Airpods Pro 3: Does the pulse sensor put too much pressure on the ear?

At first glance, the Airpods Pro 3 look almost like their previous model, but Apple has certainly screwed on the shape. Allegedly, according to the group, the hardware was tested on even more ears so that it fits even better. In addition, a total of five silicone (ear tips) ear inserts are now included, so that the plugs should actually be better adjusted. The new shape is also due to a new sensor: for the first time at all, Airpods bring a detector for the heart rate. According to the first tests, this is quite precise – and, for example, is that in the Powerbeats Pro 2. However, the slightly changed shape can lead to pressure points. So there is a current one on Reddit abundant threadin which a user even talks about a “design error”-and visually proves this: one of the Airpods-Pro-Pro-Pro-plugs has bloody roaring the inner ear area.

Different feeling of pressure

In fact, the Airpods Pro 3 feel different for long-time AirPods-Pro users. They practice another form of pressure on the ear canal. This can actually be solved by using a smaller size to use the ear. However, the sensor area is located at a point that cannot be adapted – no matter which EAR TIP you use, the Airpods Pro 3 are always so thick at this point. In the case of “suitable” anatomy, such friction points are quite conceivable. They don’t always have to be bloody, but then at least cause skin irritation.

A person concerned writes: “Yes, I noticed this problem yesterday. I have not yet leaked blood, but the sensor part has definitely rubbed off the skin and left an open place.” The new sensor part press the back of the tragus, a cartilage content of the auricle. Another user writes: “The 3s hurt my ears. The 2 are okay. I think the improved ANC (anti -all, note) is great, but I may not be able to use them anymore.” This person was also unsuccessful with different ear stakes.

Good news from the Allergiefront

So far, the Airpods Pro had struggled with another problem: Generations 1 and 2 have triggered contact allergies from individual users. There were red spots, itching, scratching and even at worst ears and inflammation. How many affected people there are cannot be estimated.

Some blamed the silicone’s ear inserts for the problem, others the plastic housing. With the Airpods Pro 3, Apple seems to have made material changes: the smell has changed, apparently together with the chemical composition of the plastic. People who have had the allergy problem so far report that it no longer occurs in the first day of wear.