Apple’s newest AirPods are official, and the preorder window is open. If you want a launch-day pair of AirPods Pro 3, here’s how to lock in your order quickly, what’s new under the hood, and where they’ll show up first.
Where to preorder right now
The fastest route is the Apple Store app on iPhone or iPad. It caches your Apple ID, address, and Apple Pay details, which cuts checkout time to seconds. If you prefer a browser, Apple’s online store mirrors the same configurations and delivery or pickup options.
Initial availability is centered on Apple’s channels, with broader retail listings expected to follow at major partners such as Amazon and Best Buy. If you’re waiting for third-party deals, add the product to wishlists and enable stock alerts—popular AirPods launches have sold out in minutes at big-box retailers before restocks land.
Pro tip: check local Apple Store pickup before defaulting to delivery. In many launches, in-store pickup opens earlier or shows inventory when shipping windows slip.
Fastest way to secure a unit
Sign in ahead of time. Confirm your default shipping address and payment in the Apple Store app or on Apple’s site, and enable Face ID or Touch ID for one-tap checkout. Small details like these routinely make the difference between day-one and backordered delivery windows.
Decide on add‑ons before the rush. AppleCare+ for Headphones is optional but worth considering if you’re tough on gear. Free case engraving is available on Apple’s site and app; it doesn’t change price, but it can adjust delivery timing depending on demand.
If you plan to pick up, set your preferred store in the app’s account settings. When inventory goes live, you can tap through to reserve at that location without re-entering details.
Price and configurations
AirPods Pro 3 are listed at $249 in a single finish, consistent with the Pro line. As with prior models, you’re buying the earbuds and a charging case together; ear tips in multiple sizes are included in the box.
Education or corporate portals occasionally surface modest accessories savings, but the sticker price for AirPods themselves tends to hold at launch. Larger discounts typically appear only after wider retail distribution ramps up.
What’s new under the hood
Apple is positioning AirPods Pro 3 as “over‑ear performance in an earbud.” The headliner is a new H3 chip that drives better audio processing and power efficiency. Apple’s claim of twice the active noise cancelling versus the prior generation is aggressive; independent labs like Rtings will inevitably put that to the test, but a stronger ANC floor is a meaningful daily upgrade on flights and commutes.
Live Translation debuts on AirPods with this model, a feature that matches what rivals have offered in various forms on premium earbuds. For travelers and multilingual households, seamless voice translation in your ear is one of those capabilities that shifts from novelty to habit quickly when it’s reliable.
Battery life gets a practical bump: Apple cites about two extra hours for typical listening and even longer endurance when used in hearing‑aid‑style modes. The fit has been reworked as well; Apple says the design is more stable in the ear, echoing cues from the latest non‑Pro AirPods. The earbuds are rated for workouts and sweat exposure, addressing a longstanding pain point for gym use.
Context matters here. Third‑party research firms such as Counterpoint Research and IDC have consistently placed AirPods at or near the top of global true wireless market share, often around a third of shipments. That scale gives Apple latitude to push silicon like H3 into features—ANC, translation, spatial processing—that competitors typically stagger across product tiers.
Retailer deals and what to watch
Don’t expect deep discounts at launch. Instead, look for soft perks: store gift cards, extended returns for members, or bundle promos with chargers or AppleCare+. Big retailers sometimes roll these out within the first wave of stock. Verify return windows, as earbuds often have stricter hygiene policies.
If you own the previous Pro generation, the decision comes down to priorities. Travelers and commuters will notice the ANC and battery gains first. If you’re eyeing translation or the improved fit, those are experiential upgrades that are hard to backport via software.
Bottom line
Preorder AirPods Pro 3 through the Apple Store app for the smoothest checkout and the best shot at early delivery or pickup. The H3 chip, stronger noise cancelling, Live Translation, and better battery life make this the most ambitious update to Apple’s earbuds in years. If they’re on your shortlist, move quickly—high‑demand AirPods preorders have a habit of slipping from launch day to later windows once the first wave is gone.