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

At first glance, the AirPods Pro 3 look almost the same as their predecessor model, but Apple has definitely tweaked the shape. According to the company, the hardware has been tested on even more ears so that it fits even better. In addition, a total of five silicone ear inserts (ear tips) are now included so that the earplugs should actually fit better. The new shape is also due to a new sensor system: For the first time ever, AirPods come with a heart rate detector. According to initial tests, this is quite accurate – However, the slightly different shape can lead to pressure points. There is currently a very long thread on Reddit in which one user even mentions a "design flaw" – and this is documented visually: One of the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds rubbed the inner ear area bloody.

A different feeling of pressure

The AirPods Pro 3 actually feel different for long-time AirPods Pro users. They exert a different form of pressure on the ear canal. This can actually be solved by using a smaller sized ear insert. However, the sensor area is located at a point that cannot be adjusted – Regardless of which ear tip you use, the AirPods Pro 3 are always this thick at this point. With a "suitable" anatomy, such friction points are therefore quite conceivable. They don't always have to be bloody, but they can at least cause skin irritation.

One affected person writes: "Yes, I noticed exactly this problem yesterday. I haven't had any blood leak yet, but the sensor part has definitely rubbed the skin and left an open spot." The new sensor part presses on the rear part of the tragus, a cartilage part of the auricle. Another user writes: "The 3s hurt my ears. The 2s are fine. I think the improved ANC (anti-noise, note) is great, but I may not be able to use them again." This person also had no success with different ear inserts.

Good news from the allergy front

So far, the AirPods Pro have had to deal with another issue: Generations 1 and 2 have caused contact allergies in some users. This resulted in red spots, itching, scratching and, in the worst case, ear discharge and inflammation. It is not possible to estimate how many people are impacted.

Some have blamed the silicone ear inserts for the issue, others the plastic housing. Apple seems to have made changes to the material of the AirPods Pro 3: The odour has changed, apparently along with the chemical composition of the plastic. People who have previously had the allergy problem report that it no longer occurs, at least in the first few days of wearing.

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