Apple appears poised to introduce a transformative leap in its AirPods Pro lineup: giving the earbuds the ability to monitor heart rate and body temperature. With an official launch expected at Apple’s September event (where new iPhones and watches will also debut), these features could redefine the role of earbuds in personal health tracking.
Reports from sources close to Apple suggest the AirPods Pro 3 will integrate optical sensors capable of measuring pulse and ear-canal temperature. The ear, being closer to the body’s core, offers more accurate temperature readings than the wrist, while optical sensors tap into blood flow for consistent heart-rate tracking—even during activity. This marks a shift: earbuds moving from purely audio tools to wellness devices that live comfortably in the ear.
Rumors also point to a faster, more efficient audio chip—likely dubbed the H3—that will drive improvements in sound, active noise cancellation, and battery life. A redesigned case is expected too, perhaps slimmer with a capacitive touch control replacing the traditional pairing button.
Despite these upgrades, not every anticipated feature may make the initial rollout. Live translation capabilities—where speech in one language is instantly converted and played back in another—are reportedly still under development and may arrive later via software update.
Apple seems to be following a reliable upgrade pattern: enhancing sound quality, boosting ANC, and layering on health-focused features—all underpinned by better hardware. If executed well, the AirPods Pro 3 could elevate expectations for what earbuds can do, blending audio excellence with meaningful health insights—all at the familiar price point.
