Apple appears to be continuing its innovation with the AirPods Pro series. Just a month after the introduction of the AirPods Pro 3 alongside the iPhone 17 series at its September “Awe Dropping” event, new reports indicate that the tech giant is already working on an upgraded version. This new model is expected to include a new H3 chip and an infrared (IR) camera, further advancing Apple’s wearable ecosystem. According to Bloomberg, the next-generation AirPods Pro are currently being developed, although it is unclear if they will be branded as AirPods Pro 4 or as an updated version of the existing AirPods Pro 3.
Apple has previously taken a similar route; for example, the AirPods Pro 2 lineup was refreshed last year with a USB-C charging case and minor improvements instead of a new generation altogether. The current AirPods Pro 3 introduced several exciting health-focused features, including heart rate monitoring, a first for Apple’s earbuds. The forthcoming version could enhance these capabilities. Reports suggest that Apple is developing a new H3 chip, anticipated to provide better audio quality, reduced latency, and greater power efficiency. The current AirPods Pro 3 utilize the H2 chip, which is the same as their predecessor, so this hardware advancement could significantly enhance performance and user experience.
Additionally, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that Apple’s upcoming AirPods may feature infrared cameras. These cameras could facilitate innovative functionalities such as in-air gesture controls and closer integration with the Apple Vision Pro, the company’s ambitious mixed-reality headset. The IR cameras may also improve the ability of the AirPods to detect proximity and head movement direction more accurately, resulting in a more immersive experience when used with Vision Pro or future AR/VR devices. In another development, a Chinese tipster known as Instant Digital mentioned on Weibo that Apple plans to offer two versions of AirPods Pro 3 rather than launching a new “Pro 4” model immediately.
This implies that Apple could release a slightly enhanced variant of the AirPods Pro 3 featuring the new hardware, a strategy reminiscent of the AirPods 4 lineup, which has versions with and without Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Apple is also rumored to be investigating additional health-tracking features for future AirPods models, including temperature sensing, which would bolster Apple’s position in the expanding wellness technology market, complementing the health features of the Apple Watch. While Apple has not confirmed a release date, industry insiders expect the updated AirPods Pro model to arrive sometime next year. Meanwhile, fans of Apple’s premium over-ear headphones may have to wait longer, with reports indicating that the next refresh of AirPods Max won’t come until 2027.
If these rumors are accurate, the next generation of AirPods Pro could represent Apple’s most advanced earbuds yet, combining high-quality audio, smart sensors, and deep ecosystem integration to redefine personal sound.
