When Apple debuts the iPhone 17 lineup next week at its September 9 event, the new iPhones with major design changes and superior cameras won’t be the only exciting announcements. Cupertino could also launch a new pair of AirPods, which haven’t been upgraded in three years.
In fact, as Apple continues to emphasise health as a major focus for the Apple Watch, the AirPods Pro 3 could receive similar treatment. The premium wireless earbuds are expected to gain new health-tracking features and even infrared sensors, making them Apple’s most advanced earbuds yet.
Here’s everything we know so far, including the expected release date, price, and potential new features.
Apple readies the AirPods Pro 3
Whispers of Apple gearing up to launch the new AirPods Pro 3 are everywhere, and they have gotten even wilder in recent days. There’s a strong chance that Apple will unveil the AirPods Pro 3 on September 9, alongside the iPhone 17.
Earlier this year, in February, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claimed that the AirPods Pro 3 were just ‘months away’ from launch, with the fall debut most likely the case. Apple has historically launched new earbuds during its September keynotes, so this rumour seems highly likely.
New temperature and heart-rate sensors could make the new AirPods Pro 3 health tools. (Image credit: Apple)
However, two separate reports from May and June claimed that the high-end wireless buds may not debut in 2035 but in 2026 instead, a timeline backed by reliable supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apparently, the AirPods Pro 3 may feature infrared cameras, which could be contributing to the delay.
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New design and health sensors
The AirPods Pro haven’t seen a design change in years. In fact, the latest high-end model looks nearly identical to the original wireless buds, so a redesign is long overdue. Reportedly, the AirPods Pro 3 will feature a new design and a faster H3 chip, offering even better active noise cancellation.
Interestingly, Apple has filed a patent describing a change to how the earbuds’ touch controls work. According to the patent, users would be able to perform vertical control movements on a non-capacitive surface, basically you could theoretically adjust the volume even while wearing gloves.
Expect the charging case to support USB-C connectivity as well as Bluetooth 5.4, which could further reduce latency. The charging case could also be slimmer and lighter.
Beyond a new design and improved active noise cancellation, which is almost certainly happening. Perhaps the most exciting thing about the upcoming wireless earbuds could be new health and fitness functions. There’s strong buzz that, like the new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 which can track your heart rate, similar features could also come to the AirPods Pro 3. Apple has reportedly been working on in-ear heart rate monitoring for years as part of its health ambitions. In fact, the company has also been exploring the addition of in-ear temperature sensors for the wireless buds.
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The AirPods Pro 3 could get the new H3 chip (and Bluetooth 5.4). (Image credit: Apple)
Several features introduced in iOS 26 for existing AirPods are also likely to carry over to the AirPods Pro 3. These include the ability to control your iPhone or iPad camera remotely by pressing the stem, as well as a new sleep detection feature that pauses playback when you nod off. Apple has also announced plans to add more head gesture controls and to roll out live translation during phone calls.
We have also heard that Apple is reportedly testing infrared (IR) cameras in future AirPods models. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, these cameras could enable new AI-powered features and spatial computing experiences.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the cameras might also support spatial audio enhancements and enable gesture-based controls. Kuo previously stated that the IR camera–baked AirPods are unlikely to enter mass production until 2026.
AirPods Pro 3 could cost more
Although we have yet to hear anything concrete about the AirPods Pro 3’s price, the new premium earbuds are expected to cost slightly more, given the slew of new health features expected to be included. The current AirPods Pro 2 are priced at Rs 24,900 in India.