Apple took advantage of its special back-to-school event to unveil the latest generation of AirPods Pro, a flagship product in need of an update to stay competitive.
Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion to charity in just five years
Diamond batteries powered by nuclear waste promise 28,000 years of clean energy
AirPods Pro 3
The presentation kicked off with a bang as Apple introduced the thoroughly redesigned AirPods Pro 3. Apple promises a new multiport architecture that enhances bass response, offers a broader soundstage, and highlights vocals better. The company claims significant improvements in active noise cancellation with ANC that is “twice as effective” (up to four times more than the first generation of AirPods Pro) and a more natural transparency mode.
Real-Time Translation
Apple introduces a highly anticipated feature that could prove extremely useful: real-time translation, whether by displaying translations on your iPhone in your chosen language or by facilitating real conversations in real time when both parties are using AirPods Pro 3. If the translations are accurate and latency is low, Apple may have a significant new feature! Unfortunately, according to Apple’s fine print, real-time translation will not be available in Europe, at least initially.
Enhanced Ergonomics
The Cupertino-based company announces a redesigned shape to improve ergonomics and fit in the ear, even during sports activities. The earbuds are also IP57 certified, allowing athletes and extreme users to not worry about water and dust. The AirPods Pro 3 will come with five pairs of tips to easily find the right size for comfort and also for passive isolation.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Another anticipated feature, already available from some competitors, is heart rate monitoring on the AirPods Pro 3. To gather data, Apple uses a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that emits an invisible infrared light pulsed 256 times per second to measure the absorption of the light in the bloodstream, as well as an accelerometer to measure heart rates.
Workouts incorporating this new feature will be available in the Fitness App.
Battery Life and Pricing
Finally, Apple has managed to extend the battery life of its new AirPods Pro 3, with up to 8 hours with ANC (+2 hours compared to the previous generation) and 10 hours in Transparency mode and when active noise cancellation is turned off (which is 4 hours more). Good news for fans (including myself), pre-orders open tonight with initial deliveries scheduled for September 19, all at a price of 249 euros.