Apple is developing a new H3 chip and integrating cameras into AirPods
Apple is preparing a new H3 chip for the fifth generation of AirPods, which will improve sound quality and reduce signal latency. Additionally, the company is exploring the possibility of embedding cameras into its wireless earbuds.
According to Bloomberg, the new H3 chip will be the first significant update to the H-series since the release of H2 in 2022. Along with sound quality improvements, Apple is considering integrating cameras into the AirPods Pro lineup, potentially transforming the earbuds into devices with artificial intelligence capabilities. The new AirPods Pro 3 model with infrared cameras could be released as early as next year, although no official release dates have been announced.
The company is also working on the basic AirPods 5 models. It is anticipated that these earbuds will not have the heart rate measurement feature like the Pro 3 model, but work is underway to integrate a temperature sensor in future releases.
As of now, no official timelines for the release of the new models or the H3 chip have been announced. However, if Apple follows its usual three-year update cycle, the next major releases could come in 2027 or 2028.
| Model Name | Expected Innovations | Probable Release Dates |
|---|---|---|
| H3 chip | Sound improvements, reduced latency | Not announced |
| AirPods Pro 3 | Infrared cameras | Next year (tentatively) |
| AirPods 5 | Temperature sensor | Not announced |
As a reminder, in September, Apple unveiled the new iPhone 17 lineup, which includes Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Air models.
