AirPods Pro 3: Two versions – and not much better sound?
Apple is probably planning at least two versions of the AirPods Pro 3, but not at the same time. The new hardware is interesting – not in terms of audio.
Current AirPods Pro 2 with lanyard.
(Image: Apple)
Fans of Apple earbuds are likely to get their money's worth at today's iPhone keynote: according to well-informed sources, Apple is planning to unveil the third generation of AirPods Pro. However, they could turn out differently than previously thought: Apple has reportedly not made any major changes to the active noise cancellation (ANC), as observers had initially expected. In addition, the sound is said to have improved only slightly. This is what the well-known Bloomberg Apple reporter Mark Gurman writes on X.
Audio, ANC, Pulse, and charging case
The main innovation is apparently still integrated heart rate tracking, as already known from the Powerbests Pro 2 from Apple subsidiary Beats. These have an integrated photoreceptor that can measure the pulse in/on the ear. Gurman writes that the AirPods Pro 3 will now have a similar feature. However, it is interesting to note that Apple has not yet officially approved the earbuds for sports, which is what the heart rate measurement is actually intended for—Apple may therefore be making the AirPods Pro 3 into official sports earbuds for the first time. Alternatively, the company could also market heart rate tracking as a health function. However, anyone who already owns an Apple Watch does not need the feature, as the watch is already capable of this—and the data is even preferred by iOS.
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In terms of sound, Gurman writes that he does not expect any “major” improvements. This was actually expected to happen with Apple's latest sound chip, presumably called H3. According to critics, the AirPods Pro already have good sound and excellent ANC, but they still do not filter out all noise. Gurman also claims to have learned that the AirPods 3 will have an “improved design for a better fit” as well as changes to the charging case. A buttonless touch operation is conceivable here.
Second model of the AirPods Pro 3 as early as 2026?
Further fresh rumors about the AirPods Pro 3 come from Taiwan: Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has good contacts in Apple's supply chain, claims that there will be a second version of the AirPods Pro 3 as early as next year, similar to the AirPods 4 (with and without ANC). A new version with an integrated infrared camera for gesture control will be available for an additional charge. Apple could then do away with the previous control via pressure sensors on the AirPods Pro themselves.
The Chinese Apple leaker Instant Digital, who has been correct in the past, takes a similar view in a posting on the China short message service Weibo and believes that there will be two AirPods Pro 3 models on the market at the same time in the second half of 2026. The version with a mini infrared camera will then be even pricier. It remains unclear why Apple is not launching both models at the same time. The Apple keynote, at which new iPhones are also expected, will take place today from 7 p.m. German time.
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