AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: The Unexpected Twist

The latest AirPods Pro 3 may boast impressive performance during single use, lasting up to two hours longer than their predecessors on a single charge. However, a major surprise lurks beneath the surface: when considering the overall battery life with the charging case, the AirPods Pro 3 fail to outshine the AirPods Pro 2.

Apple claims the total listening time for the new model sits at 24 hours, a significant drop from the AirPods Pro 2’s impressive 30 hours. That’s a startling 20% decrease! While the AirPods Pro 3 are ideal for those looking for extended sessions of music or podcasts, they won’t fare as well if you’re caught without a charger.

What’s Causing the Decrease?

Could it be that Apple equipped the AirPods Pro 3 case with a less powerful battery? Despite being similar in size—with the new case actually being slightly larger—the weight has decreased from 50.8 grams to 44 grams. This shift suggests a smaller internal battery capacity.

Adding to the intrigue, the AirPods Pro 3 case features a new U2 chip for location tracking instead of the U1 chip used in the previous version. This new chip may be more power-hungry or larger, leaving less space for the battery.

Expect More Frequent Recharges!

Based on Apple’s figures, users should prepare for more frequent recharges with the AirPods Pro 3 case. While the AirPods Pro 2 case could recharge the earbuds up to four times, the new case might only manage two full charges before it’s exhausted. That’s a significant shift equating to just 24 hours of total listening time.

When Single Sessions Matter!

On a positive note, if you’re focusing on single sessions, the AirPods Pro 3 truly shine, offering up to an additional two hours of playtime even with active noise cancellation. Even with the added heart rate sensor, you can anticipate about 30 extra minutes of battery life compared to the AirPods Pro 2.

Plus, if you want to utilize the new Hearing Aid Transparency mode, the AirPods Pro 3 can provide you with an impressive 10 hours of battery life.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, while the AirPods Pro 3 promote advanced listening experiences during individual sessions, the overall battery longevity when paired with the case is a step back from the AirPods Pro 2. If you’re always on the go and rely on that extra battery life, you might want to weigh your options carefully!