The AirPods Pro 3 They've only been on the market a short time, but everything points to Apple not waiting too long to take the next step. Several leaks agree that the company is working on a more advanced and expensive version These headphones are designed for those looking for extra features without having to buy a completely new generation.
This new variant would not replace the current models, but would be positioned above them as premium option within the AirPods Pro 3 familyThe strategy is reminiscent of what the brand has already done with other headphone ranges, combining several versions of the same product at different price and performance levels to cover more user profiles.
A premium version of AirPods Pro 3 instead of Pro 4
The roadmap drawn up by analysts is quite clear: what we will see will not be a AirPods Pro 4 in useRather, it would be a step up within the third generation. In other words, we'd still be talking about AirPods Pro 3, but with a more complete edition that would include exclusive features and a higher price.
Sources within the supply chain and regular leakers from the Apple ecosystem suggest that The current AirPods Pro 3 model will remain on saleMaintaining its role as the "standard" option, this new model would be positioned above it, offering more ambitious hardware for those seeking the latest technology and willing to pay for it.
This approach aligns with what Apple has recently done with the AirPods 4, available in two variants differentiated by the presence or absence of active noise cancellationIt would also help fill the price gap that currently exists between the AirPods Pro and the AirPods Max, where there's room for more expensive headphones without reaching the cost of over-ear headphones.
From the user's point of view, this would mean being able to choose between more affordable AirPods Pro 3 and an enhanced edition with extras geared towards those who use the Apple ecosystem daily, including mixed reality devices like Vision Pro.
In Europe, where the official price of the AirPods Pro 3 is around 249 Euros In the Apple Store, the most common prediction is that this premium variant will be priced higher, in a range that could approach the 299 Euros or even more, depending on the final configuration.
Infrared cameras in headphones: gesture control and smarter audio
The most striking detail of this new variant is the possible incorporation of small cameras or infrared sensors directly into each earbud. These aren't cameras for taking photos or recording video, but a system designed to interpret the environment and the user's hand movements.
According to leaks, these IR cameras would primarily be responsible for air gesture controlInstead of touching the earbud stem, you would simply need to make certain hand movements near your ear to pause the music, change songs, adjust the volume, or answer a call, without physically touching the AirPods.
In current models, control is based on haptic pressure sensors located on the temples, allowing these actions to be performed via touch. In the premium variant, some reports claim that Apple could even do away with these physical sensors. and betting everything on the gesture system, while others point to a coexistence of both methods as complementary options.
Beyond control, these infrared cameras would have another key role: improving the headphones' ability to interpret the sound environmentBy better detecting the scene surrounding the user (a crowded public transport, a noisy street, or a quiet living room), AirPods could adjust volume and noise cancellation even more precisely, fine-tuning the current adaptive audio mode.
Thus, if the user is, for example, on a crowded bus, the system would automatically increase the level of noise cancellation and the volume. Conversely, if a quiet environment is detected at home, it could reduce the volume, relax the active noise cancellation, and prioritize a more natural sound, all in a way that... more granular than in the current models.
Integration with Vision Pro and enhanced spatial audio experience
Another point on which the rumors agree is the deep integration with mixed reality devicesespecially with apple vision proInfrared sensors would allow for more precise synchronization of head and hand movements, resulting in more realistic and coherent spatial audio that matches what the user sees.
By detecting the position and distance of the hands in real time, the headphones could adjust the direction and intensity of the sounds in a more immersive way, which is especially interesting for experiences of augmented reality or mixed realitywhether it's in gaming, productivity, or content consumption.
This move fits with Apple's overall strategy of transforming AirPods into more than just simple headphones. It's no longer just about listening to music or taking calls, but about to be part of an ecosystem of interaction broader, where voice, gestures, eye tracking and immersive audio work together.
In this context, the combination of IR cameras, spatial audio, and the upcoming H3 chip would position these advanced AirPods Pro 3 as key component within the Vision Pro experienceespecially in applications where audio accuracy and low latency are critical.
For the European user, all this would translate into greater consistency in daily life: from watching a series with sound that seems to come exactly from the screen, to mixed reality work sessions in which alerts, notifications and calls are naturally integrated into the virtual environment.
New H3 chip, more audio power and lower latency
Along with the cameras, another of the highly anticipated new features is the arrival of the chip H3A next-generation audio processor that would replace the H2 found in the current AirPods Pro 3. Various reports indicate that Apple has been working on this component for some time to improve both performance and energy efficiency.
The H3 would be designed to manage simultaneously the air gesture control, the interpretation of the environment through infrared sensors and all the advanced audio functions: from active noise cancellation and transparency mode to spatial audio and latency optimizations.
In practice, this chip is expected to allow a finer and more effective noise cancellationThis is especially true when combined with data collected by infrared cameras. It would also help to further reduce latency in games, video calls, or mixed reality experiences, where any lag between what is seen and what is heard is clearly noticeable.
Another area where the jump to the H3 might be noticeable is in battery management. The idea is that, despite adding more computationally demanding functions, the new AirPods will maintain or improve upon the previous battery life figures. autonomy with respect to the current modelwhich already offers several hours of playback with noise cancellation activated.
It is possible that the new chip will also open the door to Additional health and biometrics features, such as more advanced readings related to physical activity, in line with what Apple has already been introducing in other products in the ecosystem.
Price, expected availability, and what will happen to the current AirPods Pro 3
Regarding the schedule, sources agree that It's not an imminent product, but it's not far off either.This advanced variant of the AirPods Pro 3 will most likely arrive in the second half of the year, with a strong chance of being unveiled at the usual September keynote alongside the new iPhones.
Apple hasn't confirmed anything, as usual, so for now everything remains in the realm of rumors. Even so, the pattern of previous releases and the need to bolster the audio catalog in the high-end segment suggest that An announcement in September makes a lot of sense..
Regarding price, international references place the current AirPods Pro 3 at around $249 (€249 in the Eurozone), while the AirPods Max remain significantly more expensive, hovering around €549. This leaves a gap where a premium version with infrared cameras and an H3 chip could be priced between 300 and 400 dollars, or its approximate equivalent in euros.
All of this without the standard AirPods Pro 3 disappearing from the catalog. The most repeated idea is that both models coexistSimilar to what happens with other AirPods ranges, this would give the user room to choose based on their priorities and budget.
For those in Spain or other European countries considering buying AirPods Pro 3 right now, the scenario painted by the leaks isn't particularly negative: the current model would still be recommended, and with the arrival of a newer version, You could even benefit from promotions and discounts at third-party stores over the next few months.
With all of the above in mind, the picture that emerges around the AirPods Pro 3 is that of a family that will grow at the top: Apple would maintain the already available model as the main option and add a more advanced edition with infrared cameras, H3 chip and better integration with Vision Pro and spatial audio, thus reinforcing its presence in the premium wireless headphone segment in Europe and the rest of the markets, and leaving the user the decision to opt for the standard version or make the leap to that more ambitious proposal when it is finally official.
