(Bloomberg/Mark Gurman) — Apple Inc. introduced its first new AirPods Pro model in three years, adding new health-tracking features, improved noise cancellation and a better fit.
The new device — priced at $249 — will feature a heart-rate monitor, allowing the earbuds to work with an iPhone to track a wearer’s pulse and measure calories burned during exercise. And battery life will improve from six hours to eight hours when playing music, according to the company, which unveiled the product at its iPhone 17 launch event on Tuesday.
Apple is seeking to turn its high-end AirPods into more of a health product, a process that started last year with new hearing-aid and testing capabilities. The heart-rate monitor also may help the company sell subscriptions to its Fitness+ program — and serve as a gateway product to pricier devices like Apple Watches. The company added the same heart-rate feature to its Beats-branded earbuds earlier this year.
Apple is touting the improved fit of the AirPods Pro 3, addressing user complaints about prior models. The hardware comes with new ear tips that will accommodate more people, the company said.
Apple rolled out the original AirPods Pro in 2019, adding features like noise cancellation and improved sound quality. Those capabilities were improved with the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022. The noise cancellation on the latest version is four times better than the first AirPods Pro, Apple said.
Bloomberg first reported on plans for the AirPods 3 and its new features, including the heart-rate monitor and overhauled case.
Apple first launched its wireless earbuds in 2016, when the company removed the headphone jack from the iPhone. Since then, the category has exploded and now generates billions of dollars per year for the iPhone maker. Apple has also expanded into higher-end audio products, including over-ear headphones and speakers.
Apple is already planning a follow-up model to the AirPods Pro 3 for later, adding camera sensors and artificial intelligence to help the devices scan and analyze the surrounding environment, Bloomberg has reported.
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