Overview

• Apple has scheduled a September 9 event, and multiple reports say AirPods Pro 3 are likely to be announced there.
• Accessory-maker leaks indicate a slightly smaller charging case that keeps the lanyard loop and replaces the rear pairing button with a capacitive touch control on the front that could also handle playback.
• Bloomberg reports the earbuds are expected to add an H3 chip, stronger active noise cancellation and in‑ear heart‑rate sensing, with iOS 26 code references further hinting at readiness.
• Some supply‑chain analysts previously suggested AirPods updates might slip to 2026, but recent reporting has shifted expectations back to a 2025 reveal.
• Design changes are expected to be subtle overall, aligning the case controls with AirPods 4 and suggesting minimal differences from AirPods Pro 2 beyond internal upgrades.