Apple may be preparing to shake up its premium earbuds lineup once again. According to recent reports from reliable sources like Ming-Chi Kuo and corroborated by Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman, a higher-end version of the AirPods Pro (building on the AirPods Pro 3 released last year) is slated to arrive in 2026.
This pricier variant isn’t a full generational overhaul but rather a premium tier positioned above the standard $249 model—potentially approaching $299 or more. Key rumored upgrades include at least one tiny infrared camera for advanced gesture controls (possibly replacing physical pressure sensors), enhanced spatial audio integration with devices like Vision Pro, support for new Apple Intelligence features, and Apple’s next-generation H3 chip for superior sound quality and lower latency.
Hartley Charlton for MacRumors:
Kuo said that the 2026 AirPods Pro will feature a “more significant” hardware upgrade in the form at least one tiny infrared camera. He previously said AirPods with infrared cameras could recognize hand gestures and provide an enhanced spatial audio experience with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
The Chinese leaker known as “Instant Digital” subsequently corroborated the rumor with some additional details and clarifications. Rather than being a new generation, the 2026 AirPods Pro will apparently be a pricier, high-end variant of the AirPods Pro 3 introduced in 2025, suggesting that both models will ultimately be on sale alongside each other. It is worth noting that Apple offers two version of the AirPods 4 at $129 and $179 price points, so this is a highly plausible move.
The current AirPods lineup has offerings priced at $129, $179, $249, and $549. An additional product between the $249 AirPods Pro 3 and $549 AirPods Max seems possible, especially given the rise of higher end Bluetooth earbuds from the likes of Bang Olufsen, Bowers & Wilkins, and Bose.
MacDailyNews Take: Bring ’em on!
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