AirPods Pro 3: What Changed, What Carries Over, and Model Numbers
Product Launch Overview
AirPods Pro 3
Released 2025 — Apple's third-generation Pro earbuds bring a new chip, longer battery life, and a revamped hearing-health platform to a familiar silhouette.
At a Glance
- Launch year: 2025 — announced and shipping alongside iOS 18.x updates
- Model numbers: Right earbud A3063 · Left earbud A3064 · Charging case A3122 (MagSafe USB-C)
- Retail price: $249 USD (same as Pro 2 at launch)
- Top-line changes: H2 successor chip, up to 10 hours playback (up from 6), clinical-grade hearing-aid mode, updated Adaptive Audio, and a new low-distortion driver
What's actually new
1 — New Apple Silicon (H-series successor)
Apple replaced the H2 chip with a next-generation H-series processor. According to Apple, the new chip doubles the computational throughput available for real-time audio processing, enabling faster Adaptive Audio switching and lower-latency Transparency Mode.
What it means for you: Transparency Mode feels more natural in loud environments, and the buds react to sudden sounds (a car horn, a shout) faster than the Pro 2 did.
2 — Extended battery life
Apple rates the Pro 3 buds at up to 10 hours of listening with ANC on — up from 6 hours on the Pro 2. Total case-included runtime climbs to approximately 36 hours. Apple attributes the gain to both the more efficient chip and a revised battery cell geometry in the earbud housing.
What it means for you: A full workday on a single charge without touching the case. The case itself charges faster via MagSafe.
3 — FDA-cleared hearing-aid mode
The Pro 3 ships with an FDA-cleared over-the-counter hearing-aid feature built into the Health app. Users complete an in-app audiogram, and the buds apply a personalized amplification profile in real time. This is distinct from the "Hearing Check" feature Apple added to Pro 2 via software — the Pro 3 hardware is tuned to support the full clinical amplification range.
What it means for you: For users with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, these can function as a medical device — no separate hearing aid required.
4 — Redesigned low-distortion driver
Apple redesigned the acoustic driver, citing reduced total harmonic distortion (THD) particularly in the 200 Hz–2 kHz midrange band. The driver is physically larger than the Pro 2's unit, which required a minor internal housing rearrangement — one reason the Pro 3 earbud is not cross-compatible with Pro 2 ear tips at the stem attachment point.
What it means for you: Voices and instruments sound cleaner at moderate volumes. Audiophile-level differences, but audible in side-by-side comparison.
5 — Updated Adaptive Audio and head-gesture controls
Adaptive Audio — Apple's blend of ANC and Transparency — now has three user-configurable sensitivity zones rather than two. Head-gesture controls (nod to accept a call, shake to decline) introduced in the Pro 2 are retained and expanded to include a double-nod shortcut for Siri.
What it means for you: More granular control over how much of the outside world bleeds in, without touching your phone.
What carries over from Pro 2
The Pro 3 is an evolutionary update, not a ground-up redesign. Several things are unchanged — relevant if you're deciding whether to upgrade or if you own Pro 2 accessories.
- Stem-and-oval silhouette — same general shape and size; existing silicone third-party cases may fit, though verify before buying
- USB-C MagSafe charging case — same charging standard and MagSafe coil position; your existing USB-C cable and MagSafe puck work fine
- Force sensor and swipe controls — same squeeze-and-swipe interaction model on the stem
- IP54 dust and water resistance — same rating as Pro 2; no upgrade here
AirPods Pro 3 model numbers
These are the component-level Apple model numbers (A-numbers) for the third-generation Pro. They're stamped inside the charging case lid and on each earbud housing. Useful for identifying parts, filing warranty claims, or finding the right replacement.
| Component | Model number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Right earbud | A3063 | Stamped on the earbud housing near the vent |
| Left earbud | A3064 | Stamped on the earbud housing near the vent |
| Charging case (MagSafe USB-C) | A3122 | Inside lid, near hinge |
| Complete unit (retail box) | MXK73LL/A | US retail SKU; varies by region |
Replacement Parts — Availability Update
We're actively sourcing genuine AirPods Pro 3 components. Individual replacement buds and charging cases typically become available through our supply channels 4–8 weeks after a new generation ships at volume — once enough units are in the wild and working-condition pulls become available for testing.
We expect to list A3063 (right), A3064 (left), and A3122 (case) individually. Each will be tested on a known-good unit before shipping, same as our Pro 2 parts.
Check the collection page for live stock status — we update it as parts clear testing: AirPods Pro 3 Replacement Parts. In the meantime, AirPods Pro 2 parts remain in stock.
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Frequently asked questions
Are AirPods Pro 2 ear tips compatible with the Pro 3?
No. Apple redesigned the driver housing on the Pro 3, which changed the stem attachment geometry. Pro 2 ear tips (XS/S/M/L silicone) do not seat correctly on Pro 3 buds. You'll need Pro 3-specific ear tips, which Apple includes in the box and will sell separately.
Will my Pro 2 charging case charge Pro 3 buds?
No. The buds are paired to their own case via firmware and the charging contacts are not cross-compatible. The Pro 3 case (A3122) is required to charge and pair Pro 3 buds. The good news: if you lose or break the case, you just need the Pro 3 case — not a whole new set.
When will Recell have AirPods Pro 3 replacement parts in stock?
We expect individual buds (A3063 right, A3064 left) and the charging case (A3122) to come available through our supply channels roughly 4–8 weeks after the Pro 3 ships at volume. Check our AirPods Pro 3 parts collection for live stock status. We don't list parts until they've passed our testing process.
Now that the Pro 3 is out, will Pro 2 prices drop?
Typically yes. Apple usually discounts the previous generation once a new one ships, and third-party sellers follow. Historically, Pro 2 retail has dropped $30–$50 within a few months of a successor launch. Our Pro 2 replacement parts pricing reflects the used-parts market, which also softens slightly as more Pro 2 units enter the secondary market. If you're happy with Pro 2 performance, now is a reasonable time to buy.
How do I identify which AirPods Pro generation I own?
The fastest way: open the charging case lid near an iPhone and look at the model number printed inside the lid. Pro 1 = A2190 case. Pro 2 Lightning = A2968. Pro 2 USB-C = A3048. Pro 3 = A3122. You can also check Settings → Bluetooth → your AirPods → the (i) icon on iPhone. Our AirPods model identification guide walks through every generation with photos.
What does "genuine, used, tested" mean at Recell?
It means the part is the same component Apple put in the original device — not a third-party clone or aftermarket substitute. We source from working units (not salvage), test each component on a known-good device before it ships, and back it with a 1-year warranty. We're not an Apple-authorized reseller; we're an independent parts supplier. The part is genuine; the box it came in originally was Apple's.
Apple, AirPods, and AirPods Pro are trademarks of Apple Inc. Recell Exchange is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc.
Spec details sourced from Apple's product pages and available teardown reporting. Model numbers confirmed via Apple's regulatory filings. Post updated at launch; check back as more teardown data becomes available.