Apple’s latest release, the AirPods Pro 3, introduces notable improvements in earbud battery performance. Users can now enjoy up to two additional hours of continuous listening on a single charge compared to the previous AirPods Pro 2 model. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for those who engage in prolonged listening sessions without immediate access to charging facilities.
However, a closer examination reveals a trade-off in the overall battery capacity when considering the charging case. The AirPods Pro 3 case offers a total of 24 hours of listening time, a reduction from the 30 hours provided by the AirPods Pro 2 case. This 25% decrease suggests that while the earbuds themselves have improved longevity, the case will require more frequent recharging.
Several factors may contribute to this reduction in case battery capacity. Notably, the weight of the AirPods Pro 3 case has decreased from 50.8 grams to 44 grams, despite maintaining similar dimensions to its predecessor. This weight reduction implies a smaller internal battery. Additionally, the integration of the U2 chip for enhanced Find My capabilities could occupy more internal space or consume more power, potentially necessitating a smaller battery to accommodate the new hardware.
In summary, the AirPods Pro 3 offers users extended single-session listening time through improved earbud battery life. However, the reduced capacity of the charging case means that users may need to recharge the case more frequently than with previous models. This design choice reflects a balance between enhancing earbud performance and accommodating new features within the constraints of the charging case.
