[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 offers AirPods Pro 2 users upgrade points in noise-cancelling performance, heart-rate measurement and earbud-only listening time.

On the topic, IT outlet 9to5Mac on Oct. 5 (local time) summed up three reasons to move from Pro 2, based on its experience of using AirPods Pro 3 for about a year.

The biggest change is active noise cancelling (ANC). Apple says AirPods Pro 3 blocks noise up to twice as effectively as AirPods Pro 2. It is hard to break down the figure precisely by perceived difference, but an assessment said the gap is clear in actual use. The outlet wrote in a review last year that "noise cancelling has definitely improved." With noise blocking a core strength of the AirPods Pro line, this change is seen as an area with a big perceived impact.

Expanded health features are also a key change. AirPods Pro 3 includes a heart-rate sensor in each earbud. The sensor measures heart rate by firing invisible infrared light 256 times per second. Users can check additional metrics, including heart rate, in the iPhone Fitness app during workouts. The Fitness app can start more than 50 types of workouts, and progress is shown as Live Activity.

The feature was expanded further in iOS 27, which includes GymKit support for iPhone. The setup is designed to provide a workout-tracking experience similar to an Apple Watch using only an iPhone and AirPods Pro 3. Being able to check workout data without wearing a watch on the wrist was presented as a differentiator. Even when also wearing an Apple Watch, AirPods Pro 3 plays a supporting role. For example, the outlet introduced that if the Apple Watch shifts out of position on the wrist during weight training, AirPods Pro 3 can help maintain accuracy.

Battery life has also changed. AirPods Pro 3 increases music playback time with noise cancelling on to up to 8 hours. That is longer than the 6 hours on AirPods Pro 2. It is an improvement in use time per earbud charge.

However, total battery time has fallen. AirPods Pro 2 offered a total of 30 hours, with 24 hours from the case and 6 hours from the earbuds. AirPods Pro 3 offers a total of 24 hours, with 16 hours from the case and 8 hours from the earbuds. Earbud time is longer, but case-charging frequency could rise. This point should also be considered when deciding whether to buy.

Changes in fit are a variable. AirPods Pro 3 has a different earbud shape. The outlet rated it as more comfortable than Pro 2, but said some users felt it was less comfortable. Because of that, it recommended trying them on before buying or choosing a seller with easy returns.

Price was also cited as a factor driving replacement demand. AirPods Pro 3 is currently selling for $179 (about 240,000 won), while its list price is $249 (about 330,000 won). Whether to focus only on performance gains or also weigh changes in fit and total battery time is expected to be the standard for an upgrade decision.