AirPods Pro 3 might not get all their features at launch — here's what could be missing

AirPods Pro 2 in a person's hand with the case open in front of luggage

(Image credit: Future)

Traditionally, Apple never let the best AirPods out of the oven until they were fully baked. The 'buds shipped with all of their features from launch, but that may change this year with the release of the AirPods Pro 3.

We're expecting to see the next AirPods Pro at the "Awe Dropping" Apple event, on September 9. We're looking forward to some new features, including a potential heart rate monitor and a temperature sensor to help with fitness tracking.

But according to a report from 9to5 Mac, the AirPods Pro 3 aren't going to launch with every single touted feature. It's from an anonymous tipster, so you can take it with a truckload of salt, but it's emblematic of a changing Apple.

What is rumored to be missing?

Apple AirPods Pro 2 head in hand — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

According to 9to5 Mac's anonymous tipster, those the fitness tracking and temperature features are still on track for the potentially imminent launch. But the tipster thinks at least one of the rumored features will be added via an update later.

The live translation feature is an oft-mentioned new feature for the AirPods Pro 3, but it looks like we might have to wait a bit longer before we can use our AirPods to help us converse with people who speak different languages.

9to5 Mac reports that the feature won't be available on launch, instead coming further down the line. That's a shame, and, if true, shows that Apple as a brand is changing.

Apple products used to launch "complete." The firm wouldn't release something until everything was ready and good for launch. There might be updates further down the line, but you were still receiving a complete product.

We've been here before too; last year's Apple Watch 10 didn't launch with its headline sleep apnea feature (though it was added soon after). And the less said about the roll out of Apple Intelligence, the better, which took almost six months to reach the E.U.

This is just a rumor from an unverifiable source sent to a news outlet, so it might not be the case at all. The AirPods Pro 3 might release with the Live translation feature, and everything is ok. We'll have to wait for the launch event itself.

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Tammy and her generous collection of headphones have found a new home — Tom's Guide! After a two-and-a-half-year stint as iMore's resident audiophile, Tammy's reviews and buying guide expertise have more focus than ever on Tom's Guide, helping buyers find the audio gear that works best for them. Tammy has worked with some of the most desirable audio brands on the planet in her time writing about headphones, speakers, and more, bringing a consumer focussed approach to critique and buying advice. Away from her desk, you'll probably find her in the countryside writing (extremely bad) poetry, or putting her screenwriting Masters to good use creating screenplays that'll never see the light of day.

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