100% agree with the required update to 26, I was hugely bummed when I discovered I had to update my devices to pair them.
I've had the opposite experience with noise cancelling though, the APP3 feel like magic when I'm working with power tools - better than any other (passive) ear protection I've tried in Noise Cancellation mode, and still enough protection in Transparency mode that I can use my circular saw without any discomfort. I did experience a little of what you're mentioning the other day, but only when my Airpods (and head) were close to the tool. I thought it might be back EMF.
I have no complaints with my APP3 other than the forced iOS upgrade. I feel like they fit much better than the APP2, I have had far fewer incidences of them working their way out. And sound quality is a huge leap forward IMO. Best IEMs I have ever heard.
> 100% agree with the required update to 26, I was hugely bummed when I discovered I had to update my devices to pair them.
Interesting, I had no issue pairing despite not being on iOS 26. The only things I noticed was that they didn't show up in the Find My app (which is pretty bad) and that I didn't get the shortcut to the airpods settings on the main setting page and had to go through the bluetooth menu instead, otherwise I could pair and do everything I normally did. Tbh, I didn't even notice an issue until I read online about the two things I mentioned...
When I tried to pair mine out of the box it initiated an "Update to iOS 26!" workflow and wouldn't let me pair until I did. Also, after I updated my iPhone and paired them to my iPad Pro, still on iPadOS 18, they just showed up as generic bluetooth headphones with none of the ANC or Hearing Assist features available.
Apple always releases a point release for the last version at the same time as a new major release. It's possible you had to install either 26 or the new point release for 18, but the UI doesn't explain you have that option.
Huh, that's a good counter point. Perhaps something has changed between APP2 and APP3 that make them more susceptible to EMF, or maybe I have a bad pair. I'll attempt a replacement and see where we land.
i own app3 and have not updated it asks you and warns you some ai features won't work but they pair and function fine after that.
For myself, the two features (which are not iOS 26 related) are being able to see them in FindMy, and having access to case sound and battery notification volume options.