Apple is slowly morphing AirPods into an always-on wearable

The article discusses how Apple is gradually transforming AirPods into an always-on wearable device. The new AirPods Pro 3 introduced at the iPhone 17 event come with improved active noise cancellation and foam-filled ear tips, but the most significant change is the addition of features that encourage users to keep the earbuds on constantly. The article highlights that wearing headphones in public was once considered a social faux pas, but the ubiquity of AirPods and the new features Apple has added, such as Conversation Awareness and hearing health features, are changing this perception. The AirPods Pro 3 also introduce new capabilities like heart rate monitoring and live translation, further blurring the line between earbuds and other wearable devices. The article suggests that Apple's strategy is to make the AirPods an essential part of daily life, similar to how the iPad and Mac have become complementary devices. By adding more functionality and making the earbuds a standalone device, Apple aims to encourage users to keep their AirPods on at all times, which could also drive sales of other Apple products like the Apple Watch and Apple Fitness+.