AirPods Pro 3 could share the spotlight at Apple’s “Awe Inspiring” keynote on September 9, with an official reveal now just days away. While the next-generation earbuds are expected to bring meaningful upgrades over the current model, a larger leap is reportedly planned for the AirPods Pro 4 in late 2026.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects Apple to ship AirPods Pro 3 in the second half of 2025. References spotted in iOS 26 suggest the timeline is on track. The new earbuds are rumored to feature a subtly refined design, stronger Active Noise Cancellation powered by a custom H3 chip, and a suite of health-focused tools. Heart rate monitoring, temperature sensing, and enhanced Hearing Assistance are all said to be in development, positioning AirPods Pro 3 as a substantial upgrade for everyday listening, workouts, and accessibility.
For those willing to wait, Kuo claims the AirPods Pro 4 will introduce infrared-capable cameras, a major hardware addition designed to expand AI-driven features and context-aware experiences. Apple has previously filed a patent describing an optical lens system for earbuds, hinting at how future audio wearables could support vision-based interactions and potentially pave the way for smart glasses. Specifics on the AirPods Pro 4 remain limited, but the inclusion of IR technology points to deeper integration with spatial computing and on-device intelligence.
Even with the camera-toting model still a year beyond the AirPods Pro 3, there’s strong momentum behind the 2025 release. Better noise cancellation, health sensors, and a next-gen chip would make it a compelling upgrade over AirPods Pro 2, which are frequently discounted through major retailers.
If Apple does unveil AirPods Pro 3 at its September event, expect more concrete details on features and availability soon, while the 2026 model shapes up as the line’s most ambitious evolution yet.
