No Apple AirPods Pro 3 This Year. Analysts Suggest Wait Game Could Bring In Extra Features In 2026
If you’ve been eagerly anticipating Apple’s next premium earbuds, you might need to practice a little more patience. Industry analyst Jeff Pu, as cited by @Jukanlosreve, believes that the AirPods Pro 3 won’t hit the shelves until 2026.
Should this timeline hold true, it would mark a notable four-year gap since the launch of AirPods Pro 2, which debuted in September 2022. The first and second generations of the AirPods Pro were separated by three years, making this the longest stretch between releases for Apple's flagship wireless earbuds.
Hopes for 2025 Fade as New Details Emerge
Speculation had earlier suggested that 2025 might bring the much-anticipated launch, particularly after hints of the AirPods Pro 3 surfaced in iOS 26 code. However, with Pu’s latest projection, expectations for a 2025 debut are quickly cooling. The delay could mean a longer runway for Apple to introduce substantial upgrades, while also giving fans more time to stash away funds for what’s expected to be another premium-priced offering.
Meanwhile, Apple continues to update the current AirPods Pro 2 lineup, even as the standard AirPods 4th generation made their debut last September. But for those waiting for the next leap in Apple’s audio innovation, it seems the finish line is still a fair distance away.
Gesture Control and Health Features May Steal the Show
Despite the extended wait, leaks over the past couple of years have painted a fairly detailed picture of what Apple may be cooking up. Among the most intriguing rumoured features is the inclusion of miniature infrared cameras embedded within the earbuds. These tiny sensors are said to be capable of capturing hand gestures, potentially offering users a whole new way to interact with their devices without physically touching them.
Audio enhancements are also expected, which seems only natural given the prolonged development window. Beyond sound quality, whispers within the tech community suggest Apple might integrate new health tracking capabilities, aligning with the company’s broader push into wellness-oriented technology.
As always with Apple, the company remains tight-lipped, and none of these features have been officially confirmed. But if the rumors hold, AirPods Pro 3 could mark one of the most significant upgrades the lineup has seen yet.
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