AirPods Pro 3 (currently $199 for limited time) pack a lot of improvements over AirPods Pro 2, one of which helps prevent them from getting permanently lost.

AirPods Pro can be far too easy to misplace. They come in a compact charging case that’s perfect for carrying around in your pocket, but has disadvantages for anyone loss-prone.

Apple years ago built features into AirPods Pro to make them easier to find when they get lost. And AirPods Pro 3 have a key upgrade in that department.

AirPods Pro 3’s charging case packs Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip. This is an improvement over the U1 chip in AirPods Pro 2.

With the new Ultra Wideband chip, it’s easier than ever to find lost AirPods.

That’s because Precision Finding in the Find My app now works from 1.5x farther away.

Precision Finding lets you get step-by-step guidance to send you directly to your AirPods Pro 3’s location.

The U1 chip only supports Precision Finding from around 35-50 feet away. In real-world use though, tests have shown that the second-gen UWB far outperforms Apple’s conservative estimates. It’s not unusual to see it work from 150-200 feet away.

Important disclaimer though: AirPods Pro 3’s improved Precision Finding range requires an iPhone 15 or newer. That’s because recent iPhones also pack the improved UWB chip.

I tend not to misplace my AirPods hardly ever, but I had to use Find My for the first time with AirPods Pro 3 this morning—and it worked great.

My AirPods were on the opposite side of the house, stuffed in my backpack, and the Find My app led me straight to them.

If you ever lose your AirPods Pro, the new Ultra Wideband chip in AirPods Pro 3 are one of many reasons to consider upgrading.

Have you used Precision Finding with AirPods Pro 3? How has it compared to previous AirPods Pro? Let us know in the comments.

• AirPods Pro 3 (now only $199, down from $249)
• Cleaning kit for AirPods
• AirFly Pro 2 for connecting AirPods to standard headphone jacks
• Magnetic strap neckband for preventing lost AirPods
• Memory foam AirPods Pro eartips for a more comfortable fit