours with the hearing aid feature enabled. For frequent travelers like me, this is a huge upgrade, eliminating the constant stress of needing a recharge mid-flight. I took a 6-hour cross-country flight, and not only did my AirPods Pro 3 last the entire trip, but they also made it the hour-or-so-long Uber ride home.

The charging case extends total listening time to 24 hours, and just 5 minutes in the case gives an hour of playback. The case is also MagSafe-compatible, meaning you can charge it wirelessly.

Oh, but don't be confused when you unbox the AirPods Pro 3 and notice there's no charging cable. This has been the trend, assuming you already have a USB-C cable you can use to charge. You can actually also use an Apple Watch charger to charge your AirPods Pro 3. If you're willing to go the minimalism route and use wireless charging, check some of the best MagSafe chargers.

AirPods Pro 3 review: Verdict

The AirPods Pro 3 take everything I loved about the second-generation model and make meaningful improvements: longer battery life, a more comfortable design, heart rate tracking, Live Translation, and improved ANC.

Are you going to buy them just for the heart rate sensor? Probably not. And Live Translation feels more like a party trick than a daily essential. But considering the improved call quality and better durability, it’s hard for me to imagine going back to an older pair.

These upgrades make them a genuinely compelling pair of wireless earbuds, especially for anyone who travels frequently, works out often, or just wants the best listening experience Apple has to offer. At $249, they hit the same price point as the AirPods Pro 2, which hasn't exactly been the trend in the premium wireless earbud market. For iPhone users, the AirPods Pro 3 aren’t just the best AirPods, they’re the best all-around wireless earbuds you can buy right now.

The AirPods Pro 3 are finally here, bringing with them a host of new features. They've got more battery life, improved sound and enhanced noise canceling. You'll also find a new heart rate sensor on board alongside the Live Translation feature. A new pair of earbuds for a new era of Apple Intelligence.

The new AirPods Pro 3 now sit alongside the AirPods 4 in Apple's lineup. Those give you two options — an ANC and a non-ANC variant — and pack in Spatial Audio and an open fit. Crucially, AirPods 4 cost less than the AirPods Pro 3. But which is the best wireless earbuds for you? Let's dig into all the AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4 differences you need to know.

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Price and availability

The AirPods Pro 3 cost $249, and you can preorder them from the Apple Store now. That's the same launch price as their predecessor, the AirPods Pro 2.

The AirPods 4 are cheaper. They cost $129 in their non ANC form and $179 if you opt for the version with ANC. They've also been out for longer, and so we've seen discounts that bring the non-ANC variant to under $100 — that's a veritable Apple bargain.

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Design

The design philosophy of both AirPods models is the same, as you might expect. They're both white plastic earbuds with small charging cases. But the parts that go into your ears are actually quite different.

The AirPods 4 are a less secure, more open fit. If you don't like the more invasive fits of silicon-tipped earbuds, they might just be the option for you. The case is smaller than the AirPods Pro 3 case as well, making it easier to fit into a pocket or bag.

The AirPods Pro 3 are an improvement on the old model, with a more compact shape and size. They're larger than the AirPods 4, but more secure thanks to the new foam-infused ear tips that also offer better noise isolation. And you can take your pick of five sizes, including XXS.

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Controls

The AirPods Pro 3 and the AirPods 4 share a control method — touch sensitive stems. Both let you play/pause your music with a squeeze and change track with multiple taps, but the AirPods Pro 3 take it up a notch.

You can swipe the touch panel on the AirPods Pro 3 and change the volume. It might seem minor, but it makes a big difference in usability. Apple's touch controls are reliable and well thought out so either are good, but the extra functionality of the AirPods Pro 3 gives them the win.

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Sound quality

The AirPods 4 are not a sonic powerhouse. They sound fine for their form factor and price, but fall down when compared to the competition. They're too thin sounding, with little in the way of sub-bass or very high-end detail. There's Spatial Audio on board in both models.

The AirPods Pro 3 are yet to meet my ears, but they're apparently improved over the AirPods Pro 2 — which sounded good. The AirPods Pro 3 have increased bass and better detail, according to Apple, and their soundstage has been widened. If you're looking for the best sound, then the AirPods Pro 3 are the way to go.

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Features

The AirPods 4 are cheaper than the AirPods Pro 3, and they mostly come at the expense of features. They do have head-tracked Spatial Audio support and there's an option that includes ANC, but that's about it. Unless you consider the silicon tip-less design a feature — I do not.

There are far more features available in the AirPods Pro 3. You'll find the hearing health features, including hearing aid mode (which is FDA approved). Then there's the new heart rate monitor, so you can leave your Apple Watch at home when you go for a run. There are more noise-canceling modes as well.

There's a new feature that both pairs of buds are getting — Live Translation. That will translate conversations you're having in real time, using the power of a connected iPhone. The iPhone needs to have Apple Intelligence support.

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: ANC

The AirPods 4 with noise canceling are able to block some noise. Not very much noise, but enough to make a difference when you're trying to listen to your music. There are much better ANC options out there.

The AirPods Pro 3's ANC is almost certain to be more impressive than that found in the AirPods 4. It's 2x better than the ANC in the AirPods Pro 2 according to Apple, which blocked out loads of noise.

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Battery life

The AirPods 4 battery life simply isn't good enough. You get 5 hours of listening with ANC off, and 4 hours when you turn it on. That's half of some of the competition, and means you need to constantly charge them.

The AirPods Pro 3 battery has stepped things up. They have 8 hours of juice with ANC on, and 10 hours in transparency mode. That's now some of the best battery life around, and more than any other in-ear buds from Apple.

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4: Verdict

There was only one way this was going to go from the start. The AirPods Pro 3 are looking to be fair superior earbuds, with greater specs and more impressive features. You also get massively improved battery life, hearing health, a heart rate monitor, improved sound, better ANC and. more.

If you're looking to spend less money and want some Apple earbuds, the AirPods 4 remain a solid choice. But overall the AirPods Pro 3 are the earbuds to buy if you're looking to maximize your investment for the long haul.

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Imagine the scene. It's September 19th, and you've just got your fresh pair of AirPods Pro 3. You open the box. Everything seems present and correct — left earbud, right earbud, charging case... wait. There's something missing. You can't say for sure what it is, but something feels wrong.

You turn the box inside out and then it hits you, there's no included charging cable. How are you going to charge your earbuds without a charging cable?

You won't have to imagine if you've preordered a pair of AirPods Pro 3. Because it's confirmed that Apple isn't packing a USB-C cable into the box.

A quest for minimalism

This isn't the first time that Apple has pulled a charging cable from a product. The AirPods 4 also didn't come with a charging cable, and the brand's phones no longer carry a charging brick.

And, confirmed by a look at the AirPods Pro 3 Apple Store Product page, there is no USB-C cable nestled under your next pair of premium buds.

Which begs the question, do we really need another charging cable? While this feels like an irritating exclusion, I know I don't. But, then again, I've got gadgets and gizmos falling out of my ears and cluttering up my house. Not everyone is in the same position as me.

If you've been sticking with your OG pair of AirPods Pro, and you're still wielding an iPhone 13, it's likely that you've not been privy to a USB-C cable as yet. Your cable collection probably consists of older lightning cables. Those aren't going to help you charge your new AirPods Pro 3.

So, if you want a new cable for your brand new AirPods, you're going to need to buy one — and that's an added expense on top of what are already costly earbuds.

I understand why Apple has moved to remove the cable. Many people already have USB-C cables and don't need another one. But, for those who are upgrading from old devices, it feels like an issue that really doesn't need to exist.

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