Apple’s upcoming September 9 keynote may not just be about the iPhone 17 lineup. Speculation is mounting that the company could finally unveil the AirPods Pro 3, bringing the first major update to its high-end wireless earbuds in three years. With talk of health sensors, a redesigned case, smarter controls, and even infrared cameras, the AirPods Pro 3 could set a new benchmark in wearable audio technology.
Will Apple Announce AirPods Pro 3 Next Week?
For months, industry insiders have been predicting that the AirPods Pro 3 are on the horizon. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hinted earlier this year that the earbuds were only “months away” from release. Considering Apple’s history of launching audio accessories alongside new iPhones, the September event seems like the ideal stage.
Yet, there’s a catch. Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that certain advanced technologies—such as the rumored infrared cameras—might delay the product until 2026. That means Apple could either introduce a version of the earbuds now and expand features later, or hold back the full launch.
Redesigned Case and More Power Inside
The AirPods Pro 3 are widely expected to feature a fresh look, addressing criticism that the earbuds haven’t changed much in appearance since their debut. Leaks suggest a more compact, ergonomic design that improves fit and stability.
The charging case could also get a makeover. Expected changes include:
- Slimmer, lighter design for better portability.
- USB-C charging port, replacing Lightning.
- Bluetooth 5.4 compatibility, offering lower latency and more stable connections.
At the heart of the earbuds will likely be a new H3 chip, which could deliver faster processing, superior active noise cancellation, and improved efficiency.
Health and Fitness Monitoring in Your Ears
Apple has long prioritized health innovations with its wearables, particularly the Apple Watch. Now, that philosophy could extend to the AirPods Pro 3. Multiple reports indicate that Apple has been developing in-ear heart rate sensors and temperature-tracking technology.
These additions would transform the AirPods into more than just listening devices—they could become wellness companions, capable of feeding data directly into Apple’s Health app. For fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious users, this could be a breakthrough.
Smarter Controls and Software Features
Another area of improvement is user interaction. A recently filed Apple patent describes a new gesture system, allowing users to adjust settings such as volume by swiping vertically on a non-touch surface. This could make the earbuds easier to use in various environments, even when wearing gloves.
Additional upgrades expected via iOS 26 integration include:
- Sleep tracking, automatically pausing playback when the user dozes off.
- Remote camera control, enabling photos or videos to be taken via earbud stem presses.
- Head gesture commands, creating a more hands-free experience.
- Live translation during calls, making conversations smoother across languages.
The Role of Infrared Cameras and AI
Perhaps the boldest rumor surrounding the AirPods Pro 3 is the introduction of infrared (IR) cameras. Apple is said to be testing this hardware for spatial computing and AI-powered features.
The potential applications include enhanced spatial audio, gesture-based navigation, and integration with Apple’s future mixed-reality platforms. While the idea is exciting, it also explains why some analysts believe mass production won’t start until 2026.
Price Expectations and Availability
If Apple does announce the AirPods Pro 3 at the September event, they will likely retail in a similar range as the current model, which is priced at $249. However, the addition of advanced sensors and AI functions could push the price slightly higher.
The release date remains uncertain. Optimistic reports point to an immediate launch alongside the iPhone 17, while cautious voices predict a staggered rollout over the next year or two.
Why This Launch Matters
The AirPods Pro have long been considered one of the best premium wireless earbuds, but competition from rivals like Sony and Samsung has grown intense. By adding health-tracking tools, AI features, and smarter controls, Apple is signaling that it wants the AirPods Pro 3 to be more than just headphones—they’re evolving into mini health wearables and intelligent assistants.
Whether they launch next week or later in 2026, one thing is clear: the AirPods Pro 3 will redefine the expectations of what wireless earbuds can achieve.
