Abstract:

This video provides an unboxing and initial impressions review of the new Apple AirPods Pro 3. The reviewer expresses initial excitement based on Apple's claims of improved fit, sound, battery life, and active noise cancellation. However, immediate disappointments arise from the omission of a charging cable, the significantly larger charging case, and concerns over the durability of the new hybrid foam/silicone ear tips.

While new features like IP57 water resistance, an integrated heart rate sensor, upgraded UWB connectivity, and camera remote functionality are praised, the reviewer becomes increasingly critical of Apple's software UI, citing unintuitive processes for microphone selection and personalized audio setup. The most significant critique is directed at the sound quality, which is described as overly "bassy," "V-shaped," and "trash," a considerable downgrade from the AirPods Pro 2. Despite the highly effective active noise cancellation, the reviewer expresses deep disappointment with the audio performance, stating they don't want to listen to music on the new earbuds.

Exploring the Apple AirPods Pro 3: First Impressions and Major Disappointments

• 0:02 Initial Excitement: The reviewer starts with high anticipation for the AirPods Pro 3, based on Apple's claims of better fit, sound, 2-hour longer battery life with ANC, and improved noise cancellation.
• 0:30 Missing Charging Cable: Frustration is expressed over the absence of a charging cable in the box, following Apple's previous removal of wall warts and stickers.
• 0:51 New Ear Tips & Durability Concerns:
  • Five ear tip sizes are now included, featuring a new double extra small size.
  • The new "hybrid material design" (silicone flanges and foam) aims for better passive noise isolation, contributing to improved ANC.
  • However, durability is a major concern, as a large ear tip already broke during initial testing.
• 1:49 Larger Charging Case:
  • The charging case is noted to be "significantly bigger" than the AirPods Pro 2 case, causing disappointment despite still fitting in pockets.
  • It retains MagSafe charging, a speaker for tracking, and adds USB-C charging.
  • Upgraded UWB connectivity allows for more granular tracking with the Find My app.
  • The physical pairing button on the back has been removed.
• 3:18 Changed Ergonomics: The earbuds themselves have "significantly changed" ergonomics compared to the AirPods Pro 2, which the reviewer loved.
• 3:43 New Earbud Features:
  • Squeezable stems can now also be used to take pictures or start video recording.
  • Mics are described as "badass," offering great performance and the ability to record audio separately from the Bluetooth connection.
  • Existing features from the Pro 2s, like hearing aid/protection and adaptive sound, are improved.
  • Internal microphones continuously track ear seal to fine-tune sound.
• 5:22 Fit and ANC Comfort:
  • Initial fit is "very, very well," but lying down, the reviewer prefers the older body style.
  • ANC has "very little of the displeasing pressure," though it feels slightly more than the Pro 2s.
• 6:07 Water Resistance and Heart Rate Sensor:
  • The AirPods Pro 3 boast IP57 water resistance.
  • They feature a heart rate sensor for the first time, supporting activities like cycling, jogging, and HIIT, making them a good workout companion.
• 7:02 Improved Transparency Mode: The transparency mode is "more natural sounding than ever before" and "really good," allowing the reviewer to hear others clearly.
• 8:12 "Nuts" Active Noise Cancellation: The ANC is exceptionally strong, described as "freaking nuts" and "so isolated and quiet" that the reviewer feels "lonely."
• 10:37 Unintuitive Microphone Switching (Software Criticism): The reviewer finds the process of switching the microphone in the camera app from onboard to AirPods to be "heinous" and "completely unhinged," criticizing Apple's software intuition.
• 12:57 Major Disappointment in Sound Quality:
  • The sound is described as "V-shaped," "boosted in the high-end and low end," and "so freaking bassy," making the reviewer "deeply worried."
  • Ultimately, the sound quality is deemed "trash" and "objectively bad," significantly worse than the AirPods Pro 2, leading the reviewer to state they don't want to listen to music on them.
  • The sound supposedly improves at higher volumes (above 80%), but this is "way too loud."
• 18:14 Future Plans: The reviewer plans to "daily drive" the AirPods Pro 3 for a full review on Linus Tech Tips, hoping to adjust to the sound or be won over by other features. A detailed labs report will be made available.