When Are the Next Apple AirPods Coming? Here’s the Latest Update

When Are the Next Apple AirPods Coming? Here’s the Latest Update

Apple is working on a significant update for the AirPods Pro that might be available this year. Additionally, new AirPods Max are being developed. What we know about the expected release date of Apple’s new AirPods is as follows:

Apple’s current series of AirPods

This is the current lineup of Apple AirPods:

  • AirPods 4 (currently on sale for $99)
  • AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (currently on sale for $149)
  • AirPods Pro 2 (currently on sale for $169)
  • AirPods Max (currently on sale for $499)

AirPods Pro 3

Release Date for AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 are arguably the most eagerly awaited addition to the series. The AirPods Pro 2 were launched in September 2022 and have seen considerable enhancements since their debut, largely due to ongoing software updates. Exciting new features are also expected to arrive later this year with the release of iOS 26.

When it comes to hardware updates, the AirPods Pro 3 have been a hot topic of speculation. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the AirPods Pro 3 are anticipated to be released later this year. On the other hand, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple is not planning any significant hardware changes for the AirPods until the AirPods Pro 3 are released in 2026. Analyst Jeff Pu has also supported this timeline.

Nevertheless, there are some indications within the first iOS 26 beta that Apple is preparing for a potential launch of the AirPods Pro 3. If you had to guess, They would say that the earliest we might see the AirPods Pro 3 is this fall. Personally, They tend to favor Gurman’s timeline over those of Kuo or Pu.

New Features of AirPods Pro 3

The upcoming AirPods Pro 3 are anticipated to introduce some impressive new features. They are said to be equipped with a new H3 chip, which is expected to significantly enhance audio quality, extend battery life, improve connectivity speed, and refine noise cancellation and Transparency Mode, among other enhancements.

There are also speculations about a potential “new design” for the AirPods Pro 3. While the exact details remain vague, one possibility is that Apple may shorten the stems to create a more compact version of the AirPods Pro 3 and its charging case. However, I wouldn’t expect any drastic design changes.

Last fall, Apple introduced groundbreaking hearing health features with the AirPods Pro 2. The company is likely to continue this trend by making AirPods more health-oriented with the AirPods Pro 3. There are whispers of a built-in body temperature sensor and heart rate monitoring capabilities. Interestingly, earlier this year, Apple’s Beats brand released the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds, which include a built-in heart rate sensor (full review).

Lastly, Apple is also developing future AirPods models that may come with built-in cameras. However, this enhancement is unlikely to be included with the AirPods Pro 3.

AirPods Max

Apple introduced a slight update to AirPods Max last fall, swapping the Lightning port for USB-C for charging and adding new color options. In March of this year, a firmware update was rolled out for AirPods Max, bringing lossless audio support and ultra-low latency audio.

As per analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is not expected to launch new AirPods Max until at least 2027. This upcoming update, however, could represent the most significant overhaul of AirPods Max since their debut in December 2020. Kuo specifically mentions that we can anticipate a redesigned model that will make AirPods Max much lighter, addressing one of the most frequent criticisms of the existing design.

AirPods 5

Last fall, Apple introduced the new AirPods 4, featuring significant enhancements such as the first-ever support for Active Noise Cancellation, the H2 chip, a redesigned look, and additional upgrades.

Currently, there are no speculations regarding the features of AirPods 5. They anticipate that AirPods 5 won’t be released for a few more years. When they do arrive, they will probably include a new H3 chip along with other enhancements akin to those found in AirPods Pro.

Considering this, if you’re undecided about purchasing AirPods 4, now is an excellent opportunity to make that decision.

Conclusion

Apple’s upcoming plans for new AirPods include the AirPods Pro 3. This update is expected to be the most significant one on the horizon. AirPods Pro have gained immense popularity, and there haven’t been any substantial hardware updates since their release in September 2022.

What are your thoughts on the current AirPods lineup? Are there any major changes you wish to see? Share your opinions in the comments.

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