Apple’s AirPods Pro have established themselves as one of the top true wireless earbuds available, but it’s evident that they are due for an update. The current AirPods Pro, which belong to the second generation, were introduced nearly three years ago in September 2022.
It’s safe to say that an update is on the horizon. While some may argue that it’s not long overdue, Apple typically follows a three-year cycle for its premium earbuds. The original AirPods Pro were launched in October 2019, so it’s reasonable to expect a new version soon. The tech giant has a history of enhancing its AirPods through software updates, with the 2022 AirPods Pro receiving significant improvements such as Adaptive Audio, Hands-Free Siri capabilities, and Voice Isolation.
Rumors of new AirPods Pro have been circulating, with recent findings pointing to potential releases. A new Bluetooth ID, 8239, has been discovered in Apple’s codebase, hinting at an upcoming product launch. This ID does not correspond to any existing device, indicating that something new is in the works.
All of Apple’s AirPods and Beats headphones have specific Bluetooth ID numbers, such as 0x2024 (8228) for the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C. Apple recently updated code related to device syncing, and that code included a list of all current audio devices, plus one extra Bluetooth ID.
Juli Clover, MacRumors
While speculation continues about the potential release date of the AirPods Pro 3, recent references in Apple’s codebase and software updates suggest that the launch may be sooner than anticipated. Industry experts predict a late 2025 or 2026 launch, with possibilities of a fall announcement or a discreet release through a press release.
Anticipated Features of the Next AirPods Pro
If Apple is gearing up for a new AirPods Pro release, consumers can expect significant upgrades over the current model. The AirPods Pro 3 is likely to feature a sleeker design, possibly with a reduced stem size or even a stemless design. The introduction of a new H3 chip could enhance Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio features, leading to improved battery life and reduced audio latency for gaming.
Apple is expected to leverage computational audio technology to enhance audio quality rather than adopting higher-quality lossless codecs. The AirPods Pro 3 case is projected to include Apple’s latest Ultra Wideband chip for precise location tracking and may feature design elements seen in recent AirPods cases.
New Health Features
The H3 chip in the AirPods Pro 3 could support two new health sensors, including in-ear heart rate monitoring and an in-ear body temperature sensor. These features would set the AirPods Pro 3 apart from its predecessors and other earbuds on the market, providing users with advanced health tracking capabilities.
While reports of additional health features such as cardiac monitoring and biomechanical analysis have surfaced, these are considered long-term projects and may not be included in the upcoming AirPods Pro iteration.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
