For two years, a new model of AirPods Pro have repeatedly been rumored to be coming soon. Here's what to expect from the next generation of Apple's flagship earbuds, and when to expect it.
After an initial launch of the AirPods Pro in 2019, it took Apple until 2022 to make its first big change to the product. Three years later, in 2025, the rumor mill is eagerly awaiting the release of the next generation along.
While there aren't as many changes to expect from the AirPods Pro 3 compared to something like the iPhone, there are still rumors swirling around. Add in software leaks from Apple itself, and it becomes an inevitability.
Based on the most probable rumors, this is what you can expect Apple will eventually release for the AirPods Pro 3.
AirPods Pro 3 in late 2025 or into 2026
Based on Apple's initial three-year delay between updates for the first and second generation models, it makes sense for it to continue that cadence for a third-gen model.
You can also take into account that the fall launch of the iPhone is usually accompanied by accessories and complementary products. That makes it more likely for a new AirPods update to arrive at around the same time.
However, there are two parties who have proposed different timelines for the AirPods Pro.
In May 2025, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo discussed the possibility of a major AirPods update being manufactured in 2026. Given the improved specifications, including cameras, this could be for Apple's higher-spec AirPods Pro rather than an AirPods refresh.
AirPods Pro 2 and the charging case
However, in June 2025, analyst Jeff Pu also wrote about the AirPods Pro 3 coming out in 2026. Pu didn't discuss other details aside from the year, though he is known to be less reliable than Kuo.
Mark Gurman, in the August 24, 2024 "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, said that he expected new AirPods Pro in the fall of 2025.
Apple has at least confirmed that a new AirPods Pro will be on the way. In a May 2025 software update, Apple altered a reference from "AirPods Pro 2nd generation" to "AirPods Pro 2 or later," accounting for future versions.
A new Bluetooth ID found in a database in June 2025 may also be a reference to a new AirPods Pro.
We're with Gurman on this one. We expect them at some point in September or October, in time for the crucial holiday quarter.
AirPods Pro 3 heart rate sensors and design
Apple isn't keen to make changes to the design of products unless it needs to. However, it seems that the AirPods Pro 3 may provide a compelling reason to do just that.
There have been rumors about the inclusion of heart rate monitoring since December 2024. By including sensors in strategic positions, the AirPods Pro 3 could theoretically detect the user's pulse.
Heart rate sensors on the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Indeed, Apple has already implemented such a change, as part of Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. The release could be a precursor to the feature's inclusion in the AirPods Pro line.
Surprisingly, Apple has also seemingly confirmed that there will be some form of AirPods Pro with heart rate sensor tracking in various ways.
This includes iOS 18 beta code that included references to wireless earbuds with a built-in heart rate sensor. There have also been patents going back to 2014 concerning wireless earbuds with the sensor.
Adding the sensors to the AirPods Pro 3 will require a redesign in order to fit in the hardware in the right placement.
While there have not been any specific rumors of design changes, probable alterations include slightly smaller cases and adjustments to the stem.
AirPods Pro 3 moves to a new chip
With a new model of AirPods comes a new chip, and that means switching from the existing H2 to the new H3.
A change in chip will provide many benefits, aside from powering the heart rate sensors. It will also handle all of the onboard features, like ANC.
AirPods Pro 2 with a HomePod mini
In August 2024, a leaker claimed that Apple's next AirPods Pro will have a much better digital active nose cancellation than the current version. However, they didn't say what the improvement was.
That leaker also said the change was happening "soon." Evidently they were wrong about that.
AirPods Pro 3 could have cameras and other sensors
There are few rumors of fairly obvious and easily applicable changes to the earphones. There have also been others that are more left-field in nature.
The big one is the the Kuo claim from May 2025, which placed infrared cameras on the AirPods Pro. The intention was to enable a form of computer vision, with data from the cameras being passed on to other devices, like an iPhone or smart glasses like Apple Glass.
As an example, they could enable Visual Intelligence of Apple Intelligence to function for the user, using an iPhone for processing. All without removing the iPhone from your pocket.
This is probably not an upcoming change to the AirPods Pro 3, if they come out this fall. Gurman's August posting includes "AirPods with Cameras" as something that's "even further down the road."
Since Apple is obviously keen on adding heart rate monitoring, the rumor mill has also hinted that temperature sensing could also be included. Reading the user's body temperature regularly could be a way for Apple Health to detect wellness trends over time.
Apple could certainly add more body-sensing elements to the AirPods Pro in the future. The only issue is fitting it all into the tiny body.
