AirPods 2025 adds hearing aid features, better noise control, and improved battery life across the lineup
Apple released three updated AirPods models in 2025: the AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max. The most significant change across all models is the addition of hearing aid functionality built into the earbuds themselves — a feature that lets you amplify sounds around you without a separate device. The AirPods Pro 3 also introduced a new H3 chip with faster processing, while the AirPods Max got a redesigned headband and improved audio quality. Battery life increased slightly on most models, and all three now support Apple's new Conversation Awareness feature, which automatically lowers music volume when someone speaks to you.
These updates are aimed at different users depending on your budget and needs. The AirPods 4 are the entry point with the new features at the lowest price. The Pro 3 target people who want the best noise cancellation and audio processing. The AirPods Max are for people who prefer over-ear headphones and want the most immersive spatial audio experience.
Key Takeaways
- All 2025 AirPods models now include hearing aid features that amplify ambient sound, available through the Health app on your iPhone or iPad.
- The AirPods Pro 3 use a new H3 chip that improves noise cancellation and adds Conversation Awareness, which pauses audio when you're being spoken to.
- AirPods Max received a redesigned headband with better weight distribution and improved spatial audio processing.
- Battery life increased to up to 6 hours on AirPods Pro 3 (with active noise cancellation on) and up to 20 hours on AirPods Max.
- The hearing aid feature works on AirPods 4, Pro 3, and Max, but requires iOS 18.1 or later to function.
The hearing aid feature and how it works
The hearing aid functionality is built into the earbuds and uses your iPhone's microphones to pick up sounds in your environment. You control it through the Health app under Hearing — the same place where Apple tracks your hearing health. The feature amplifies speech and environmental sounds, and you can adjust the level of amplification for different situations: conversation, television, or general background noise.
This is not a medical device and does not replace a hearing aid prescribed by an audiologist. Apple markets it as a hearing support tool for people with mild to moderate hearing loss who want amplification without buying a separate device. The amplification works in real time, so you hear the boosted sound immediately as you move between quiet and loud environments.
To use it, you need an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.1 or later. The feature is available on all three 2025 AirPods models. You can turn it on or off from the Control Center on your phone, and it saves your preferred amplification settings. The amplification does not affect what other people hear when you are on a call — only what you hear in your own earbuds.
AirPods Pro 3: The H3 chip and noise control improvements
The AirPods Pro 3 introduced Apple's H3 chip, which processes audio faster than the previous H2 chip. This faster processing improves active noise cancellation — the earbuds now adapt more quickly to changes in your environment, such as when you move from a quiet room to a loud street. The chip also powers Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers the volume of your music or podcast when someone speaks to you, then raises it again when the conversation ends.
Battery life on the AirPods Pro 3 is rated at up to 6 hours with active noise cancellation on, or up to 8 hours with it off. The charging case holds an additional 30 hours of battery. These numbers are slightly higher than the previous Pro model, though the difference is modest — roughly 30 minutes to an hour longer per charge. The faster charging also means you can get 5 hours of listening time from just 15 minutes plugged in.
The AirPods Pro 3 also support Adaptive Audio, which blends noise cancellation with transparency mode so you can hear your surroundings while still filtering out distracting noise. This feature was available on the previous Pro model but works more smoothly with the H3 chip. You can switch between full noise cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and transparency mode by pressing and holding the stem on either earbud.
AirPods Max: Redesigned headband and audio improvements
The AirPods Max received a physical redesign focused on comfort. The headband now uses a different material and weight distribution system that Apple says reduces pressure on your head during long listening sessions. The ear cups also have improved padding, and the overall design is slightly more compact than the 2024 model. The headband is still adjustable and folds for storage.
Audio processing improved with a faster chip that enhances spatial audio — the feature that makes sound appear to come from specific directions around you. If you watch movies or play games that support spatial audio, the effect should feel more immersive. The headphones also support the same Conversation Awareness feature as the AirPods Pro 3, and they include the new hearing aid amplification feature.
Battery life on the AirPods Max increased to up to 20 hours of listening time, which matches the previous model — so the improvement is minimal in terms of total hours. However, the faster charging means you can get 5 hours of listening time from just 15 minutes of charging, which is an improvement over the previous version. The headphones still charge via USB-C.
AirPods 4: What changed from the previous generation
The AirPods 4 received fewer changes than the Pro or Max models. The main updates are the addition of the hearing aid feature and Conversation Awareness. The earbuds still use the same H2 chip as before, so noise cancellation performance is unchanged. Battery life remains at up to 6 hours per charge, with the case providing up to 30 hours total.
The AirPods 4 are the most affordable option in the 2025 lineup and are aimed at people who want basic wireless earbuds with access to Apple's newer features like hearing support and automatic volume adjustment. They do not have active noise cancellation, but they do have passive noise isolation from the fit of the earbuds themselves. The design is the same as the previous generation, so if you have used AirPods 4 before, these will feel familiar in your hand and ear.
Compatibility and what you need to use 2025 AirPods
All three 2025 AirPods models work with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. To use the hearing aid feature and Conversation Awareness, you need iOS 18.1 or later on your iPhone, or iPadOS 18.1 or later on your iPad. If you have an older device, the earbuds will still work for basic audio playback, but these newer features will not be available.
The AirPods 4 and Pro 3 also work with Android devices via Bluetooth, though some features like Conversation Awareness and the hearing aid function are Apple-exclusive and will not work on Android phones. The AirPods Max only work with Apple devices and cannot connect to Android at all.
If you own a 2024 or earlier AirPods model, you can still use it — Apple did not discontinue older models. However, the hearing aid feature and Conversation Awareness are only available on the 2025 versions. Older AirPods will not receive these features through a software update.
Price and where to buy
The AirPods 4 start at $129, the AirPods Pro 3 at $249, and the AirPods Max at $549. These are the same prices as the previous generation models. You can buy them directly from Apple's website, from Apple retail stores, or from major electronics retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Target.
If you are upgrading from an older model, Apple offers trade-in credit at some retailers, though the amount varies by location and the condition of your current earbuds. Check the retailer's trade-in program before you buy. Some retailers also offer bundle deals that include AppleCare+ protection, which covers accidental damage and battery replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need new AirPods to use the hearing aid feature?
Yes, the hearing aid feature is only available on the 2025 AirPods 4, Pro 3, and Max. If you own an older model, you cannot access this feature even if you update your iPhone to iOS 18.1.
Can I use 2025 AirPods with my Android phone?
The AirPods 4 and Pro 3 connect to Android via Bluetooth for basic audio playback, but features like Conversation Awareness and the hearing aid function do not work on Android. The AirPods Max only work with Apple devices.
Is the hearing aid feature a replacement for a real hearing aid?
No. Apple's hearing aid feature is a sound amplification tool for mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have significant hearing loss or need a medical device, you should consult an audiologist about a prescription hearing aid.
How much longer does the AirPods Pro 3 battery last compared to the previous model?
The AirPods Pro 3 last up to 6 hours with noise cancellation on, compared to about 5.5 hours on the previous Pro model. The difference is roughly 30 minutes per charge, which is a modest improvement.
Can I use 2025 AirPods with an older iPhone?
The earbuds will connect to iPhones running iOS 17 or earlier, but the hearing aid feature and Conversation Awareness require iOS 18.1. You can still use them for music and calls on older software, just without the new features.