JAKARTA – Apple is rumored to be announcing AirPods Pro 3 tomorrow along with the launch of the iPhone 17, and it turns out this device will be present in two different versions.
Three years after releasing Airpods Pro 2, Apple was finally ready to bring refreshment to the best earbud line. Airpods Pro 3 is estimated to bring a number of increases, including detection of heart rate, a slimmer charger design design, and the possibility of body temperature measurement features. However, some analysts believe that the temperature sensor mentioned earlier may actually be only part of the heart rate sensor design.
Interestingly, the Ming-Chi Kuo supply chain analyst had predicted that Airpods Pro 4 would be released next year. This prediction was considered strange because Apple rarely led generations from year to year. However, a new leak from a digital instant leaker in Weibo gave a more reasonable explanation.
According to the leak, Airpods Pro 3 will be present this year as expected, but there will be a more sophisticated version released in 2026. The main difference between the two is the presence of infrared camera sensors in a more expensive version. This sensor will reportedly allow controls using hand movements in the air (air gestures), which can replace the pinch control (squeeze gesture) on the AirPods rods like the current one.
Airpods Pro 2 is currently sold at a price of around 250 US dollars. The sophisticated version of AirPods Pro 3 is expected to be sold more expensive, possibly above 280 US dollars. Given the higher price and this new technology, some users may prefer Apple to maintain physical control rather than fully relying on air gestures.
It is not yet clear whether Apple will immediately announce the two versions of AirPods Pro 3 at once. Most likely, the version with an infrared camera will be announced later, maybe at the end of 2026. The strategy of selling two versions of AirPods Pro with different prices will be a new thing for Apple, although currently they have implemented a similar strategy on the AirPods 4 which comes in the standard version and version with Active Noise Cancellation.
The answer to all these rumors will be revealed tomorrow. Apple will hold an event titled “Awe dropping” On Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 am Pacific time (00.00 WIB).
