Apple officially announced the AirPods Pro 3 earlier this week, bringing upgrades like a heart rate sensor, enhanced active noise cancellation, and longer battery life. While these wireless earbuds keep the same $249 price tag, there’s one big question for buyers: how much does it cost to repair them if something goes wrong?
Apple has now updated its official repair cost estimator, giving us a clear breakdown of out-of-warranty service fees for the AirPods Pro 3. Whether you lose an earbud during a run, damage the case, or need a battery swap, here’s what you can expect to pay.
AirPods Pro 3 Repair Costs Compared
Apple has aligned the AirPods Pro 3 repair costs with the previous Pro models. That means no price hike for fixing or replacing individual components. Below is a comparison across all Pro generations:
Case: $49 AirPod: $49
Case: $49 AirPod: $49
Case: $49 Lost Item AirPod: $89
Case: $99 AirPod: $89
Case: $89 AirPod: $89
Case: $99 Other Damage AirPod: $89
Case: $89 AirPod: $89
Case: $89 AirPod: $89
Case: $89
AppleCare+ and AppleCare One: Lower Service Fees
If you’ve purchased AppleCare+ or AppleCare One for your AirPods Pro 3, repair and replacement fees are dramatically reduced. Instead of paying $89 or $99 out-of-pocket, AppleCare+ customers only pay $29 per incident for issues like drops, water damage, or accidental loss.
Apple also clarifies that the listed prices apply per item — meaning a single left or right AirPod, or the charging case. With AppleCare+, users pay just one flat incident fee even if multiple parts need replacing.
What Happens During AirPods Pro 3 Repairs
In most cases, Apple doesn’t physically repair the damaged earbud or case. Instead, the company provides a replacement unit. For example:
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Battery replacement → you’ll receive a new earbud or charging case for $49.
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Physical damage → cracked or broken AirPods are swapped out for $89 each.
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Lost item → if you lose one earbud or the case, you’ll need to pay the replacement fee.
This policy ensures customers get a fully functional replacement quickly, though costs can add up without AppleCare+.
AirPods Pro 3 Availability and Pre-Orders
The AirPods Pro 3 are now available for pre-order in more than 50 countries and regions, including the United States. Priced at $249, shipments begin on September 19, with retail store availability starting the same day.
Despite not including a charging cable in the box, Apple highlights new fitness features: the earbuds now track over 50 workout types with built-in sensors and support a new AI-powered assistant called Workout Buddy.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line: AirPods Pro 3 repair costs are the same as previous Pro models, but the expenses can add up if you’re not covered by AppleCare+. A lost earbud will set you back $89, while replacing the charging case can cost up to $99. If you’re an active user who plans to wear these during workouts or outdoor runs, AppleCare+ might be a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does it cost to replace a lost AirPods Pro 3 earbud?
$89 per earbud if you don’t have AppleCare+.
2. Is the AirPods Pro 3 repair price higher than AirPods Pro 2?
No, all three Pro generations share the same repair pricing.
3. Does AppleCare+ cover lost AirPods?
Yes, AppleCare+ or AppleCare One covers lost or damaged AirPods with a $29 incident fee.