Highlights
- Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that AirPods Pro 3 may debut this week at Apple’s event, ahead of earlier predictions for a 2026 release.
- Rumoured upgrades include heart rate monitoring, Apple’s H3 audio chip, improved noise cancellation, and a smaller charging case.
- Apple plans a 2026 update with infrared camera tech for gesture control and enhanced spatial audio, especially when paired with Vision Pro.
Caption – AirPods Pro 3 launch date confirmed. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple’s “Awe dropping” event is set for tomorrow and it looks like the company has more in store than just the iPhone 17 series. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3 could also debut at the event, much earlier than previously expected. Here’s what we know so far.
AirPods Pro 3 Launch Timeline
Caption – AirPods Pro 2 for reference. (Image credit – Apple)
Kuo had earlier predicted that Apple wouldn’t release the AirPods Pro 3 until 2026. However, in his latest note, he claims the earbuds are “ready to go” and will be introduced next week alongside Apple’s new iPhones. This update lines up with reports from other sources including Bloomberg, suggesting the AirPods Pro 3 are imminent.
Kuo also revealed that Apple is planning another update to the Pro lineup next year as it continues work on AirPods with built-in cameras. Bloomberg has previously detailed Apple’s efforts in this area.
Kuo writes, “Apple is expected to launch AirPods Pro 3 in 2H25, while a more significant hardware upgrade with the IR camera-equipped model is anticipated in 2026.”
Expected Features of AirPods Pro 3
Caption – AirPods Pro 2’s internal design for reference. (Image credit – Apple)
The AirPods Pro 3 are rumoured to bring several health and performance upgrades. A key addition could be a heart rate monitoring sensor, similar to the one found in Powerbeats Pro 2. The earbuds are also expected to include Apple’s new H3 audio chip, which should deliver better sound quality and stronger connectivity. Reports also suggest a slightly smaller charging case.
Beyond this, users can look forward to enhanced active noise cancellation, design refinements, and other incremental improvements.
The AirPods Pro 2 made their debut in September 2022 alongside the iPhone 14 lineup. Apple refreshed them in September 2023 with a USB-C charging case and minor upgrades. If AirPods Pro 3 launch this week, it will mark a three-year gap between generations.
Interestingly, the wait for the AirPods Pro 4 could be much shorter. Kuo says Apple plans to update the earbuds again in 2026 with a “more significant” hardware refresh, introducing at least one infrared camera.
These IR-equipped AirPods are expected to recognise hand gestures and improve spatial audio experiences, especially when paired with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
As Kuo explained, “For example, when a user is watching a video with Vision Pro and wearing this new AirPods, if users turn their heads to look in a specific direction, the sound source in that direction can be emphasized to enhance the spatial audio/computing experience.”
FAQs
Q1. When are the AirPods Pro 3 expected to launch?
Answer. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple may unveil the AirPods Pro 3 at its September event, much earlier than the previously expected 2026 release.
Q2. What new features might AirPods Pro 3 include?
Answer. Rumoured upgrades include heart rate monitoring, Apple’s new H3 audio chip for improved sound and connectivity, enhanced noise cancellation, and a smaller charging case.
Q3.Are there future plans for AirPods beyond Pro 3?
Answer. Yes. Apple is reportedly working on AirPods with built-in infrared cameras for gesture control and spatial audio enhancements, expected to launch in 2026.
Also Read –
https://www.mymobileindia.com/apple-releases-new-firmware-update-6b32-for-airpods-pro-2/