Barely a month after releasing the AirPods Pro 3, Apple has reportedly begun work on their successor — the next generation of its flagship in-ear wireless earbuds.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is actively developing a “new version” of its high-end AirPods Pro, though it’s unclear whether they will be marketed as AirPods Pro 4 or simply as an upgraded Pro 3 variant.
With multiple reports hinting at new sensors, cameras, and chips, Apple’s next AirPods Pro appear poised to bridge the gap between personal audio and wearable health tech.
AirPods Pro 3: A Quick Recap
The AirPods Pro 3, launched in September 2025, introduced heart rate monitoring, adaptive audio improvements, and refined noise cancellation powered by Apple’s H2 chip.
However, the new reports suggest Apple is already looking beyond — with more advanced hardware upgrades, infrared camera integration, and the debut of the company’s next-generation H3 chip.
| Feature | AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H2 | H2 |
| Noise Cancellation | Improved | Adaptive ANC with scene detection |
| Sensors | Skin detection | Heart rate monitor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Charging | MagSafe + USB-C | MagSafe + USB-C |
| Launch Date | Sept 2023 | Sept 2025 |
Gurman: Apple Working on a “New Version” of AirPods Pro
In his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman confirmed that Apple has begun developing a new version of the AirPods Pro line. However, he did not specify whether these will be marketed as a full generational leap — AirPods Pro 4 — or as an updated Pro 3 variant.
Mark Gurman, Bloomberg:
“Apple is developing its next-generation H3 chip for wireless audio. It’s unclear which AirPods will get it first, but the Pro line is the most likely candidate.”
This ambiguity mirrors Apple’s recent pattern: the AirPods Pro 2 were quietly refreshed a year after launch with a USB-C case and other small updates, without receiving a new name.
Ming-Chi Kuo: Infrared Camera Sensors Coming
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously reported that the next-generation AirPods Pro will feature at least one infrared (IR) camera sensor — a significant leap from Apple’s traditional audio-focused design.
These small IR cameras could detect hand gestures in the air, enhancing spatial interaction with devices like the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Ming-Chi Kuo, TF International Securities:
“The infrared camera module will support in-air gestures and improve the integration between AirPods and Vision Pro.”
According to Kuo, Apple may first test the technology in a higher-end AirPods Pro 3 variant before rolling it out widely in AirPods Pro 4, suggesting an incremental hardware rollout similar to the AirPods Pro 2 USB-C update cycle.
Infrared Cameras: Beyond Vision Pro Integration
Infrared camera technology in AirPods could serve multiple purposes:
- In-air gesture control: Allowing users to interact with media or adjust volume with hand movements.
- Enhanced environmental awareness: Detecting motion for adaptive audio adjustments.
- Spatial awareness: Syncing user movement with Vision Pro’s visual environment for immersive experiences.
- Health monitoring: Assisting in skin temperature or blood flow tracking when combined with optical sensors.
If successful, this feature could help Apple further differentiate its AirPods lineup as multi-sensor wearables, not just earbuds.
The H3 Chip: Faster, Smarter, and More Power Efficient
Gurman’s report also reveals that Apple’s upcoming H3 chip is under active development. Designed for wireless audio, the chip promises:
- Improved sound fidelity with lower latency
- Faster pairing and seamless switching between Apple devices
- Higher efficiency, leading to longer battery life
- Better wireless range and connection stability
If Apple’s past release cadence holds, the H3 chip will likely debut in 2026 AirPods models, first appearing in the Pro line before trickling down to the standard AirPods 5.
| Chip | Launch Year | Key Improvements |
|---|---|---|
| H1 | 2019 | First custom audio chip, low-latency performance |
| H2 | 2022 | Adaptive Audio, Bluetooth 5.3, lower power use |
| H3 (expected) | 2026 | Advanced sound engine, lower latency, AI processing |
Two Tiers of AirPods 5 Also in Development
Beyond the Pro line, Gurman noted that Apple is working on two tiers of AirPods 5, mirroring the dual configuration approach used in the AirPods 4.
This suggests one model may include active noise cancellation (ANC) — traditionally exclusive to Pro variants — while the other offers a standard design at a lower price point.
Health and Sensor Upgrades on the Horizon
Gurman reiterated that Apple is doubling down on health features in its AirPods lineup. The AirPods Pro 3 introduced heart rate tracking, but future versions could add:
- Temperature sensing for body wellness tracking
- Hearing tests and protection alerts
- Conversation awareness improvements
- Integration with the Health app for biometric data syncing
These additions fit Apple’s broader strategy of turning AirPods into everyday health monitors, complementing the Apple Watch.
Tech analyst Lila Romero (FutureSound Labs):
“Apple’s long-term goal is clear: turn AirPods into a health and spatial computing accessory that connects your body, your data, and your digital environment.”
AirPods Lineup: Current vs. Upcoming
| Model | Chip | Key Features | Next Update Expected |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 (Standard) | H2 | Dual versions (with/without ANC) | 2026 |
| AirPods Pro 3 | H2 | Heart rate, Adaptive Audio | 2025 (current) |
| AirPods Pro 4 | H3 (expected) | IR camera, temperature sensor | 2026–2027 |
| AirPods Max | H1 | High-fidelity audio | 2027 (new design rumored) |
AirPods and Vision Pro: A Converging Future
The rumored camera integration ties directly into Apple’s Vision Pro strategy. By equipping AirPods with sensors that detect motion and gestures, Apple could enhance how users interact with spatial content — creating a full sensory ecosystem.
This would allow:
- Head-tracking synchronization for precise spatial audio
- Gesture-based navigation while wearing the headset
- Seamless transitions between virtual and real-world audio environments
Essentially, future AirPods may act as both audio and input devices for Vision Pro and its successors.
Launch Timeline and Outlook
So when will these new AirPods arrive? Based on current reporting:
- Late 2025 — AirPods 5 dual variants
- 2026–2027 — Next-gen AirPods Pro (possibly Pro 4) with H3 chip and IR sensors
- 2027 — Redesigned AirPods Max
That timeline would keep Apple’s pattern of alternating AirPods launches annually intact.
| Year | Expected Product | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | AirPods 5 | Dual-tier lineup |
| 2026 | AirPods Pro (next-gen) | H3 chip, IR camera |
| 2027 | AirPods Max 2 | Lighter, new materials |
Why It Matters?
The next AirPods Pro could mark the biggest leap since Apple introduced Active Noise Cancellation in 2019. By merging AI-driven audio, gesture recognition, and biometric health tracking, Apple is positioning AirPods as the centerpiece of its wearable computing strategy — not just accessories, but intelligent health and spatial tools.
FAQs
Q1. Will the next AirPods Pro be called AirPods Pro 4?
Possibly — Apple hasn’t confirmed. Gurman calls it a “new version” of AirPods Pro.
Q2. What new features are expected?
H3 chip, infrared camera for gestures, temperature sensors, and deeper Vision Pro integration.
Q3. When will they launch?
Most likely between late 2026 and early 2027.
Q4. Will these AirPods track health metrics?
Yes — features like heart rate and temperature monitoring are being developed.
Q5. How will the infrared camera work?
It could enable in-air gesture controls and motion-based audio adjustments.
