Apple AirPods Pro 3 Delayed Until 2026

Apple's AirPods lineup is not expected to see significant hardware updates until 2026 for AirPods Pro 3 and 2027 for a redesigned, lighter AirPods Max, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to include infrared cameras for gesture controls and possibly health or Apple Intelligence features, though details remain unconfirmed. No major updates are planned for the current AirPods or AirPods Max before these dates. Recent changes to the lineup include minor hardware tweaks, such as the addition of USB-C ports and new color options for AirPods Max. AirPods Pro 2 continue to receive software updates that improve noise cancellation and other features. Apple's measured approach to AirPods updates reflects a strategy of incremental innovation and brand positioning.