Apple’s upcoming AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be the most significant update to the company’s premium earbuds in years – and the changes start with the charging case.

Multiple leaks, including reports from Android Headlines and noted leaker Majin Bu, suggest Apple will replace the traditional rear pairing button with a touch-sensitive panel on the front.

This new capacitive surface will let users tap or swipe to control playback, adjust volume, skip tracks, or quickly pair with devices. The case will reportedly remain similar in size to the current AirPods Pro 2, though some insiders hint at a slightly slimmer profile.

The move aligns with Apple’s broader gesture-first approach, already evident in the iPhone and Apple Watch.

Accessory makers have also noted that the removal of the mechanical button simplifies case design while ensuring compatibility with existing lanyard loops and add-ons.

Beyond design tweaks, the AirPods Pro 3 are tipped to bring major functional upgrades.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that the earbuds could feature heart rate monitoring, using optical sensors to track blood flow more than 100 times per second. Health data would sync directly to the iPhone’s Health app, positioning the earbuds as a fitness-friendly option alongside the Apple Watch.

Other expected improvements include better noise cancellation, enhanced sound quality, more stable wireless performance, and longer battery life, all powered by a new H3 chip. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking will continue to be a headline feature.

Apple is widely expected to unveil the AirPods Pro 3 at its ‘Awe Dropping’ special event on 9 September, alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple Watch Series 11, and a new Apple Watch Ultra. Pricing is likely to remain around US$249 (A$389), in line with the current model.

If the leaks prove accurate, Apple’s next-gen earbuds will not only raise the bar for audio quality but also introduce fitness-focused health tracking and smarter controls directly from the case – making them one of the most versatile updates in the AirPods lineup to date.