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Apple just unveiled the AirPods Pro 3, but there are already indications that the company is working on the next generation. According to several well-informed sources, Apple is planning two major innovations for the upcoming AirPods Pro: the new H3 chip and tiny infrared cameras in the earbuds. This combination is expected not only to improve audio quality but also to open up new interaction possibilities.
Since their introduction, the AirPods Pro have established themselves as the benchmark for wireless in-ear headphones. With each generation, sound, battery life, and connectivity have been refined. The next version is expected to take another significant step forward. Early reports from industry insiders like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo indicate that Apple is working on features that go far beyond typical hardware updates. The focus is on improved audio performance, AI integration, and a tighter connection to the Vision Pro.
H3 chip: more performance and less latency
The new H3 chip is set to replace the existing H2 chip currently used in the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the H3 chip not only delivers improved sound quality but also lower latency. This means that audio signals are processed faster, which is particularly beneficial when gaming or using AR applications.
Furthermore, the H3 chip is expected to operate more efficiently, thus extending battery life. It should also establish a more stable connection with other Apple devices and communicate better with the latest iPhones and Macs.
Infrared cameras: new possibilities for gestures and AI
Particularly exciting is the planned integration of tiny infrared cameras into the earbuds. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, these will not only provide improved spatial awareness but also enable gesture control in the air. This would allow users to perform certain actions in the future without having to touch the AirPods or the connected device – for example, through hand movements or head gestures.
The cameras could also play a key role in new AI features. Mark Gurman anticipates that the AirPods Pro will be able to process visual information in the future, similar to the "Visual Intelligence" feature on the iPhone 15 Pro or later. This would allow the earbuds to better perceive their surroundings and automatically adjust the listening experience.
Closer integration with Vision Pro
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also expects the next AirPods Pro to be more closely integrated with the Vision Pro. The infrared cameras would allow the earbuds to track head movements more precisely, making spatial sound even more realistic. This would make the AirPods Pro a key component of Apple's mixed reality strategy.
This integration demonstrates how Apple intends to further connect audio, visual experiences, and artificial intelligence. The goal is a seamless interplay across all devices, where sound, image, and motion are perfectly synchronized.
The name is still unclear.
It's unclear whether the new earbuds will be released as AirPods Pro 4 or continue to be called AirPods Pro 3. Apple has historically refrained from giving minor hardware updates a new version number – for example, when transitioning from the AirPods Pro 2 to the USB-C version. It's therefore possible that the new models will feature significant technical improvements but retain their existing names.
Expected release date
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the new AirPods Pro are expected to launch in 2026. If this timeline is accurate, Apple would be sticking to its established pattern: Each previous AirPods Pro generation has been released roughly three years apart. It's therefore conceivable that Apple will release minor software or design updates for the current generation in the interim before the major upgrade.
Apple is setting new standards with the next AirPods Pro.
The upcoming AirPods Pro could be the most exciting earbuds Apple has ever developed. With the new H3 chip, infrared cameras, and potential AI features, a significant technological leap is on the horizon. Improved sound quality, lower latency, and the possibility of gesture control suggest that Apple is increasingly transforming the AirPods Pro into an intelligent, interactive companion. While the exact release date and name are still unknown, it's clear that Apple is further blurring the lines between audio, artificial intelligence, and spatial awareness. The AirPods Pro are thus evolving step by step into a central element of the growing Apple ecosystem. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Stas Malyarevsky)
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