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Apple Reportedly Working on New AirPods Pro, AirPods 5, and H3 Chip

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After releasing AirPods Pro 3 last month, Apple is already working on the next AirPods Pro, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

All-AirPods-2025.png

It is unclear if the new AirPods Pro would be branded as AirPods Pro 4, or if they would be considered an updated version of AirPods Pro 3. Gurman did not take a position, opting to describe them as a "new version" of the "high-end in-ear buds."

AirPods Pro 2 were updated with a USB-C charging case and a few other tweaks a year after they launched, without receiving a name change.

Last month, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the AirPods Pro would receive "more significant" hardware upgrades next year, including at least one tiny infrared camera. A leaker on Chinese platform Weibo subsequently claimed that these would be a higher-end AirPods Pro 3 option, rather than AirPods Pro 4. This would be similar to the standard AirPods 4, which are available in two configurations, with and without active noise cancellation.

In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said Apple is developing its next-generation H3 chip for wireless audio, with improved sound quality and lower latency. It would make sense for this chip to be included in the next AirPods Pro, but Gurman did not explicitly mention which AirPods models the chip will debut in, or when.

Apple is also developing two tiers of AirPods 5, according to Gurman.

AirPods Pro 3 offer heart rate monitoring during workouts, but Gurman does not anticipate this feature extending to the AirPods 5. He said Apple is planning several new health features for future AirPods, though, such as temperature sensing.

Gurman reiterated that Apple is considering adding cameras to at least some AirPods models. Kuo previously said AirPods with infrared cameras would support in-air gestures, and enable deeper integration between AirPods and the Vision Pro.

AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 are equipped with the H2 chip, which debuted in the AirPods Pro 2. The over-ear AirPods Max still have an H1 chip.

Kuo previously said new AirPods Max would enter mass production in 2027.

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Article Link: Apple Reportedly Working on New AirPods Pro, AirPods 5, and H3 Chip
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/12/new-airpods-pro-airpods-5-h3-chip-rumors/
After trying and returning APP3's, I'm more convinced than ever that Apple needs to do:

AirPods Pro 4 Max
AirPods Pro 4 Min

Two sizes/shapes for the product itself.
 
When the AirPods 3 Pro came out, it was clear that if it came out with the H2 processor, it was actually a fake renovation. I would love to change my Pro 2 for the H3 processor, which justifies the money.
 
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I was genuinely surprised that a 3rd gen APP update didn’t constitute an H3. Especially since APM are on H1 and in about a year a true 2nd gen with H3 + full updates makes sense. To be fair, that could completely happen and be where the H3 is introduced, followed by an APM the next year (although that is only 2 year upgrade cycle and so far it’s been 3 years but the H3 could net big enough gains for a refresh).
 
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Oh and here I was thinking they were going to discontinue the AirPods Pro, would've been obvious as they're selling 50 pairs ever single second.
 
Truben said:
When the AirPods 3 Pro came out, it was clear that if it came out with the H2 processor, it was actually a fake renovation. I would love to change my Pro 2 for the H3 processor, which justifies the money.
Click to expand...
What does the H3 offer over the H2?
 
Tangentially related but the lid on my new AirPods Pro 3 already feels loose. Neither my AirPods Pro or AirPods Pro 2 lids feel like this, they are both solid. It’s annoying because I tend to fidget with the lid a bit while walking or sitting at my desk. Hinge has play in multiple directions and creaks. Feels cheap. Everything else is great. Anyone else experience this?
 
A company's working on next-gen products that's making them hundreds of millions or billions every year. SHOCKING.
 
BelgianChoklit said:
What does the H3 offer over the H2?
Click to expand...
Don’t know what OP had on his mind, but H3 chip could bring lossless audio, Bluetooth 6 and some audio quality improvement.

To be fair… 90% of people would not care of their AirPods Pro 3 have H2 or H3. I have Air Pods Pro 1 for 5 years and battery is ok, like 4,5 hours of listening. If they stop working one day, I will buy AirPods Pro 3/3,5/4 or whatever they will name them.
 
It’s commonplace for every major OEM to be “working on” the next version of a product before the current one even comes to market.

Also, why are the AirPods Max pictured? We all know those won't be properly refreshed for YEARS...
 
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and 4096 others like this said:
Don’t know what OP had on his mind, but H3 chip could bring lossless audio, Bluetooth 6 and some audio quality improvement.
Click to expand...
Rumour has it that the N1 chip has this new SPR AVS, which must be a new protocol running over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This shoud still be possible with the H2 Chip in the AirPods Pro 3. But I have no idea when it will be released.
 
If they keep using this horribly boosted sound signature they introduced with the app3, that'll be without me

Seriously apple, you had some of the best sound and you just went all in with extra bass and treble
 
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