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AppleCare+ for AirPods Pro 3 costs $49 for two years of coverage. Here's what you get and whether it's worth it.
What's Included:
What's NOT Covered:
Cost Comparison:
| Scenario | Without AppleCare+ | With AppleCare+ | |----------|-------------------|-----------------| | Replace one AirPod | $89 | $29 | | Replace case | $89 | $29 | | Battery service | $49 | Free |
Is It Worth It?
If you damage one AirPod:
Second incident saves another $60.
Important: Must purchase within 60 days of buying AirPods Pro 3.
Who Should Get It:
Who Can Skip It:
There are three different ways to use Siri with AirPods Pro 3, and two don't require touching anything.
Voice Activation (Easiest): Say "Hey Siri" while wearing your AirPods. Your phone can stay in your pocket.
Common commands:
Stem Press Method: Press and hold the stem on either AirPod until you hear a chime, then speak your command.
Customize in: Settings > Bluetooth > [your AirPods] > Press and Hold
Head Gesture Controls (New): When Siri announces a call or notification:
Perfect for meetings or quiet environments. Enable via:
Tip: If Siri isn't hearing you well, check your ear tip seal. Do the Ear Tip Fit Test in Settings. Bad seal = bad microphone pickup.
Conversation Awareness automatically adjusts your AirPods audio when you start talking to someone. No buttons needed.
What Happens: When you speak:
When conversation ends:
Best Use Cases:
How to Enable: Settings > [your AirPods] > Conversation Awareness → ON
Or: Control Center > touch and hold volume slider > Conversation Awareness
Important to Know:
When to Disable:
Works With:
Pro Tip: Use Control Center toggle for quick on/off rather than digging through Settings.
Adaptive Audio lets your AirPods Pro 3 automatically blend noise cancellation and transparency based on your environment. No manual switching needed.
What It Does:
How to Enable: Control Center > touch and hold volume > tap "Adaptive"
How to Customize: Settings > Bluetooth > [your AirPods] > Adaptive Audio
Slider controls default noise level:
Three Components:
Troubleshooting:
| Issue | Fix | |-------|-----| | Volume changes jarring | Turn off Personalized Volume | | Triggers from humming | Disable Conversation Awareness | | Too much noise | Slide toward "Quieter" |
When to Use:
When to Use Pure ANC:
AirPods Pro 3 can't play audio from two devices simultaneously, but they automatically switch between Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account.
How Automatic Switching Works: Start audio on any Apple device, and AirPods switch automatically. Phone call interrupts Mac video? AirPods switch to phone, then back when you hang up.
Requirements:
Managing Unwanted Switching: Settings > Bluetooth > [your AirPods] > "Connect to This iPhone"
| Option | When to Use | |--------|-------------| | Automatically | Primary devices | | When Last Connected | Devices you rarely use |
Connecting to Non-Apple Devices: AirPods work with Android and Windows:
Limitations: No automatic switching, manual connection required.
Troubleshooting:
| Issue | Fix | |-------|-----| | Not auto-switching | Update devices, verify same Apple ID | | Unwanted switching | Disable on non-primary devices | | Slow switching | Reset AirPods (hold case button) |
Audio Sharing: You can share audio with someone else's AirPods from one device, but both pairs connect to the same source.
AirPods Pro 3 are excellent for workouts and running with IP57 sweat resistance, secure fit, and heart rate monitoring.
Durability:
Fit During Exercise: Designed from 10,000+ ear scans for in-ear stability. Foam-infused tips in 5 sizes (including XXS) stay secure during running, HIIT, and jumping.
Heart Rate Monitoring: AirPods Pro 3 track heart rate during workouts:
Running Safety:
Post-Workout Care: Wipe down with dry cloth before storing. Salt from sweat can build up on speakers over time.
Real-World Experience: | Aspect | Performance | |--------|-------------| | Running stability | Excellent | | HR accuracy | Comparable to fitness trackers | | Sweat resistance | No issues with heavy sweating |
Bottom Line: Best AirPods for exercise. If you want one pair for everything (commute, work, gym), these handle workouts better than any previous model.
Static and crackling in AirPods Pro 3 is a known issue since launch. Apple has released firmware updates, but the problem persists for some users.
Common Symptoms:
Cause: The ANC system can produce artifacts when processing ambient sound. Pressure changes on flights affect ear seal and trigger feedback.
Firmware Updates: Apple released 8B25, 8B30, and 8B34. Results are mixed - helps some users, not others.
Troubleshooting:
Check ear tip fit
Clean thoroughly
Update firmware
Try different modes
Reset AirPods
If Issues Persist: Contact Apple Support. Many users received warranty replacements. Describe when static occurs and mention troubleshooting attempted.
Note: Some replacement units have the same issue. It appears to be a design/software problem Apple is still investigating.
Ear pain with AirPods Pro 3 is a documented issue. Causes include incorrect sizing and design changes from Pro 2.
Common Causes:
| Cause | Solution | |-------|----------| | Wrong ear tip size | Try all 5 sizes, go smaller than you think | | Heart rate sensor pressure | May require return if persistent | | Incorrect insertion | Rotate in, don't push straight | | Extended wear | Take breaks every 45-60 minutes |
The Heart Rate Sensor Issue: New to Pro 3, the sensor creates a pressure point some ears can't tolerate. Even correct tip size doesn't help for some users. Pain typically starts after 15-30 minutes.
Proper Insertion: Rotate AirPods gently into your ear rather than pushing straight. This distributes pressure more evenly.
Troubleshooting:
If Pain Persists: Contact Apple Support. Describe pain location and duration. Request exchange or return. If refused at one store, try another or escalate.
Note: Some users report cuts and bleeding (rare). If experiencing anything beyond normal discomfort, stop using them and contact Apple.
No, AirPods Pro 3 don't include a charging cable. Apple removed it citing environmental reasons.
What's In the Box:
What's NOT In the Box:
What Works for Charging:
If You Need a Cable: Apple: ~$19 Third-party: ~$5-15 (ensure it supports charging)
Gift-Giving Tip: If gifting to someone who might not have USB-C cables, consider including one.
Connection issues with AirPods Pro 3 are usually fixable. Here's what to try, from quick fix to full reset.
Quick Fix (Try First): Put AirPods in case → close lid → wait 15 seconds → open lid. This fixes many connection issues.
Full Reset (Fixes Most Problems):
Common Problems:
| Issue | Fix | |-------|-----| | Won't connect | Double-tap case front until white flash | | One AirPod only | Clean contacts, check charge, reset | | Random disconnects | Disable Automatic Ear Detection | | Wrong device switching | Set to "When Last Connected" on unwanted devices |
Interference Sources: Move away from WiFi routers, other Bluetooth devices, microwaves.
If Nothing Works: Settings > Bluetooth > "Forget This Device" → reset AirPods → re-pair.
Still not working? Contact Apple - may be hardware defect.
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