If you’ve been eagerly awaiting Apple’s next-generation AirPods Pro, you might need to temper your expectations. According to respected Apple analyst Jeff Pu, the AirPods Pro 3 are unlikely to launch until 2026, pushing the release well beyond earlier rumors that pointed to a 2025 debut.
This aligns with previous predictions from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, suggesting Apple’s wireless earbuds may see a three-year gap between generations — a long stretch by Apple standards.
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Three Years Between Updates? Unusual for Apple
In a world where iPads refresh seemingly every quarter, a three-year wait for a flagship accessory like AirPods Pro feels unusually long. If the timeline holds, the AirPods Pro 2 will be three years old by the time their successors hit the market.
But there may be good reason for the delay — and it could be bigger than just hardware.
A Big Leap in Features Could Be in Store
The rumored upgrades for AirPods Pro 3 sound ambitious. Reports suggest Apple may be planning to incorporate a health sensor and even infrared cameras into the next model. At first glance, that might sound odd, but the move could signal Apple’s continued push to merge wearables with AI-powered interaction.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that the infrared cameras could support advanced hand gesture controls, turning the earbuds into a hybrid wearable — part audio device, part interface. More intriguingly, the cameras may also be used to “feed data to AI,” suggesting deeper integration with Apple’s growing intelligence platform.
AI Could Be the Culprit Behind the Delay
While Apple hasn’t confirmed the reason for the delay, all signs point to its AI ambitions as a likely factor. The company’s broader AI initiative — branded as Apple Intelligence — is still taking shape. And its centerpiece, the revamped AI-powered Siri, has reportedly been pushed to spring 2026.
If Apple intends to deeply integrate these AI systems into AirPods Pro 3, it makes sense that the earbuds’ timeline would be tied to Siri’s progress.
Other companies are already exploring AI-infused audio gear. Nothing, for instance, was the first to release earbuds with ChatGPT integration, a direction that hints at how AI and audio hardware may increasingly converge.
Apple Playing the Long Game
According to Apple’s Craig Federighi, the company wants to have Siri “very much in hand” before making any public commitments. If AirPods Pro 3 is a major delivery vehicle for Apple Intelligence, that would explain why the product isn’t launching any time soon.
It’s unclear exactly how this integration will play out, but one thing is certain: Apple isn’t rushing. Instead, it seems the company is taking a more measured approach — even if that means fans will have to wait a bit longer for the next innovation in personal audio.
The Bottom Line
If you were hoping to pick up a pair of AirPods Pro 3 sometime soon, you might be in for a longer wait. But the delay could be worth it. With AI, health sensors, and camera-based controls reportedly in the pipeline, Apple appears to be rethinking what wireless earbuds can do. The next AirPods Pro may not just be an audio upgrade — they could be a leap into the future of wearable computing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will AirPods Pro 3 be released?
According to reports from analysts Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo, the AirPods Pro 3 are now expected to launch in 2026, a delay from earlier predictions that pointed to a 2025 release.
Why is Apple delaying the AirPods Pro 3?
While Apple hasn’t confirmed the reason, the likely cause is integration with its upcoming AI platform, Apple Intelligence, and the new AI-powered Siri, which is also delayed until spring 2026. Incorporating advanced features like cameras and health sensors may also require more development time.
Will AirPods Pro 3 have AI features?
Yes, that’s the expectation. Bloomberg reports suggest the infrared cameras may “feed data to AI,” implying deeper AI integration for gesture controls, contextual audio enhancements, or health insights.
Are any other earbuds using AI features?
Yes. For example, Nothing’s Ear (2) and Ear (a) earbuds include ChatGPT integration, showing that AI-powered earbuds are already hitting the market — though Apple’s implementation is expected to be more tightly integrated across its ecosystem.
Should I wait for AirPods Pro 3 or buy AirPods Pro 2 now?
If you need new earbuds soon, the AirPods Pro 2 are still a strong option, especially with features like Adaptive Transparency and the H2 chip. But if you’re looking for cutting-edge features and deeper AI integration, waiting until 2026 may be worth it.
Conclusion
The anticipated delay of AirPods Pro 3 may be disappointing for eager Apple fans, but it could signal something far more significant than a routine hardware refresh. With rumors pointing to health sensors, infrared cameras, and AI integration, Apple appears to be redefining what wireless earbuds can be — not just audio accessories, but intelligent, wearable tech.
If Apple is indeed aligning the release with its broader AI rollout, including the delayed AI-powered Siri, then 2026 might mark more than just a product launch — it could represent the next major evolution in Apple’s ecosystem. While the wait may be long, the potential payoff could be well worth your patience.
