For those eagerly anticipating the next big AirPods upgrade, prepare for some disappointment in the short term. According to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, there won’t be any significant hardware updates to the AirPods lineup in 2025. Kuo’s latest insights, shared via Twitter, suggest that the next major refresh for AirPods Pro, including an upgrade with infrared cameras, won’t arrive until 2026.
AirPods Pro 3 Delayed Until 2026: What Does This Mean for Apple’s Earbuds?
Kuo’s prediction contradicts previous reports from other sources that had speculated the AirPods Pro 3 would arrive in 2025, bringing with them new features such as improved active noise cancellation and other enhancements. This news might come as a surprise, especially considering that AirPods Pro 2 are approaching their third anniversary in 2025.
Apple’s AirPods Pro lineup has been incredibly successful, with the AirPods Pro 2 emerging as the company’s most popular and profitable model. Given their success, it seems unlikely that Apple would let the AirPods Pro 2 languish for too long without a major update. However, Kuo’s forecast suggests that 2026 is the year Apple is setting its sights on for the next major AirPods Pro iteration, leaving users to wait another year for the long-anticipated improvements.
What’s Expected for AirPods Pro 3 in 2026?
While details about the AirPods Pro 3 remain largely under wraps, Kuo’s prediction of infrared cameras being added to the next-gen earbuds is intriguing. There have also been rumors about the inclusion of a heart rate monitor—a feature that was recently added to Apple’s Powerbeats Pro 2.
In addition to health-focused features, the AirPods Pro 3 could bring other improvements, particularly in terms of sound quality and noise cancellation. But with no substantial updates expected for 2025, Apple seems to be focusing its efforts elsewhere for the time being.
The AirPods Lineup’s Shifting Strategy: Software Updates Take the Lead
While new hardware might be on hold, Apple hasn’t entirely neglected its AirPods lineup. One of the most notable developments in recent months has been the addition of software updates that expand the functionality of AirPods Pro 2. These updates have turned the AirPods Pro 2 into licensed hearing aids, a game-changer for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. This development has been a significant step forward, as it shows how Apple is broadening the utility of its popular earbuds beyond their original entertainment and communication use.
Additionally, the release of the AirPods 4 line in 2024 added active noise cancellation to more affordable wireless earbuds. At just $179, the AirPods 4 have brought premium features to a lower price point, diminishing the pressure on Apple to release a new AirPods Pro model with similar features in the near future.
AirPods Max Users May Wait Even Longer
For users of the over-ear AirPods Max, the news is even less promising. Reports indicate that the next revision of the AirPods Max could be delayed until 2027, at the earliest. The AirPods Max, which first launched in 2020, were lauded for their exceptional sound quality and premium build but have yet to see any significant hardware updates. With competition from other brands offering high-quality, affordable over-ear headphones, it’s unclear what Apple’s strategy for the AirPods Max will be in the coming years.
While 2027 may seem like a long way off, it’s clear that Apple is focusing on refining its other products before giving the AirPods Max another overhaul.
The future of AirPods, particularly the Pro and Max models, may not bring immediate updates, but Apple’s strategy seems focused on making meaningful advancements through software. For those eagerly waiting for the AirPods Pro 3 or a new AirPods Max, the wait may be longer than anticipated, but with Apple’s track record of innovation, the future still looks bright for AirPods enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates and potential surprises in the coming years.
