New AirPods Pro are coming this year: Here are three rumored upgrades

AirPods Pro 3 just arrived last fall, but reporting indicates Apple has another new AirPods Pro model coming this year. Here are three rumored new features.

New AirPods Pro already? Here’s why

It’s unusual for Apple to launch new AirPods Pro in back-to-back years. But based on rumors, this next model will resemble its predecessor in many ways.

For example, the next AirPods Pro are not expected to be called ‘AirPods Pro 4.’ Though Apple’s product branding is always hard to discern in advance, expectations are that the new model will essentially be a higher-end version of AirPods Pro 3.

As a result, the new AirPods might retain ‘AirPods Pro 3’ branding but with an added suffix. Similar to how AirPods 4 is available in the base model, and also a higher tier that adds ‘with Active Noise Cancellation.’

Here are the three new features rumored so far.

#1: Built-in IR cameras

The tentpole feature of the new AirPods Pro is rumored to be IR (infrared) cameras.

Why cameras on AirPods? For new Apple Intelligence features.

Apple is reportedly planning to use AirPods’ new cameras to power visual intelligence-style features. They’ll also allow iOS 27’s new Siri to provide useful information about the world around you.

You won’t be able to capture photos or videos with these cameras, but they will hopefully enable some powerful new AI capabilities.

#2: Hand gestures in place of pressure-sensitive stems

Outside of making AirPods into an AI device, the addition of cameras is also rumored to enable new hand gestures.

Per leaker Instant Digital, Apple might remove pressure sensitivity from AirPods’ stems in favor of supporting hand gestures.

Personally, I’d favor keeping the pressure-sensitive stems alongside hand gestures, since the number of features tied to the stems has grown so much recently.

#3: New H3 chip or another chip update

When AirPods Pro 3 launched, Apple surprisingly stuck with the H2 that first debuted three years earlier. But it sounds like an H3 or some other chip modification might be coming in this new model.

Mark Gurman, writing at Bloomberg last fall:

With the AirPods Pro 3 out the door, Apple has already turned its development attention to another new version of its high-end in-ear buds. The company’s silicon group is working on an H3 chip designed for less lag time and better audio quality. 

It clearly seems like, per Gurman, the H3 is bound for the next-gen AirPods. So perhaps we’ll get the benefits of “less lag time and better audio quality” too, alongside whatever power is needed for the new cameras.

New AirPods Pro launch timing and wrap-up

Apple’s AI upgrades for AirPods Pro are expected to rely on the new Siri, so we’re unlikely to see them launch until after iOS 27.

Historically, Apple likes to unveil new AirPods at its iPhone event in September. So a fall launch is the most likely release window for the new AirPods Pro.

Are you interested in these new AirPods Pro, or will you stick with your current model? Let us know in the comments.

Best AirPods Pro accessories