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Can AirPods Pro 3 be used as hearing aids?

Published: January 28th, 2026

This is actually one of the most significant features of the AirPods Pro 3, even though it doesn't get as much attention as things like noise cancellation. Yes, they can function as FDA-authorized hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

This Is a Big Deal

Traditional hearing aids cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 per pair. And there's a stigma around wearing them. Many people who need hearing help don't get it because they don't want "hearing aid" devices.

The AirPods Pro 3 flip that script. They're $249, they look like normal earbuds that millions of people wear every day, and they're FDA-authorized to help with hearing loss. That's genuinely groundbreaking.

How It Actually Works

It's not just making everything louder. Here's the process:

  1. You take a hearing test built into your iPhone (takes about 5 minutes in a quiet room)
  2. The test measures your hearing at different frequencies
  3. If you have mild to moderate loss, the hearing aid feature becomes available
  4. The AirPods then boost specific frequencies based on YOUR hearing profile

So if you've lost some high-frequency hearing (super common as we age), the AirPods amplify those frequencies while leaving lower frequencies alone. It's personalized to your ears.

Setting It Up

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing on your iPhone. You'll need iOS 18.1 or later. Take the hearing test when prompted, and if your results show mild to moderate loss, you can enable hearing aid mode.

What It's Good For

  • Conversations: The real-time processing helps you hear people talking more clearly
  • Phone calls: Your hearing profile is applied to calls
  • TV and music: Media gets adjusted too
  • Transparency mode: Hear the world around you better

What It's NOT Good For

  • Severe hearing loss - this is designed for mild to moderate cases only
  • Replacing a professional audiologist evaluation
  • All-day use with limited battery

The Honest Take

If you have significant hearing loss, the AirPods Pro 3 won't replace proper hearing aids fitted by a professional. But for the millions of people with mild hearing loss who haven't done anything about it? This is an accessible, affordable, stigma-free option that might actually help.

Check current AirPods Pro 3 prices

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If you're coming from AirPods Pro 2, the Pro 3 will feel different in your ears right away. Apple didn't just tweak the design - they basically started over.

What's Actually Different

The earbuds themselves are shaped differently. They sit deeper in your ear canal and the part that sticks out has a different angle. Apple says they scanned 10,000 ears and spent 100,000+ hours researching this design.

The biggest change you'll notice is the ear tips. They're now a hybrid design with silicone on the outside and memory foam on the inside. Apple added a fifth size too - XXS - so there's now five options instead of four.

Some People Love the New Fit

A lot of users say the Pro 3 feel more secure. The hybrid tips seal better, which helps both with noise isolation and keeping them in place during workouts. If you had issues with Pro 2s falling out during runs, these might solve that.

Some People Hate It

The new design pushes differently against your ear. Some folks find that the top part of the earbud presses uncomfortably against the upper ear. After about an hour, this can get annoying.

Others just find the deeper insertion uncomfortable. If you don't like things sitting far into your ear canal, the Pro 3 design might not be for you.

Give Them Time

Here's the thing - the hybrid tips actually break in a bit. They soften over the first week or so. A lot of people who found them uncomfortable on day one said they felt much better after a few days. Don't return them after one listening session.

Finding Your Fit

Run the Ear Tip Fit Test (Settings > Bluetooth > tap your AirPods > Ear Tip Fit Test). It'll tell you if you have a good seal. If not, try different sizes. Pro tip: it's totally normal to use different sizes in each ear. Most people's ears aren't identical.

If none of the five included sizes work, third-party foam tips are available. Or, honestly, some ear shapes just work better with the Pro 2 design.

Check current AirPods Pro 3 prices

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So you're trying to decide between the three big flagship earbuds? Let me break down how the AirPods Pro 3 stack up against the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

Noise Cancellation - AirPods Win

This is a big shift. Bose used to own this category, but the AirPods Pro 3 now have the best noise cancellation of the three. Apple claims twice the ANC of the Pro 2, and independent tests back this up.

In real-world plane testing, the ranking went: AirPods Pro 3 first, Sony second, Bose third. The Sonys do excel at blocking high-frequency noise thanks to their foam tips, but overall, Apple takes this round.

Sound Quality - Sony Wins

If pure audio quality is your top priority, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are still the earbuds to beat. They have deeper bass, more detailed mids, and better soundstage. Music sounds more nuanced and engaging.

The AirPods Pro 3 sound good - clean and balanced - but audiophiles typically prefer Sony's tuning. Some people think the new AirPods have too much bass compared to the more neutral Pro 2.

Bose goes for warm, bass-heavy sound. Great if you like that, less great if you want accuracy.

Features - AirPods Win by a Mile

This isn't even close. The AirPods Pro 3 have heart rate monitoring, FDA-approved hearing aid functionality, Live Translation, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration.

Sony and Bose offer customizable EQ and spatial audio, but they don't have anything like Apple's health features.

However: If you use Android or care about high-resolution audio, Sony supports LDAC codec for better streaming quality. AirPods are stuck with AAC.

Price

  • AirPods Pro 3: $249
  • Sony WF-1000XM5: $299 (but often on sale for $250)
  • Bose QC Ultra: $299

The AirPods are actually the most affordable option.

The Bottom Line

Get the AirPods Pro 3 if: You use iPhone, want the health features, or prioritize noise cancellation.

Get the Sony WF-1000XM5 if: Sound quality is everything to you, or you use Android and want LDAC support.

Get the Bose QC Ultra if: You prioritize comfort and prefer Bose's warm sound signature.

Check current AirPods Pro 3 prices

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No product is perfect, and the AirPods Pro 3 have their share of issues that some owners have run into. Here's the honest rundown so you know what to expect.

The Static/Crackling Thing

This is probably the most discussed issue online. Some people hear static or crackling when they have noise cancellation turned on but aren't playing any audio. It's subtle, but once you notice it, it's hard to ignore.

Apple hasn't officially acknowledged this or promised a fix. They've released firmware updates that mention "bug fixes" but don't specifically call out the static issue. For some people it went away after updates. For others, it hasn't.

What you can try: Reset your AirPods by holding the button on the case for 15 seconds. Make sure your firmware is current. Toggle ANC off and back on. Sometimes these basic steps help.

The Fit Problem

Apple redesigned the earbuds, and the new shape sticks up more into your ear than the Pro 2 did. Some people find this uncomfortable after about an hour of wear.

The good news: Apple includes five tip sizes now, including a new XXS. Most people find a comfortable fit after trying different sizes. Also, the tips seem to break in a bit over the first week or two.

The "Bloodgate" Reports

This sounds dramatic, and honestly it affects very few people. The heart rate sensor (that little black circle inside the earbud) sits against your ear canal. For some folks with sensitive ears or certain ear shapes, it can cause irritation with extended use.

If you have sensitive ears, buy from somewhere with a good return policy so you can test them out.

Sound Quality Complaints

Some audio enthusiasts say the Pro 3 sound different from the Pro 2 - more bass, more treble, less neutral overall. If you loved how the Pro 2 sounded, you might need time to adjust. Others think the Pro 3 sound fuller and more engaging.

Should You Worry?

Honestly? Most people are happy with their AirPods Pro 3. These issues affect a minority of owners, and the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. But it's worth knowing what's out there before you buy.

Check current AirPods Pro 3 prices

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How do the AirPods Pro 3 actually sound on phone calls? Pretty great, honestly - though maybe not a huge leap from the Pro 2 if that's what you're upgrading from.

The Tech Behind It

Apple uses dual beamforming microphones that focus on picking up your voice while the H2 chip works to filter out everything else. When you're on a call, all that background noise - keyboards clacking, people talking nearby, even cars passing - gets substantially reduced. The person you're talking to hears you, not your environment.

Where They Shine

At the office or working from home: These are fantastic. The microphones handle typical indoor environments really well. Air conditioning hum, printer noise, people talking in the background - all of it gets pushed down so your voice stays front and center. Video calls sound professional.

Walking around town: Solid performance here too. Normal street noise doesn't really bother calls. I've taken plenty of calls walking through the city without complaints from the other end.

Where They Struggle

Wind is still the enemy. This is true for pretty much all earbuds, and the AirPods Pro 3 aren't an exception. In gusty conditions, you'll get some crackling and your voice might cut out briefly. If you're outside on a windy day, try to find some shelter or the person you're calling will notice.

Compared to the Pro 2

Here's the thing - if you're specifically upgrading for better call quality, you might be disappointed. Independent tests show the microphone performance is basically identical to the AirPods Pro 2. Apple didn't change the H2 chip, and call quality wasn't a focus of this update. The improvements are elsewhere (ANC, health features, fit).

Pro Tip: Use Voice Isolation

While you're on a call, swipe down to open Control Center and tap the Mic Mode button. Switch to "Voice Isolation" for maximum background noise reduction. It makes a noticeable difference in noisy environments.

The Verdict

Great for calls. Professional-sounding in most situations. Just don't buy them expecting better phone call quality than the Pro 2.

Check current AirPods Pro 3 prices

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How does Find My work with AirPods Pro 3?

Published: January 28th, 2026

Lost your AirPods again? The AirPods Pro 3 have seriously upgraded Find My features that make tracking them down way easier than before.

The Big Upgrade: U2 Chip

Apple put their newer U2 Ultra Wideband chip in the charging case. What does that mean for you? About 3x the tracking range of the AirPods Pro 2. We're talking up to 200 feet of Precision Finding, where your iPhone shows you exactly which direction to walk and how far away they are.

When you're getting close, your phone gives you visual arrows, distance numbers, and even vibrations. It's like a hot-cold game, but way more accurate.

The Case Has Its Own Speaker Now

This is actually a really nice addition. The charging case can play sounds on its own - you don't need the earbuds inside. So if you lose the case but have the earbuds in your ears, just tell it to chirp and you'll find it. Works even when the case is closed.

Find My Network Does the Heavy Lifting

When your AirPods are truly lost (not just under the couch), Apple's Find My network kicks in. Any nearby Apple device can anonymously detect your AirPods and report their location to your account. You don't have to do anything - it just works.

This is super helpful if you left them at a coffee shop or on the train. As long as someone with an iPhone walks past them, you'll get a location update.

Separation Alerts Save the Day

My favorite feature: your iPhone can warn you before you even lose them. Enable "Notify When Left Behind" and you'll get an alert when you walk away without your AirPods. You can set exceptions for home and work so you're not constantly being reminded.

How to Actually Find Them

  1. Open Find My on your iPhone
  2. Go to Devices and tap your AirPods Pro 3
  3. If they're nearby, tap "Find Nearby"
  4. Follow the arrows on screen - they update as you move
  5. When the screen turns green, you're right on top of them

One Catch

The full Precision Finding experience needs an iPhone 15 or newer. Older phones still work, just without the fancy directional arrows.

Check current AirPods Pro 3 prices

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The AirPods Pro 3 come with a really intuitive touch control system built right into the stems. Once you get the hang of it, you'll rarely need to pull out your phone to control your music or calls.

The Basic Taps and Presses

The stem on each earbud has what Apple calls a "force sensor" that responds to different press patterns:

  • One press: This is your play/pause button. Tap once to pause your music, tap again to resume. It also answers incoming calls and can even trigger your iPhone's camera shutter.
  • Two presses: Skip to the next track. Also ends phone calls when you're ready to hang up.
  • Three presses: Go back to the previous track.
  • Press and hold: This cycles through your listening modes - Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Adaptive Audio.

Controlling Volume

Here's where it gets clever. The stem has a touch-sensitive strip, and you can swipe your finger up or down to adjust volume. The trick is to place your thumb on the back of the stem for stability, then use your index finger to swipe along the front. Swipe up for louder, down for quieter. Works on either earbud.

Some people find this a bit fiddly at first, but it becomes second nature pretty quickly. If you really don't like it, you can turn it off in settings and just use your phone or watch for volume.

Head Gestures (Yes, Really)

This sounds gimmicky, but it's actually useful. When you get a call or Siri asks you something, you can:

  • Nod your head to say yes, accept the call, or confirm
  • Shake your head to say no, decline, or dismiss

It feels weird the first few times, but it's genuinely handy when your hands are full.

The Live Translation Trick

Press and hold BOTH stems at the same time to activate Live Translation. This lets you have conversations in different languages with real-time translation.

Making It Your Own

Head to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the "i" next to your AirPods, and you can customize a bunch of stuff. You can change what the press-and-hold does, adjust how sensitive the volume swipe is, or turn features off entirely if they bug you.

Check current AirPods Pro 3 prices

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🤖

Do AirPods Pro 3 work with Android phones?

Published: January 19th, 2026

Technically, yes. But should you? That's a different question.

The AirPods Pro 3 will connect to your Android phone via Bluetooth just fine. You'll get music, noise cancellation, and transparency mode. The sound quality is solid too.

Here's What Actually Works

  • Playing music and podcasts ✅
  • ANC and Transparency Mode ✅
  • Basic tap controls ✅
  • Phone calls ✅

Here's What You're Missing

And it's... a lot:

  • Spatial Audio - Nope
  • Hearing features - All of them gone (hearing test, hearing aid mode, hearing protection)
  • Heart rate tracking - Nope
  • Live Translation - Nope
  • Auto-pairing - You'll be manually connecting every time
  • Find My - If you lose them, good luck
  • Firmware updates - You literally need an iPhone to update them
  • Ear fit test - Can't check if they're sealing properly
  • Customizing controls - Stuck with defaults

That's basically all the headline features from Apple's marketing.

The Pairing Process Is Annoying

Instead of just opening the case and having them appear on your phone (like with iOS), you have to:

  1. Open the case
  2. Double-tap it
  3. Wait for the white light
  4. Dig through Bluetooth settings
  5. Manually connect

Every. Single. Time.

My Honest Take

Look, if you're already deep in the Android world, you're paying $249 for earbuds that work at maybe 40% of their potential.

Better options for Android users:

  • Pixel Buds Pro 2 if you have a Pixel
  • Galaxy Buds 3 Pro if you're on Samsung
  • Sony WF-1000XM5 if you want the best overall

These give you the full experience, not a compromised one.

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The AirPods Pro 3 come with five sizes (XXS through L), but most people just keep the pre-installed medium tips and hope for the best. Don't do that. The right fit changes everything.

First, Run Apple's Test

Go to Settings → tap your AirPods → Acoustic Seal Test

It takes 5 seconds and uses the microphones to check for air leaks. But here's the thing - the test isn't perfect. You can "pass" and still not have the ideal fit.

How to Know If You've Got It Wrong

Signs your tips are too small:

  • They slip out when you talk or chew
  • The noise cancellation isn't that impressive
  • Music sounds a bit thin

Signs your tips are too big:

  • Your ears hurt after 30 minutes
  • They feel like they're being pushed out
  • You keep adjusting them

Pro Tip for AirPods Pro 2 Users

The Pro 3 tips have foam inside, making them firmer. A lot of people who used Medium on the Pro 2 end up needing Small on the Pro 3. So don't assume you know your size.

Getting Them In Right

This sounds dumb, but technique matters:

  1. Put them in your ears (obviously)
  2. Twist the stems toward your face a bit
  3. Give them a gentle press

The twist-and-press combo gets a way better seal than just jamming them in.

It's Okay to Mix Sizes

Your ears might be different sizes. Plenty of people use Small in one ear and Medium in the other. No judgment.

If Apple's Tips Just Don't Work

Some people's ears just don't vibe with Apple's tips. Options:

  • Comply Foam ($25) - Super comfy, molds to your ears
  • Dekoni Bulletz ($30) - Maximum noise blocking
  • CharJenPro AirFoams ($20) - Good budget foam option

Worth trying if you're struggling.

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Live Translation is one of those features that sounds incredible in Apple's keynote but has some real limitations in practice. Let me break down what it actually does and whether it's useful.

The Basic Idea

Someone speaks to you in Spanish (or another supported language), and you hear it in English through your AirPods Pro 3. When you reply in English, your phone translates it to Spanish and plays it through the speaker for them.

Pretty sci-fi, right?

What You Need

  • iPhone 15 Pro or newer (sorry, iPhone 15 regular won't work)
  • iOS 26 or later
  • Apple Intelligence turned on
  • Internet connection

Older phones can't do this even with the AirPods Pro 3.

Languages That Work Right Now

  • English (UK and US)
  • French (France)
  • German (Germany)
  • Portuguese (Brazil)
  • Spanish (Spain)

Coming eventually: Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese

Notably missing: Mandarin and Hindi. You know, just two of the most spoken languages on Earth.

The Reality Check

Here's what the reviews actually say:

It's useful for:

  • Ordering food when traveling
  • Asking for directions
  • Simple tourist interactions

It's not great for:

  • Actual fluid conversations (3-5 second delays make things awkward)
  • Noisy environments (it struggles to pick out the right voice)
  • People with strong accents
  • Anywhere without wifi or cellular

Apple even puts a warning on it: translations "may be inaccurate, unexpected, or offensive." So, you know, maybe don't use it for important negotiations.

My Take

If you travel occasionally and just need basic help communicating, this is a cool bonus feature. If you were hoping this would replace learning a language or hiring a translator for serious situations... not quite there yet.

Think of it as a smarter version of holding up your phone to Google Translate, not as a universal translator from Star Trek.

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