AirPods Pro 3: Release Date Possibly Delayed Until 2026, According to Analyst
While rumors have been swirling about the imminent arrival of Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, a new report suggests a potential delay. According to reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the next-generation wireless earbuds may not enter production until 2026.
Contradictory Reports and Speculations
The news contradicts earlier speculation fueled by a software update that changed the wording related to AirPods Pro in the iOS code. This update hinted at a possible launch in 2025, potentially at the upcoming WWDC event. Other reports have also suggested a 2025 release, with expectations of features like improved active noise cancellation, a new H3 chip, and even health-monitoring capabilities like heart rate sensing.
Potential Features and Implications of the Delay
If Kuo’s prediction proves accurate, it would mean a four-year gap between major hardware revisions for the AirPods Pro line, an unusually long cycle for Apple’s flagship wireless earbuds. The current AirPods Pro 2 were released in 2022, with a USB-C version following in 2023. Despite the lack of hardware updates, Apple has continued to support the current generation with software updates, adding features like adaptive audio and personalized volume.
Future of AirPods Max
The report also casts doubt on the future of the AirPods Max. Kuo suggests that a new version of Apple’s premium over-ear headphones may not arrive until 2027 at the earliest, leaving users with a design that has not been refreshed since its initial launch in 2020. However, he anticipates that the next-generation AirPods Max will feature a new design, indicating a significant update.
