Apple’s popular AirPods Pro haven’t had a significant update since their second-generation release in 2022, aside from a minor refresh in 2023 that introduced a USB-C charging case. Meanwhile we’ve seen the release of AirPods 4 and Powerbeats Pro 2 in the last year, closing the gap between those models and the AirPods Pro. That makes Apple’s premium earbuds well overdue for a major upgrade, and recent rumors strongly suggest a new model – AirPods Pro 3 – might be on its way soon.
Reports indicate Apple is developing an improved H3 chip for AirPods Pro 3, likely enhancing audio quality and connectivity. Users could gain Lossless Audio support across more Apple devices and benefit from reduced latency via Bluetooth 5.4. Noise cancellation, already a standout feature, should also see significant improvements. Plus, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip may improve Find My tracking, making lost earbuds easier to locate.
Health features could be another key selling point of the new AirPods Pro, following in the footsteps of Powerbeats Pro 2. Potential additions include a heart-rate monitor and possibly even temperature-sensing capabilities directly from the earbuds – features that would align well with Apple’s focus on personal health tracking.
Design refinements inspired by AirPods 4, such as a slimmer charging case, concealed LED indicator, and shorter earbud stems, are widely expected. Health sensors for heart rate and possibly even in-ear temperature readings could make the new AirPods Pro attractive to users focused on fitness and wellness.
Release timing remains uncertain. Some industry observers anticipate a reveal alongside the iPhone 17 this September, while others believe delays could push a launch back to 2026. Pricing is expected to remain consistent with current models ($249/£249) though fluctuations due to unexpected market shifts are very possible.
But even without upgrading, existing AirPods owners will benefit from new features this year, coming with iOS 26 in September. This update will enable high-quality audio recording during calls and videos, camera remote functionality via AirPods stems, and Live Translation capabilities – a feature previously thought to be tied to future hardware, but actually released across all Apple platforms.
Whether the AirPods Pro arrive this year or next, you can bet Apple has something in the pipeline that we’ll see before too long.