Apple Was Caught Off Guard by AirPods Pro 3 PopularityAirPods Pro 3 demand was so strong after the earbuds launched in September that their popularity reportedly "caught Apple off guard."

"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.<div class="linkback">Related Roundup:
AirPods Pro 3</div><div class="linkback">Buyer's Guide:
AirPods Pro (Buy Now)</div><div class="linkback">Related Forum:
AirPods</div>
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Apple Was Caught Off Guard by AirPods Pro 3 Popularity