Apple is gearing up to launch a new version of its AirPods Pro this year, and these earbuds are about to become something much more than just a way to listen to music.
The tech giant just released the AirPods Pro 3 last fall, and while Apple usually likes to let its flagship earbuds breathe for a few years, reports suggest a “higher-end” version is slated for a release later this year, potentially turning your earbuds into an AI-powered set of eyes.
The camera revolution
The biggest talking point is the rumored addition of built-in infrared (IR) cameras. According to 9to5Mac, these aren’t meant for snapping selfies or recording TikToks. Instead, they are designed to feed “visual intelligence-style features” to Apple Intelligence.
By allowing the earbuds to see the world around you, the new model could enable Siri to give you real-time information about your surroundings. This move would essentially turn the AirPods into a wearable AI assistant that understands context better than ever before.
Waving goodbye to the squeeze
We’ve controlled our music by squeezing the stems of our AirPods for years. That might be about to change. With the addition of those IR cameras, Apple is reportedly looking into hand gestures to replace the traditional pressure-sensitive stems.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and other sources have suggested that these cameras will let users control their devices with “in-air gestures,” according to Phone Arena. While this could make for a more seamless experience, it represents a major shift in how we’ve interacted with Apple’s audio gear since the beginning.
The H3 chip
While the current AirPods Pro 3 retain the older H2 chip, this upcoming high-end model is expected to finally make the jump to the H3 chip. This new silicon is the engine behind all the new AI and camera features, and it also promises a baseline performance boost.
Beyond just sounding better, the H3 chip is expected to be more efficient, which could lead to better battery life, though Apple Insider notes that Apple might use that efficiency to justify a smaller, more compact battery design.
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Health tracking and noise cancellation
If the AI features don’t grab you, the health upgrades might.
Taking a page out of the Powerbeats Pro 2 playbook, the new AirPods Pro are rumored to include heart rate monitoring. This is often more accurate when measured from the ear during heavy workouts compared to a wrist-based Apple Watch. There is also talk of “in-ear temperature tracking” for more precise health data.
On the audio front, expectations are high for the next level of silence. Per Apple Insider, the leaker Kosutami stated on X that the active noise cancellation (ANC) will be “much better.”
When and how much?
While Apple Insider suggests Apple might try to stick to the $249 MSRP, Phone Arena notes that a “higher-end” tier could see prices climb into the “$299-$349 range,” similar to the tiered approach Apple took with the AirPods 4.
Expect the usual September fanfare. Apple typically reveals its new audio lineup alongside the latest iPhone.