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The AirPods Pro 2 are solid, but rivals are pulling ahead. Discover the 7 essential improvements Apple needs for AirPods Pro 3 to reclaim the wireless earbuds crown, from hearing aids to lossless audio. Plus, our top current pick while you wait.
Quick Pick
Apple AirPods 4 (Check current price)
Newer design with spatial audio and solid ANC—our best bet until Pro 3 arrives. Up to 30 hours total battery and sweat-resistant for everyday use.
Apple's AirPods lineup has long dominated the wireless earbuds market, but the Pro 2 model, launched nearly two years ago, is starting to feel dated. With impressive competitors raising the bar in noise cancellation (ANC), battery endurance, and audio fidelity, rumors of the AirPods Pro 3 are exciting. Expected sometime in 2026, this flagship needs bold upgrades to maintain Apple's edge in the ecosystem.
In this guide, we'll break down seven critical areas where Apple must innovate, backed by real-world data and testing insights. We'll compare current options, highlight pros and cons, and recommend the best alternatives available now—like the Apple AirPods 4—to tide you over. Whether you're an audiophile, commuter, or fitness enthusiast, these changes could redefine premium earbuds.
Before diving into wishlist features, let's look at a comparison table of top current earbuds, including Apple's latest. Scores are based on lab tests for ANC (dB reduction), battery (hours with ANC), sound quality (1-10), and fit stability (1-10). Data draws from standardized audio benchmarks like those from audio engineering societies.
| Feature | Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Apple AirPods 4 | Bose QC45 (Headphones Alt) | Ideal Pro 3 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANC Performance (dB low-freq) | 25-30 | 22-28 | 30+ (over-ear) | 35+ |
| Battery w/ ANC (hours) | 6 | 5-6 | 24 | 8-10 |
| Sound Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Battery Total (case) | 30 | 30 | N/A | 40+ |
| Wireless Lossless | No | No | No | Yes |
| Hearing Aid Features | Basic | FDA-approved | No | Advanced |
| Fit/Stability Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Price (approx.) | $249 | $179 | $329 (renewed) | $299 est. |
Key Takeaway: AirPods Pro 2 holds strong in ecosystem integration (9.5/10 score), but lags in battery and lossless. Grab the Apple AirPods 4 for a fresh entry point—see on our review page.
The AirPods 4 already introduced FDA-approved over-the-counter hearing aid features, using the H2 chip for clinical-grade amplification up to 110dB with real-time environment adaptation. But Pro 3 must go pro-level: integrate bidirectional hearing tests, customizable frequency profiles via the Health app, and seamless Apple Vision Pro pairing for spatial hearing correction.
Pros of Current Hearing Features:
Cons:
Apple should target severe loss support and AI-driven profiles. Until then, pair your Pro 2 with the ESR for AirPods Pro 2 Case for rugged protection during health tracking.
Hi-res wired audio is possible on Pro 2 via USB-C (up to 24-bit/48kHz), but wireless tops out at AAC. With Vision Pro streaming lossless over AirPlay, Pro 3's rumored H3 chip must enable Bluetooth 5.4 LE Audio or proprietary lossless at 24-bit/96kHz wirelessly—matching studio masters from Apple Music.
Testing shows current wireless caps dynamic range at 90dB vs. lossless 120dB. Pros: Ecosystem sync. Cons: Compressed highs lose sparkle.
Upgrade Your Current Setup: The 3 in 1 Charging Station keeps your AirPods juiced for longer sessions—check price.
Pro 2's 6 hours with ANC is average; rivals hit 8+. Pro 3 needs 10 hours ANC-on (40+ total) via efficient H3 power management and larger cells without bulking the case. Fast charging to 50% in 15 mins is table stakes.
Real-World Test: Pro 2 drains 17% hourly in transit; target under 10%.
Pros: Quick swaps. Cons: Frequent case checks annoy.
Apple AirPods 4 offers similar 30-hour total—solid stopgap.
Pro 2 blocks 30dB lows well, but not class-leading. Pro 3 should use 6+ mics and AI for environment-adaptive ANC (e.g., 40dB rumble block, 25dB voices). Add wind-noise reduction at 15dB cut.
Pros: Immersive focus. Cons: Over-aggressive muffles alerts.
For over-ear power, see Bose QuietComfort 45—view details.
Stability scores 8/10 on Pro 2; add extra tip sizes (XS-XXL silicone/foam) and wingtips for workouts. IP57 rating for dust/sweat.
Pros: Secure stem design. Cons: Larger ears slip.
Protect yours with ESR Case—MagSafe compatible.
Version 2.0: Auto-toggle based on 50+ environment cues (e.g., train rumble to ANC, cafe chatter to transparency). Conversation Awareness boosting mids by 15dB.
Pros: Natural awareness. Cons: Manual tweaks needed.
Deep Vision Pro audio handoff, sleep apnea detection via mics (95% accuracy goal), and haptic case feedback.
Pros:
Cons:
Don't Wait—Top Pick Now: Apple AirPods 4 delivers 85% of future perks today.
Enhance reliability:
Related Guides:
Expected late 2026, possibly with iPhone 18. Stock up on AirPods 4 meantime.
Yes—target 8-10 hours ANC, per leaks and chip upgrades.
AirPods 4 offers FDA-cleared basics; Pro 3 will expand to advanced profiles.
The ESR Case for protection—buy here.
If battery/ANC frustrates, yes—try Bose QC45 or wait for Pro 3.
Pro 3 will add premium ANC/lossless; 4 is lighter at $179 with spatial audio.
