Amidst the flurry of rumors surrounding Apple's release schedule for this year, one product is starting to stand out above the rest: some new AirPods Pro which will arrive this year and would not fit as a completely new generation, but as a more advanced variant of the AirPods Pro 3 that are already on sale.
A new "premium" variant of the AirPods Pro 3 for this year
Several leakers agree that Apple is finalizing a more premium version of the AirPods Pro 3With a planned launch before the end of the year and a strong possibility of being unveiled in the fall, alongside the new batch of iPhones, as is customary in the company's ecosystem. Some even suggest a planned launch in the second half of the exercise.
The key here is that we're not talking about ordinary AirPods Pro 4, but rather a kind of top of the range within the third generationIn other words, we would still have the current AirPods Pro 3 as the "base" model within the Pro family, while this new variant would be a step above, both in specifications and price.
Apple has already tested a similar strategy with other headphones in its catalog. The AirPods 4, for example, are sold in two versions: one standard and one with active noise cancellationThe previous model was more expensive and had more features, but shared the same generation and overall design. The idea behind these new Pro models would be the same, although in this case the performance leap would be more significant.
In Europe, and especially in markets like Spain, this move would allow Apple to better cover the high end of the wireless audio market, maintaining a more accessible Pro model and offering another For those who want the latest, even if it means paying significantly more..
Infrared cameras: air gestures and smarter adaptive audio
If there's one element that's repeated in practically all the leaks, it's the arrival of integrated infrared cameras in the new AirPods ProThese wouldn't be conventional cameras for taking photos or recording video, but rather small sensors designed to better read the environment and the position of the hands.
The main function of these cameras would be to allow a air gesture controlInstead of relying solely on the touch sensors on the earcups, the user could make hand movements—such as swiping, pinching in the air, or certain predefined gestures—to pause or resume playback, change songs, or adjust the volume without physically touching the headphones.
In parallel, these infrared sensors would allow the system to more accurately understand your location and what's happening around you. This aligns with the idea of ​​taking the [technology/system] a step further. current adaptive audioIf the headphones detect that you are traveling on a noisy bus, they could automatically increase the noise cancellation level and volume; if, on the contrary, you are in your living room in a quiet environment, they would adjust the listening experience to be more relaxed and less isolating.
This approach aligns with Apple's trend of integrating more context into the behavior of its devices, and opens the door to a closer dialogue with other products in the ecosystem, such as the Vision Pro or future mixed reality devices, where the Gestures in the air are a natural part of the interaction.
Goodbye (or not) to touch controls on the temples
The arrival of these infrared cameras has also reignited the debate about the future of touch controls on the AirPods Pro stemsThere are leaks that suggest they could disappear completely in the most advanced variant, leaving the weight of control on air gestures and voice commands.
Other reports, however, suggest a more gradual approach, keeping both systems in parallel so the user can choose. There is no consensus yet, and it's possible Apple will opt for an intermediate solution that allows coexist with classic gestures alongside new camera-based controls, at least in the early generations of this technology.
Beyond the chosen format, the intention seems clear: to minimize friction when using headphones, avoiding accidental touches and allowing for more natural handling when walking down the street, working in front of the computer, or even lying on the sofa.
In the European context, where the use of hands-free headsets is key to mobility and public transport, a reliable and accurate gesture system could have a real impact on how We control music, calls, and multimedia content on a daily basis.
New H3 chip for improved sound, latency, and noise cancellation
Another major innovation that is mentioned repeatedly is the introduction of a new H3 chip in these more advanced AirPods Pro. After several generations using the H2, Apple would take advantage of this "premium" variant to debut a completely revamped brain focused entirely on audio and local processing.
According to leaks, the H3 would be designed to offer better sound qualitylower latency and more effective noise cancellationespecially when working in conjunction with the infrared camera sensors. A more modern chip would also allow for better fine-tuning of adaptive audio, faster reaction to environmental changes, and potentially optimized battery consumption.
It's still unclear whether this H3 chip will be exclusive to the new higher-end AirPods Pro or if, in the medium term, it will be extended to the rest of the range. In any case, everything points to it being one of the differentiating elements that justify the price increase compared to the "regular" AirPods Pro 3.
In markets like Spain, where users tend to extend the lifespan of their headphones for several years before replacing them, a technological leap of this kind can be an important argument for those waiting for a solid reason to upgrade their current AirPods Pro 2 or Pro 3.
Expected timeline: launch this year and fit into the range
All the pieces fit together with Apple's usual way of working. The AirPods Pro 3 were introduced last year, repeating the three-year cycle we already saw between the original Pro and the Pro 2. What's being considered now isn't breaking that generational rhythm, but to place a superior variant within the same family on the market taking advantage of the current momentum.
Sources indicate that the Cupertino company is accelerating development to meet the deadline this year, with a very reasonable launch window in the second half of the year. The most logical option would be September, coinciding with the presentation of the new iPhones, although it is not ruled out that they will be included in another event if the schedule becomes complicated.
Meanwhile, the standard AirPods Pro 3 would remain part of the catalog without notable changes. In fact, some interpret that the price drop compared to the Pro 2 The launch of the Pro 3 was a deliberate move to make room for this future model at the top of the lineup. In Spain, they officially start at €249, and it's easy to find them slightly cheaper at third-party retailers.
In that context, it wouldn't be surprising if the new version were set around the 299 EurosA figure that already seems familiar because it was the launch price of the AirPods Pro 2. Obviously, all of this is still provisional until Apple makes an official announcement, but the pricing makes a lot of sense within the brand's usual strategy.
What will happen to the AirPods Pro that are already on the market?
One of the most common questions among those thinking about buying AirPods Pro right now is whether or not it's worth waiting for this new model, especially considering that The current Pro 3 are Apple's most complete in-ear headphones to date in terms of comfort, ear pad sizes, sound quality and noise cancellation.
According to the leaks, the answer is relatively reassuring: AirPods Pro 3 will remain on sale, even when the "premium" version arrives.In other words, they won't suddenly become obsolete or disappear from the store. Most likely, they'll solidify their position as a strong option for those who want a Pro model without going to the highest price bracket.
In fact, the coexistence of two variants in the same generation could benefit many users, because The current Pro 3 models could continue to adjust in price. in stores like Amazon or large European retailers, while the new model would be reserved for those looking for the latest gesture control features and maximum audio performance.
In practice, that means this year we could see a fairly tiered Apple headphone lineup: from the AirPods 4 as the most affordable option, through the Pro 3 as the mid-to-high-end, and topping out with these. The most advanced AirPods Pro 3 are at the top of the chartAll this, pending Apple's future decision on whether or not to formally convert them into a fourth generation or a separate "Ultra" line.
With all the leaks that have surfaced, the outlook for Apple headphones in Spain and the rest of Europe is that of an AirPods Pro family that isn't limited to a single model, but rather diversifies to cover different user profiles: those who prioritize price, those who want the current balance of the Pro 3, and those who, when these new models are released, will be looking for the most advanced option possible in gesture control, adaptive audio and noise cancellationKnowing that this will also mean paying a little more for it.
