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Apple didn’t equip the new AirPods Pro 3 with next‑generation silicon — they shipped with the H2. But behind the scenes, Apple is reportedly developing a custom H3 chip and a fresh lineup of AirPods that could arrive as early as 2026.
Why the H3 matters — and what it might bring
At face value, the H3 looks like the logical next step for Apple’s wireless audio. Sources suggest the primary goals are lower latency, improved audio fidelity, and more powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Imagine gaming or watching video with tighter audio sync, or noise cancellation that adapts faster and more precisely to your environment — that’s the promise.
Mark Gurman’s recent reporting hints at those gains but stops short of a full specification list. Still, if Apple managed to deliver noticeably better ANC with the H2 in the AirPods Pro 3, the H3 could unlock even bigger improvements across performance and battery efficiency.
Which AirPods models could get the H3?
According to industry rumors, Apple is testing the H3 in multiple upcoming models. The AirPods 5 — the successor to AirPods 4 — is a strong candidate, likely appearing in both standard and ANC-enabled variants. The new chip could become the baseline for higher-end models, differentiating future AirPods from current offerings.
Cameras, sensors, and Apple Intelligence
One surprising rumor: Apple may add cameras to the AirPods Pro 4. Those sensors wouldn’t just be for selfies — they could feed visual data into Apple Intelligence workflows on an iPhone or the Vision Pro, enabling context-aware features and richer interaction models. That said, reporting so far hasn’t emphasized new health tracking features beyond the occasional mention of a heart-rate sensor.
Timing, pricing, and what to buy now
Insiders point to a possible 2026 launch window for the H3-equipped AirPods. If you need new earbuds today, the AirPods Pro 3 remain a strong buy — they deliver excellent sound and ANC and are widely available for about $249 on online retailers. But if you crave the latest silicon and potential camera-driven features, it might be worth waiting a year or two.
Whether you’re an audiophile, a gamer, or someone who simply wants cleaner calls and better noise cancellation, the H3 and the next AirPods lineup are worth watching. Apple’s push into more advanced on-device processing mirrors its broader strategy: move key workloads to custom silicon for better performance, privacy, and integration across the ecosystem.
Source: wccftech
Comments
max_x
wow cameras in AirPods? kinda wild. could be a game changer for context aware stuff, or just another feature no one uses. curious tho
mechbyte
Is Apple really saving the H3 for 2026? Feels like PR delay. If latency and ANC are actually that good, gaming/calls could improve a lot, but I'm skeptical...
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