**AirPods Pro 3: Unique Features and Enhanced Precision Finding**
AirPods Pro 3 are scheduled for delivery to customers on Friday, September 19, and they are expected to be a notable improvement for many users. Nonetheless, one of the key features will be reserved exclusively for owners of the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air.
### Enhanced Precision Finding is Exclusive to iPhone 17 and Air
For individuals who often lose track of their AirPods, Apple has optimized the AirPods Pro 3 charging case to make locating them simpler. The latest iteration of Ultra Wideband technology, driven by Apple’s U2 chip, extends the range for Precision Finding by 1.5 times. The charging case now features an integrated speaker, enabling users to find their AirPods even if they’re hidden deep within couch cushions.
Apple indicates that the U2 chip has been incorporated into iPhones since the iPhone 15, although it is referred to as the “second-generation Ultra Wideband chip.” In contrast, the earlier AirPods Pro 2 case was equipped with the U1 chip.
While it’s reasonable for users to assume that the enhanced Precision Finding feature would operate with any iPhone, including those featuring the U2 chip, Apple’s website clarifies otherwise. The enhancement is explicitly stated to work solely with AirPods Pro 3 linked to iPhone Air or iPhone 17 models, with availability contingent on region.
### Restrictions and Expectations
Footnote 12 on the AirPods Pro page clarifies that the improved Precision Finding features will be most effective with the most recent iPhone models:
> “Compared with AirPods Pro 2. Enhanced Precision Finding functions with AirPods Pro 3 connected to iPhone Air or iPhone 17 models; availability varies by region.”
This indicates that users with iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, or iPhone Air will be able to tap into the entire potential of the new Precision Finding feature. While there may be some advancements for older iPhone models, the degree of these improvements remains uncertain until users can evaluate them post-launch.
### Conclusion
The refreshed Precision Finding capability in AirPods Pro 3 could greatly improve the user experience for those with compatible iPhones. As the launch date nears, it will be intriguing to observe how users with older iPhone models interact with the new AirPods. The excitement surrounding this launch prompts the question: How significant is the upgraded Precision Finding in AirPods Pro 3 to you?
