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Anticipation is building for the potential unveiling of Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, expected sometime in 2025, given Apple’s typical annual update cycle for its AirPods lineup. While last year saw the introduction of the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, enthusiasts awaiting the AirPods Max 2 were met with a more modest refresh – USB-C charging and new color options for the premium over-ear headphones. As a result, speculation is rife regarding the features and debut of the next-generation AirPods Pro. Here’s a breakdown of the latest AirPods Pro 3 rumors and desired enhancements.
Potential AirPods Pro 3 Launch Timeline
Recent online discussions, originating from a social media post by tipster Kosutami and highlighted by MacOS Rumors, suggested a possible May or June launch for both the AirPods Pro 3 and AirTag 2. However, this timeline appears improbable considering Apple’s established pattern of introducing new AirPods models alongside new iPhones in the fall. A notable exception was the AirPods Max, revealed in December 2020, approximately six weeks following the iPhone 12 release.
Although unexpected announcements are possible, a more plausible scenario points to the AirPods Pro 3 debuting alongside the iPhone 17, potentially in September. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a generally dependable Apple insider, has indicated that the AirPods Pro 3 are anticipated to feature a redesigned form factor and incorporate heart-rate monitoring, similar to Apple’s Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. However, the official release remains several months away.
Speculated Temperature and Heart-Rate Sensors
The inclusion of heart-rate sensors in the Powerbeats Pro 2 strengthens the likelihood of this feature also appearing in the AirPods Pro 3. While the practical utility, especially for Apple Watch owners, is debatable, Apple may have broader long-term applications for heart-rate monitoring in its earbuds, potentially utilizing the Powerbeats Pro 2 as a testing ground.
Reports from various tech publications, citing another Gurman analysis, have raised the possibility of temperature sensors and other physiological measurement capabilities in future AirPods. Furthermore, both Gurman and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have suggested Apple’s exploration of infrared (IR) cameras for future AirPods. Kuo’s insights propose that IR cameras could facilitate various functionalities, including hand gesture recognition, spatial audio improvements, and environmental awareness for software applications, potentially extending to Apple Intelligence. While camera technology is unlikely for the AirPods Pro 3, it could materialize in subsequent iterations like the AirPods Pro 4.
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Touchscreen-Equipped AirPods Case
An especially intriguing prospective feature is an interactive touchscreen display integrated into the AirPods Pro 3 charging case, potentially serving as a remote control. Apple’s patent filing for this concept in 2022 has fueled ongoing speculation, further supported by the emergence of touchscreen-equipped AirPods imitations on online marketplaces. Moreover, JBL’s recent Live 3 earbud series, including the Live Beam 3, successors to the Tour Pro 2 earbuds (featuring a color touchscreen case), demonstrates the adoption of this feature by competing manufacturers. The entire Live 3 lineup incorporates a 1.5-inch LED touchscreen in their charging cases, indicating a trend in the earbud market.
While the probability of a touchscreen charging case for the AirPods Pro 3 remains uncertain, alterations to the case design are anticipated, with potential size reduction mentioned. At minimum, the physical Bluetooth pairing and reset button might be replaced by a concealed touch-capacitive “button,” similar to the design of the AirPods 4 case.
Considering Apple’s dual AirPods 4 release, the company might adopt a similar strategy for the AirPods Pro 3, possibly offering a premium version with enhanced functionalities like a touchscreen case alongside a standard, more basic model.
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Enhanced Performance with H3 Chip
The AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, and Powerbeats Pro 2 currently utilize Apple’s H2 chip. Industry speculation suggests the AirPods Pro 3 could incorporate the next-generation H3 chip, assuming Apple maintains its established chip naming convention. Integrating a more powerful, energy-efficient chip, alongside refinements to the acoustic design and microphones, could lead to various performance gains. These improvements may include superior audio fidelity, enhanced active noise cancellation, and improved voice call quality. Marginally improved battery life is also a possibility.
While a dramatic performance leap might be unlikely, the AirPods Pro 3 could offer slightly clearer sound reproduction with enhanced bass clarity compared to its predecessor. Noise cancellation capabilities may become more effective, potentially suppressing a broader spectrum of frequencies. Voice call performance is also anticipated to improve, with the earbuds more effectively capturing the user’s voice while minimizing extraneous background sounds.
The AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2 already feature ultra-low latency and support lossless audio when paired with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Reportedly, the lossless audio capability with Vision Pro is attributable to the close proximity between the earbuds and headset, enabling a remarkably short wireless connection capable of reliably transmitting lossless audio data. Discussions have circulated regarding Apple’s efforts to enable lossless audio for next-generation AirPods when used with iPhones. While a lossless audio option for the AirPods Pro 3 when paired with recent iPhones, iPads, and Macs is hoped for, it is not a certainty.
Potential for Live Translation Feature
The recent proliferation of budget-friendly earbuds from lesser-known manufacturers incorporating live translation features, readily available on online platforms, foreshadowed Bloomberg’s subsequent report. This report indicated that the AirPods Pro 3 might introduce live translation functionality via Apple’s Translate app, coinciding with the release of iOS 19 later this year. The existing iOS Translate app already offers substantial translation capabilities, but the report details Apple’s intention to streamline the translation process with integrated earbud functionality, alongside enhancements to the iOS Translation app itself.
Given that live translation appears to be primarily an iPhone/iOS 19 feature – where translated speech is outputted through the iPhone’s speakers – it seems highly probable that this feature will also extend to the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, both equipped with Apple’s H2 chip and sufficient processing power. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 may also gain access to the live translation feature.
Wishlist: Enhanced Audio and a Key Feature
While some rumored additions, such as heart-rate and temperature sensors, are less compelling, greater interest lies in potential design refinements and comprehensive performance improvements for the upcoming earbuds.
Previously expressed desires include a charging case for all new AirPods models that doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter, enabling wireless audio streaming from in-flight entertainment systems. Several true wireless earbuds, including models from Jabra, Bowers & Wilkins, and Poly, already offer charging cases with integrated Bluetooth transmitters. These cases, when connected via cable to the 3.5mm port on airplane consoles, facilitate seamless audio streaming. While the inclusion of this feature in the AirPods Pro 3 is not anticipated, its implementation would be highly welcomed.
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Another desired enhancement is the inclusion of extra-large (XL) eartips. Achieving a secure seal even with the current large eartips on the AirPods Pro 2 is challenging, particularly for the left ear. Expanding eartip sizes would be beneficial for users requiring larger options. While Apple introduced an extra-small eartip with the AirPods Pro 2, adding an XL size presents a challenge related to charging case compatibility. Given the critical role of a tight ear seal in optimizing audio quality and noise cancellation, offering an XL eartip option would be a worthwhile improvement for users necessitating larger sizes.