AirPods Pro 3: Upgrade or no?

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Three years on, my AirPods Pro 2 still work and sound great. The battery life remains excellent, and I’m honestly astonished at all the new features Apple added via software updates over the years.

I use them every day, practically all day, and can’t imagine not having them in my ears or my jeans pocket. Whether I’m listening to podcasts, answering (increasingly infrequent) phone calls, or watching a movie on a plane, AirPods Pro 2 are my go-to.

So, when Apple unveils AirPods Pro 3 — likely at the Awe Dropping product launch event on September 9 — will the new features be enough to make me (and other AirPods Pro 2 fans) upgrade?

Read our AirPods Pro 3 rumor roundup for a look at what to expect when Apple’s upgraded earbuds arrive. Then plan accordingly.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

• Want even more Awe Dropping spoilers? Here’s what to expect from iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and Apple Watch Series 11/Ultra 3.

• Find out how to combine two or more emoji to create your own crazy hybrids.

• Who knows if the artwork for Apple’s upcoming event harbors any secrets. But did you check out the Easter egg?

• A Lego version of the original iMac seems like catnip for Apple geeks. Let’s make it happen!

• Big changes are coming to the Mac’s Spotlight search. Here’s what to expect.

• Don’t miss this week’s irresistible deals on AirTags and MacBook Airs (or the many new price drops at Cult of Mac Deals).

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Feature story

Plus, more rumor roundups: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and Apple Watch Series 11/Apple Watch Ultra 3

News

Plus, more on the Apple event:

• How to find the Easter egg in the new Apple event logo

• Colorful event logo might hint at new iPhone or Apple Watch features

• Get ready for the ‘Awe Dropping’ iPhone event [CultCast #714]

Plus, more Apple TV+ news:

• Ted Lasso‘s Roy Kent softens up for love in All of You [Apple TV+ trailer]

• The aliens have landed — and so have high ratings for Invasion

How-to

Deals

Plus, more deals on Apple gear:

• AirPods 4 deal drops Apple earbuds to rock-bottom price

• Save $200 on MacBook Air — you pick the size and configuration!

• M3 iPad Air deal lowers tablet back to its lowest-ever price

Plus, more software from Cult of Mac Deals:

• This AI speech-to-text tool for Mac and PC hits 99.7% accuracy

• Save hundreds with this Microsoft Office + Adobe Acrobat bundle

• Block ads and data trackers forever with this top-rated service

Plus, more price drops from Cult of Mac Deals:

• Score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for just $60

• Surf safe anywhere with a VPN that works on unlimited devices

• Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for less than $13

Plus, more gear from Cult of Mac Deals:

• This double-duty power bank fits on your keychain (and costs just $20)

• This iPhone keyboard case gives you that BlackBerry feel

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