AirPods have come a long way. When the first iteration launched in 2016, it contained a chunky build and mediocre specifications. Since then, Apple has actively developed its wireless earplugs and introduced more levels, more compact design, longer battery life and advanced integration with the wider Apple ecosystem. Today, customers can choose from models that start at $ 129 and go up to $ 549 – catering for different budgets and expectations.
AirPods Pro 2 happens to be my favorite model. They are the perfect balance between portability and immersion and offer support for the ANC and Dolby Atmos in a miniature peel. And they get regular lifting from software updates, such as the newly introduced hearing health features. Nevertheless, there are some shortcomings that I would like to see Apple address when it launches AirPods Pro 3, probably in September.
Here are the seven upgrades I hope we see from the next version of AirPods Pro.
1. Actual intelligence
In an era dominated by AI, the world’s most valuable tech company is still fighting to deliver a reliable personal assistant. With this in mind, Apple Chatgpt baked in iOS 18, which improves users’ experience until it finds out how to fix Siri.
While I can instruct Siri to ask Chatgpt a question using my AirPods Pro 2, the task fails most of the time. It either asks Openai’s Chatbot about a completely different question or ignores my explicit chatgpt request and offers generic web results. Oddly enough, I only encounter this problem when I called Siri with my AirPods – Chatgpt integration works fine when I start it from my iPhone.
With AirPods Pro 3, I want Apple to integrate chatgpt’s voting state so that users start audio conversations in real time through their earplugs. Google’s pixel buds already offer a similar Gemini Live experience that allows users to ask for more complex affairs using natural language. My iPhone’s Action button is currently set to start a chatgpt voice session, but it requires me to take my phone out and unlock it when I’m on the go.
Mahmoud Itani / Foundry
2. Automatic translation
Another practical Google Pixel Bud capacity is live translation and I would very much like to see it on AirPods Pro 3.
For the past five years I have moved between countries where English is not widely spoken or a viable lingua franca. While the Translate app is offering an action -button roadway and can handle the task, communicating directly via the earplugs would be more intuitive outdoors. Fortunately, rumors suggest that iOS 19 will adopt such a feature so we could see it when the next AirPods are launched in the fall.
3. Change to the dark side
AirPods Pro 3 is jerked to rock a shrunken look that removes the stem. But even though I always find design monitorings exciting, size is not the only aspect that matters.
Since their original debut, all AirPods and AirPods Pro models have come only in white. With the next re -release, I hope Apple puts a black variant for the avers to light -colored gadgets. After all, the magic mouse and magic keyboard have already adopted this formula.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
4. Amplified noise cancellation
Active noise cancellation is one of my most valued AirPods Pro 2 Perks that lets me shut the world out when I’m in public spaces. While the function effectively blocks most external distractions, high noise still manages to slip through. With the next AirPods -pro -iteration, it would be great if we could get a stronger ANC that dampens more sounds.
5. Feeling of the beat
Powerbeats Pro 2 was the first Apple Audio product to incorporate a heart rate sensor and AirPods Pro 3 could and should follow. But it must also take the feature further.
Remarkably, the beats-branded earplugs come with a wealth of limitations that dictate how users can measure their heartbeat. For example, only a handful of fitness apps, excluding Apple’s own, screen supports the screen. Also, there is no option to choose a standard prices that monitor when you carry an Apple Watch and Powerbeats Pro 2 at the same time. With AirPods Pro 3, I wish Apple would address these limitations so users can rely on the technology when using Fitness+ and choose which laptop posts the data.
Mahmoud Itani / Foundry
6. One-Tap Firmware Updates
If you are a technical enthusiast, you are probably familiar with the AirPods software update process (or lack of them). Apple specifies that you can update your earplug firmware by bringing them close to your idevice and connecting them to a power source. However, the process occurs randomly in the background, with apparently no way of forcing it or monitoring its progress.
When iOS 19 and AirPods Pro 3 launch this fall, I wish Apple would add a dedicated button in the Settings app to easily check for, download and install the latest available firmware. This would make it more convenient for devoted users to try new features the moment they debut.
7. More life per Fee
One thing I don’t like about my AirPods Pro 2 is their battery life. According to Apple, the earbuds can last 5-6 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled. It is significantly shorter than a full work change or hiking, and often forces me to put my music and recharge. On the other hand, PowerBeats Pro 2 offers up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC on. A similar battery life on the Next AirPods Pro would be ideal.
Mahmoud Itani / Foundry
A pro -device that lives up to its name
AirPods Pro 2 is already one of my most used Apple products. Whether I run in town, wander in the middle of nowhere, work from a café or just commute, the earplugs keep me entertained by minimizing external noise and delivering spatial soundtracks. Despite this, Apple could further improve them by tackling the imperfections above.
AirPods Pro 3 has to catch up on times and bring smarter features, AI-driven and otherwise. With competing brands that also offer multiple color roads, a new finish would make AirPods more enticing a particular category of customers. It is not to mention the other quality of life adjustments that would only do using the product more trouble -free.
In the end, we should find out what’s waiting for us in just four months. Check out our regular updated new AirPods Super Guide for the latest news and rumors.