It’s been almost three years since Apple’s premium wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2 were released. While the tech giant has steadily added new features to the second-generation AirPods Pro every year since, many are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the AirPods Pro 3.

Initially rumoured to launch alongside the iPhone 17 later this year, that no longer appears to be the case. Two respected analysts now claim the AirPods Pro 3 won’t arrive until early 2026, and it’ll be an even longer wait for the AirPods Max 2, which could follow in 2027.

Arguably Apple’s most popular product after the iPhone, the AirPods Pro have long set the standard for wireless earbuds. Last year, Apple introduced the AirPods 4 and a new variant with active noise cancellation, bringing ANC to its more affordable earbuds for the very first time.

But with rumours pointing to a redesign for both the earbuds and the charging case, plus new health-tracking features and even infrared sensors, the AirPods Pro 3 could be Apple’s most advanced earbuds yet. Here’s everything we know so far, including the expected release date, price and potential new features.

Apple AirPods Pro 3: Release date