Higher-End AirPods Pro With 'Apple Intelligence' Rumored to Launch This Year

[MacRumors]

While the AirPods Pro 3 launched less than six months ago, it has been rumored that Apple plans to unveil new AirPods Pro this year.

Instead of AirPods Pro 4, it has been rumored that the new AirPods Pro will be a higher-end version of the AirPods Pro 3. This would be similar to the regular AirPods 4, which are available in two versions, with and without active noise cancellation.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, and multiple other sources in the Apple rumor scene, the new AirPods Pro will be equipped with tiny infrared cameras that can "see around you." Kuo said the cameras will enable in-air gesture controls, and provide an enhanced audio experience between the AirPods Pro and Vision Pro.

In addition, an occasional Apple leaker known as "Kosutami" claimed the infrared cameras will allow for the AirPods Pro to be "connected with Apple Intelligence." Specifically, it has been reported that Visual Intelligence will be a core feature of the camera-equipped AirPods Pro and Apple's other wearable AI devices.

If these rumors are accurate, there would be two AirPods Pro 3 models:

• AirPods Pro 3: $249
• AirPods Pro 3 with Cameras: Likely $299-$349+

Apple has never offered multiple AirPods Pro product SKUs at the same time, but it is certainly plausible given the AirPods 4 precedent.

Here are all of the AirPods Pro models ever released:

• AirPods Pro: October 28, 2019
• AirPods Pro (MagSafe Charging Case): October 18, 2021
• AirPods Pro 2: September 7, 2022
• AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C Charging Case): September 12, 2023
• AirPods Pro 3: September 9, 2025

It is unclear when Apple plans to announce the new AirPods Pro this year, but September or October is most likely based on historical patterns.

Article Link: Higher-End AirPods Pro With 'Apple Intelligence' Rumored to Launch This Year

 

[Kylo83]

We need lossless

 

[kwl]

Such a confusing product mix.... Need to go back to the simple days of the consumer laptop/desktop professional laptop/desktop matrix.

Apple should simply have consumer/professional over ear, consumer professional buds.

 

[jarman92]

In addition, an occasional Apple leaker known as "Kosutami" claimed the infrared cameras will allow for the AirPods Pro to be "connected with Apple Intelligence." Specifically, it has been reported that Visual Intelligence will be a core feature of the camera-equipped AirPods Pro and Apple's other wearable AI devices.

So yet another product that will be indefinitely delayed because Apple can't get "Apple Intelligence" to do anything adequately 😂

 

[Ice-Cube]

How i imagine the tiny infrared cameras working: "I see that your son is about to cry, turning on noise cancellation, beep"

 

[mthomas184]

So the AirPods will be able to tell you there is a sycamore tree next to you? Umm.... cool?

 

[Xade]

Yeah ok. Just like all the 'new' products that were releasing end of last year....Apple tv anyone?

 

[chfilm]

instant buy, but only if the microphones are gonna be able to pick up my hey siri command better while walking or cycling outside!

 

[DMG35]

why do AirPods need Apple Intelligence? The iPhone does very little with Apple Intelligence so I don’t see how the AirPods will gain any usefulness from it.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Yeah ok. Just like all the 'new' products that were releasing end of last year....Apple tv anyone?

Seriously. Can they just get around to releasing it already.

 

[iMattPro]

Waiting for the "AirPods Air" model

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Just started using my APP3 again.

Amazed at the sound quality.

 

[apparatchik]

So yet another product that will be indefinitely delayed because Apple can't get "Apple Intelligence" to do anything adequately 😂

Better to get it right than to do "a Microsoft" with its rushed and useless Copilot agentic trash, I say let them get it right, not many people are urging for more AI in their life.

 

[apparatchik]

A device like this can be the answer to whatever Open AI hardware might be working on, effectively killing them.

 

[deadspider187]

why do AirPods need Apple Intelligence? The iPhone does very little with Apple Intelligence so I don’t see how the AirPods will gain any usefulness from it.

I'm going to take a wild guess and say that the more products that any company can fit into the category of "AI" will result in higher share prices, regardless of its function or usefulness.

 

[macdaddy43]

I bet these all new AirPods Pro were built from the ground up for Apple Intelligence! Just like the iPhone 16… lol

 

[mikebenton]

I want to like Apple's APP, but even sitting still I feel like I have to adjust them every 3 minutes. It doesn't matter what tips I use. If I'm walking around, or any other kind of movement, it's more like 1-minute adjustments. I can't run with them. I might consider the Powerbeats Pro 2, but the reviews on these have not been kind.

 

[ipedro]

instant buy, but only if the microphones are gonna be able to pick up my hey siri command better while walking or cycling outside!

AirPods Pro won't hear Hey Siri, they will see it. Better start brushing up on your sign language. 🤟

 

[ClayfordJames]

Can I just get airpods that just play music? I don't need cameras, I don't need bells and whistles, I just want good sound quality.

 

[AppleDumplings]

I like that they’re testing so many different products. It’ll be fun to see what sticks.

 

[CoMoMacUser]

In-air gesture controls means you can make people think you're a Jedi, such as unlocking HomeKit doors with just the wave of a hand like Haja Estree:

 

[deadspider187]

Can I just get airpods that just play music? I don't need cameras, I don't need bells and whistles, I just want good sound quality.

Just get the APP2's

 

[Techwatcher]

Apple needs to stop being braindead and just make lossless versions. Not a single person give a f*ck about cameras in earphones.

 

[Herrpod]

“I sensed someone defending tariffs, enabling noise cancellation.”

 

[AppleMega]

I never say, "Not another AirPods!" AirPods Pro 3 are the best. AirPods Max are antiques that need either a real update (USB-C and colors don't count), or need to be killed. Hopefully updated.