
AirPods Pro 3 are in active development, and even though the release timing is still unclear, there’s been one rumored feature in particular that I’m especially excited about: improved active noise cancellation.
Noise cancellation has long been a critical AirPods Pro feature for me
I’ve been an AirPods user since the first model was introduced alongside the iPhone 7 in 2017.
But when AirPods Pro debuted, I was immediately sold. Several features were appealing to me, but one standout was the inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
I’d never tried noise cancelling headphones before, in part because I’d heard complaints about some users getting headaches or experiencing other discomfort related to the feature.
Reports indicated Apple’s approach would make that a non-issue, so I bought the first AirPods Pro and never looked back.
Active Noise Cancellation easily became a top feature for me, as it helps me maintain mental focus in any environment. When AirPods Pro 2 arrived with even better noise cancellation, that alone convinced me to upgrade.
Now, rumors indicate AirPods Pro 3 will improve noise cancellation yet again.
AirPods Pro 3 rumored to offer even better noise cancellation

Leaker Kosutami previously said that the new model’s ANC will be “much better” than what’s currently available.
Even without that rumor, improved noise cancelling seemed likely for AirPods Pro 3 anyways, since they’re expected to have a new H3 chip.
Back when AirPods Pro 2 debuted the H2 chip, Apple specifically attributed ANC gains to the chip:
the power of the new H2 chip provides an exceptional acoustic experience and cancels up to twice as much noise over the previous generation AirPods Pro
As a result, I have little doubt that AirPods Pro 3’s H3 chip will improve noise cancellation in noticeable ways.
And this, fortunately, checks off my top feature request for the new model.
Apple has done a fantastic job adding new features to AirPods Pro 2 over the years via firmware updates. As a result, there’s little I can think of that I find lacking in my current AirPods.
Nothing except the desire for better ANC.
I use noise cancellation all day during work, at the gym, and even when out roaming the city. The feature is great as-is, but there are definitely situations I wish it could block out more noise.
Soon, with AirPods Pro 3, that wish should be granted. And I can’t wait.
What are your top feature requests for AirPods Pro 3? Let us know in the comments.
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- AirPods Pro 2 (now only $159, down from $249)
- Memory foam AirPods Pro eartips for a more comfortable fit
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