New AirPods 2025: Everything we know about the next AirPods Pro and Max

Macworld

Apple’s AirPods 2025 plans: In summary

New AirPods Pro 3 expected at the September 2025 ‘Awe Dropping’ event

AirPods Pro 3 and some older models may get live translation 

AirPods Max with new design, H2/H3 chip, and other features not due until 2026

Apple updated its standard AirPods with a major redesign and price cut in 2024, but it’s been quite a while since the other models were last updated: The AirPods Pro 2 arrived in September 2022, and the AirPods Max debuted in December 2020. So updates are long overdue.

Apple hasn’t completely ignored the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, but it hasn’t given users much of a reason to upgrade either. In September 2024, the AirPods Max got a minor update with USB-C instead of Lightning and a few new colors, while the AirPods Pro got its USB-C case a year prior. Other than some new features enabled via software, the current models are the same as the ones released years ago.

In this article, the Macworld team uses its expert knowledge of Apple and AirPods history to define the AirPods rumors most likely to be true. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the soon-to-launch AirPods Pro 3, including when they will come out, the expected preorder and sale date, design and features, as well as the rumors about the next AirPods Max update.




Mahmoud Itani / Foundry

At a glance: What to expect from AirPods Pro 3

Similar design

Heart-rate and temperature sensors

Updated charging case

New features including Live Translation



AirPods Pro 3 design

Last year’s AirPods 4 update brought a streamlined design for Apple’s low-end earbuds, so it would be logical to assume a similar design update will be coming to the AirPods Pro. However, after long-standing rumors of a flush, “stemless” design like the Beats Studio Buds, the latest rumors claim the new AirPods Pro will look very much like the existing model with some minor refinements, such as a tighter eartips seal and new stem gestures.

In August, several reports claimed that the AirPods Pro 3 will be getting a charging case upgrade that brings it in line with the AirPods 4. The case will reportedly no longer have a visible pairing button but will have touch controls. It could also be slightly smaller.



AirPods Pro 3 features

While Apple has steadily added new features to AirPods Pro 2 over the past several years, they’re missing a few hardware features that were introduced with AirPods 4 and the Powerbeats Pro 2. Additionally, rumors suggest some new features may be coming to the 3rd-gen earbuds as well.

Heart-rate sensor

In February, Apple announced the Powerbeats Pro 2, which brought the H2 chip as well as an optical heart-rate sensor for continuously measuring heart rate during a workout and tracking throughout the day. The feature has been rumored for the AirPods Pro 3 as far back as December 2024, when Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported that Apple was working on in-ear heart rate monitoring for the AirPods Pro 2. So it’s likely AirPods Pro 2 will have the same sensor as the Powerbeats Pro 2.

When we reviewed the Powerbeats Pro 2, we noted that battery drain was an issue when using the sensor during workouts, the sensor only tracks workouts with specific apps, and it automatically turns off when an Apple Watch is connected. We expect Apple will fix those issues when the feature arrives on AirPods Pro 3.

Temperature sensor

Apple debuted a temperature sensor on the Apple Watch Series 8, and rumors claim Apple will be bringing it to the AirPods Pro 3 next. While the Apple Watch tracks nightly skin temperature readings to track menstrual cycles and help give users insight into overall well-being, an in-ear tympanic temperature sensor could be able to take on-demand temperature readings.

H3 chip

Apple introduced its H2 audio chip with the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, and it’s likely the new model will have an H3 chip. That could enable better noise cancellation, improved audio quality, and better battery life, among other features.




The Powerbeats Pro 2 have a built-in heart-rate sensor that could be coming to the AirPods Pro 3.Foundry

IR cameras

In July 2024, Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple was developing AirPods with IR cameras for “in-air gesture control to enhance human-device interaction.” He reiterated the claim in May 2025, but reported it wouldn’t arrive until 2026, so it’s unclear if this is a feature for AirPods Pro 3 or a later mode.

Improved battery life

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 offer up to 8 hours of listening time when active noise cancellation is active, compared to 5-6 hours for the AirPods Pro 2. The new H3 chip possibly coupled with a larger battery, will reportedly bring longer battery life for the AirPods Pro 3.

Live translation

As part of the iOS 26 update, Apple is bringing live translation capabilities to the Phone, Messages, and FaceTime apps to automatically tranlsale spoken and written text in real-time. We first heard aout the feature when it was previously rumored to be coming to AirPods, so it’s notable that Apple left its earbuds off the list of compatible devices. Persistent rumors claim that live translation will be a marquee feature of the AirPods Pro 3. However, a 9to5Mac report in September claims the feature, while still in development, might not be ready for launch.

iOS 26

Several new features are coming to AirPods Pro with iOS 26 and will be present on the new model, including:

Pause when sleeping: If you’re using AirPods and fall asleep, a new feature will automatically turn off playback so the battery won’t run down.

Studio-quality recording: When you use your AirPods with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you’ll be able to record in higher sound quality and enjoy clearer calls.

Camera remote: Users can press and hold the AirPods stem to take a photo or start and stop a video recording on iPhone or iPad.



AirPods Pro 3 release date

Apple will be holding its annual iPhone event on September 9, dubbed Awe Dropping, at which it is expected to announce the iPhone 17 lineup and new Apple Watches. While the AirPods Pro made their debut in October 2019 via a press release, the 2nd-gen model launched in September 2022 at the iPhone event. Most rumors expect AirPods Pro to arrive at the September event, including code spotted in iOS 26 that references a new AirPods model.

They’re almost certainly coming in 2025, so if they don’t arrive at the September event, they will likely make an appearance later this fall.




Mahmoud Itani / Foundry



AirPods Pro 3 price

AirPods Pro have been priced at $249 since their 2019 debut, and we don’t expect that to change. Notably, Apple introduced AirPods 4 with ANC in 2024 with a price tag of $179/£179, so it’s unlikely Apple will cut the price of AirPods Pro 3. In the U.K., Apple lowered the price from £249 to £229 in 2023, so a bump back to the original pricing is possible.

Pricing for the AirPods range starts at $129/£129 for the AirPods 4 and covers numerous price points: 

Apple Earbuds: $19/£19

AirPods 4: $129/£129

AirPoids 4 with ANC: $179/£179

AirPods Pro 2: $249/£229

AirPods Max: $549/£499

We have a round-up of the Best wireless earbuds for iPhones and the best wired headphones if you’d like to consider alternatives to AirPods. Also read AirPods Pro vs AirPods to find out how the models compare.






Jason Cross/IDG

At a glance: What to expect from the AirPods Max 2

New lighter design

Better noise cancellation

H3 chip

Adaptice Audio and other AirPods Pro features

Not expected until late 2026 or 2027



AirPods Max 2 design

There have been numerous complaints about the AirPods Max over the years, but we haven’t heard any rumors to suggest that Apple will dramatically change the design. In May 2025, Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is working on a “lighter” version for release in 2027, but offered no specifics.

Many of AirPods Max’s competitors from Bose, Sony, and even Beats are significantly lighter due to a plastic design, but it’s unlikely Apple will deviate very far from its iconic aluminum construction.



AirPods Max 2 features

The current AirPods Max are missing numerous features that are available in the AirPods Pro 2, including Adaptive Audio, Conversion Awareness and Boost, Hearing Protection, and a high dynamic range amplifier, among other features. We expect Apple to address those shortcomings in the AirPods Max 2 with an H2 or H3 chip. Dust, sweat, and water resistance, and a U1 chip for precision location with Find My are also likely.

Another point of contention is the Smart Case. As we noted in our review, the case is “Ill-conceived and poorly executed,” and it needs a total redesign for AirPods Max 2 with more protection and a sleeker design. There haven’t been any rumors about a new Smart Case, but it would be surprising if Apple didn’t listen to the criticism.



AirPods Max 2 release date

While the AirPods Max haven’t officially received a 2nd-gen update, in September 2024, Apple swapped the Lightning port for USB-C and launched a set of new colors. That indicates we’ll be waiting until at least 2026 for an update—and possibly as late as 2027 according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.



AirPods Max 2 price

At $549/£499, the AirPods Max are Apple’s most expensive AirPods, more than double the AirPods Pro. We haven’t heard any rumors about pricing for the 2nd-gen model, but we don’t expect any significant cuts. However, it’s possible Apple will raise the U.K. price to £549 to bring it in line with U.S. pricing, as it has with nearly every other product