Apple to Launch Premium AirPods Pro Variant with Advanced Features in 2026
Apple is set to expand its AirPods lineup in 2026 with the introduction of a premium variant of the AirPods Pro 3. This new model is expected to coexist alongside the current AirPods Pro 3, offering consumers a higher-end option with advanced features.
Background and Release Timeline
Traditionally, Apple has maintained a three-year cycle for major hardware updates across its AirPods range. The AirPods Pro 2 debuted in September 2022, followed by a minor update in September 2023 that included a USB-C charging case and other tweaks. The AirPods Pro 3 were introduced in September 2025. Breaking from this pattern, Apple plans to release this premium variant in 2026, just a year after the AirPods Pro 3, indicating a strategic shift to cater to the growing demand for high-end wireless earbuds.
Innovative Features: Infrared Cameras and Gesture Controls
A standout feature of the upcoming premium AirPods Pro is the integration of at least one tiny infrared camera. This addition is anticipated to enable advanced hand gesture recognition, enhancing user interaction. Moreover, these infrared cameras are expected to provide an enhanced spatial audio experience, particularly when used in conjunction with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. This synergy aims to deliver a more immersive audio-visual experience for users.
Product Lineup and Market Positioning
The introduction of this high-end variant suggests that Apple will offer both the standard AirPods Pro 3 and the premium model concurrently. This strategy mirrors Apple’s approach with the AirPods 4, which are available in two versions priced at $129 and $179, respectively. The current AirPods lineup includes models priced at $129, $179, $249, and $549. The addition of a premium AirPods Pro variant, likely positioned between the $249 AirPods Pro 3 and the $549 AirPods Max, aligns with market trends where competitors like Bang & Olufsen, Bowers & Wilkins, and Bose have introduced higher-end Bluetooth earbuds.
Potential Hardware Upgrades: The H3 Chip
Another anticipated enhancement for the premium AirPods Pro is the incorporation of the H3 chip. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is developing this next-generation audio chip to deliver superior audio quality and more efficient performance. The AirPods Pro 3, released in 2025, retained the H2 chip from their predecessor, making the H3 chip a significant upgrade for the upcoming model.
Launch Expectations
While the exact launch date remains unconfirmed, Apple has a history of announcing new AirPods models in the latter half of the year. Previous releases, including the original AirPods, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, and AirPods Pro 3, were unveiled during Apple’s annual iPhone events in September. It is plausible that the premium AirPods Pro variant will follow a similar timeline, with an announcement expected in September 2026.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to introduce a premium variant of the AirPods Pro underscores its commitment to innovation and responsiveness to consumer demand for advanced audio technology. With features like infrared cameras for gesture control and enhanced spatial audio, along with the potential inclusion of the H3 chip, this new model is poised to set a new standard in the wireless earbuds market. As the launch approaches, more details are anticipated to emerge, offering a clearer picture of what consumers can expect from this high-end addition to the AirPods family.
