Apple's AirPods Pro 3 to Feature Health Sensors; Live Translation Delayed

Apple's forthcoming AirPods Pro 3 are set to incorporate in-ear temperature and heart-rate monitoring sensors, enhancing their health-related functionalities. However, the anticipated live translation feature will not be available at launch and is expected to be introduced in a subsequent software update.

The integration of health sensors aligns with Apple's ongoing efforts to position AirPods as health accessories. Previous reports have indicated the company's work on features like heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing for future AirPods models.

Regarding live translation, earlier indications of its development were found in Apple imagery within the iOS 26 beta. The feature aims to simplify conversations between speakers of different languages by utilizing the Translate app on the iPhone. For instance, an English speaker wearing AirPods could converse with a Spanish speaker, with the iPhone detecting, translating, and relaying the speech back in English to the AirPods user. The English speaker's response would then be translated into Spanish and spoken aloud by the iPhone. While the iPhone's Translate app already supports such conversations, integrating this function into AirPods is expected to streamline the process.

Apple is anticipated to unveil the AirPods Pro 3 alongside the iPhone 17 models at its "Awe Dropping" event scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. Additional changes to the new earbuds may include design and case modifications, audio enhancements, and new features arriving via a firmware update as part of iOS 26.