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Apple Was Caught Off Guard by AirPods Pro 3 Popularity

AirPods Pro 3 demand was so strong after the earbuds launched in September that their popularity reportedly "caught Apple off guard."

airpods pro 3 design
"AirPods Pro 3 were supply-constrained during the quarter, and we think we would have grown year over year if we would not have been constrained," Apple CEO Tim Cook told Reuters, in a report published alongside Apple's record-breaking earnings results for the fourth quarter of the 2025 calendar year.

Cook was referring to Apple's Wearable, Home, and Accessories segment, which saw around a 2% drop in revenue year-over-year. His comment implies that if Apple had realized AirPods Pro 3 were going to be such a hit, the company could have had more inventory ready to ship and might have actually had revenue growth in this segment.

AirPods Pro 3 no longer have any extended delivery delays on Apple's online store, so it would appear that Apple has caught up on supply by now.

AirPods Pro 3 feature increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, longer battery life per charge, heart rate monitoring during workouts, improved fit for many users, increased water resistance, a new XXS ear tip size, and more.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro 3
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Top Rated Comments

sniffies Avatar
9 weeks ago
Call me crazy, but I kinda want wired EarPods with ANC.

John, please make it happen. 🙏
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pdaholic Avatar
9 weeks ago
I was caught off guard by how off guard Apple was caught.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
9 weeks ago
I was caught off guard by how much my Pro 2 are better in almost every way
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
9 weeks ago
I was caught off guard how terribly they fit in the ear. They were returned and back to the lovely APP2 with foam comply tips.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
siriuset Avatar
9 weeks ago
Was very happy with my AirPods Pro 2 but decided to give the 3s a shot. Noise cancellation is better and overall sound quality much richer. No problem with the fit in my ear. Glad I upgraded.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cateye Avatar
9 weeks ago

I was caught off guard by how off guard Apple was caught.
Just now, I was caught off guard by you being caught off guard about how Apple was caught off guard.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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