Apple AirPods Pro 3 Could Debut at September 9 Event: Features, Release Date, and What to Expect

Apple is all set to unveil its iPhone 17 lineup at the September 9 event, but the new iPhones may not be the only highlight of the keynote. Reports suggest that Apple could also launch the much-awaited AirPods Pro 3, marking the first major upgrade to its premium earbuds in three years. With rumors pointing toward health-tracking sensors, advanced infrared cameras, and a brand-new design, the AirPods Pro 3 could be one of the most ambitious updates Apple has ever introduced to its audio lineup.

A Long-Awaited Refresh for AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro series hasn’t seen a meaningful design update since the first-generation model. The second-gen AirPods Pro largely retained the same look, focusing instead on performance improvements. Now, Apple seems ready to give the AirPods Pro 3 a complete makeover, including a sleeker charging case and a faster H3 chip to power advanced features like enhanced active noise cancellation.

Rumors also indicate that the new charging case will support USB-C connectivity, aligning with Apple’s ecosystem-wide shift away from Lightning ports. Other upgrades could include Bluetooth 5.4 support for lower latency and better wireless performance.

Health Tracking Takes Center Stage

Apple has been expanding its footprint in the digital health space with devices like the Apple Watch. Now, the AirPods Pro 3 could also join the lineup of Apple’s health-focused hardware. Reports suggest that Apple has been working on in-ear heart rate monitoring technology for years, and the AirPods Pro 3 may finally bring it to life.

Alongside heart rate tracking, Apple is also exploring in-ear temperature sensors, which could allow the earbuds to track wellness metrics and sync with the Health app. These features would make the AirPods Pro 3 not just a premium audio device, but also a personal health companion.

Infrared Cameras and AI-Powered Features

Perhaps the most intriguing rumor about the AirPods Pro 3 is the inclusion of infrared (IR) cameras. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, these sensors could open the door for AI-driven capabilities and spatial computing experiences.

The IR cameras may help deliver next-level spatial audio and gesture-based controls, potentially making the earbuds more interactive and immersive. However, Kuo has cautioned that AirPods featuring IR cameras may not go into mass production until 2026, which suggests these features could either be delayed or rolled out in stages.

Smarter Controls and New Gestures

A recent Apple patent hints at a big change to how users interact with the earbuds. Instead of relying solely on touch-sensitive controls, the AirPods Pro 3 could feature vertical swipe gestures on non-capacitive surfaces, allowing functions like volume adjustment even while wearing gloves.

Apple is also bringing over several software features already teased for iOS 26. These include:

Sleep detection that pauses playback when you fall asleep.

Remote camera controls, letting you trigger your iPhone or iPad camera by pressing the earbud stem.

Head gesture-based commands for hands-free operation.

Live call translation, a feature that could revolutionize multilingual communication.

Design Overhaul and Better Noise Cancellation

The AirPods Pro 3 are also expected to deliver a new design after years of iteration. While details remain scarce, reports indicate the earbuds will be more compact and comfortable, with improvements in fit and stability for workouts. Combined with the H3 chip, the noise-cancelling performance could significantly outperform the current AirPods Pro 2, providing a quieter and more immersive listening experience.

The charging case is also said to be slimmer and lighter, making it easier to carry while still offering long battery life.

Release Date and Pricing

So, when will we actually see the AirPods Pro 3? While speculation strongly points to a September 9 launch alongside the iPhone 17, some supply chain reports suggest a delay until 2026, particularly if the infrared camera technology isn’t production-ready.

Historically, Apple has used its September events to launch new audio products, so there’s still a strong chance the earbuds could debut next week. If that happens, the AirPods Pro 3 are expected to be priced similarly to the current $249 AirPods Pro 2. However, given the rumored new health-tracking sensors and AI features, Apple may adjust the pricing slightly upward.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming Apple AirPods Pro 3 could represent the company’s most ambitious step yet in merging health, AI, and audio technology. From heart rate and temperature monitoring to IR cameras and gesture controls, the next-gen earbuds appear set to push the boundaries of what wireless audio devices can do.

While there’s still uncertainty about the exact release timeline, one thing is clear: Apple is working on making the AirPods Pro far more than just earbuds—they’re becoming a smart, health-focused wearable. Whether they launch next week or in 2026, the AirPods Pro 3 will likely redefine the wireless earbuds market.