January 30, 2026 – During Apple’s fiscal Q1 2026 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook revealed that the AirPods Pro 3, launched in September 2025, has seen unexpectedly high demand since its release, catching the company off guard.
Despite the “Wearables, Home, and Accessories” segment—which includes products like AirPods, Apple Watch, and HomePod—reporting a roughly 2% year-over-year revenue decline for the quarter, Cook clarified that this figure doesn’t accurately reflect true market demand. He emphasized that without production constraints on the AirPods Pro 3, the category would have likely posted growth instead.
After months of ramping up production, supply issues for the AirPods Pro 3 have largely been resolved. Apple’s online store now shows no shipping delays, allowing customers to receive their orders promptly upon purchase.
The AirPods Pro 3’s popularity stems from significant upgrades. Beyond improved sound quality and enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), the headphones now feature built-in heart rate monitoring for fitness tracking, broadening their appeal. Additional selling points include extended battery life, upgraded water resistance, and the introduction of XXS ear tips designed specifically for users with smaller ear canals—all addressing key consumer needs and driving sales.
