Ming-Chi Kuo: AirPods Pro 3 will debut this year, AirPods Pro 4 in 2026

Apple is preparing to release a new generation of its flagship AirPods Pro 3 headphones, according to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The presentation is expected in the fall — most likely on September 9 at the iPhone 17 announcement event.

Although Kuo did not give exact dates, he confirmed that the launch is scheduled for the second half of 2025. He did not reveal details about the new features, but according to Bloomberg, the AirPods Pro 3 will receive heart rate sensors and a much more compact charging case.

Similar technology is already used in the Powerbeats Pro 2. Built-in LED sensors read blood flow in the ears more than 100 times per second, determining the pulse. The collected data integrates with fitness apps and Apple Health. If the user is wearing the headphones and Apple Watch at the same time, priority will be given to the watch data.

In addition to heart rate monitoring, improved sound, active noise cancellation, and a changed design are expected. Recall that the AirPods Pro 2 appeared back in September 2022, and a year later they received a case with USB-C.

The most interesting thing is that we won't have to wait long for the next generation. According to Kuo, the AirPods Pro 4 could be released as early as 2026 and will be a larger update. Among the key innovations is at least one infrared camera.

These sensors can recognize gestures and provide enhanced spatial audio when paired with the Apple Vision Pro headset. For example, if a user turns their head while watching a video, the headphones will amplify sound from the corresponding direction, creating an even more realistic sense of presence.