AirPods Pro 3: New Model Rumored With Major Upgrade
▼ Summary
– Rumors indicate a new, higher-end AirPods Pro 3 model with infrared (IR) cameras is expected to launch this year.
– These cameras are intended to enable Apple Intelligence features, particularly Visual Intelligence, to help users understand their surroundings.
– The camera-equipped model might replace the pressure-sensitive stem buttons with hand gesture controls, or possibly support both.
– This new version will be largely similar to the current AirPods Pro 3 but will be sold at a higher price point.
– Apple appears to be planning two versions of the AirPods Pro 3, mirroring its strategy with other products like offering AirPods 4 with and without ANC.
The latest AirPods Pro 3 have only been available for a short time, yet industry whispers already point to a more advanced version arriving later this year. This rumored model is said to feature a significant hardware enhancement: integrated infrared cameras. This addition would mark a strategic move by Apple to deeply integrate its Apple Intelligence platform into its audio wearables, transforming them into more interactive devices.
Initial experiences with the AirPods Pro 3 can vary, especially concerning fit. However, after an adjustment period, many users find the performance meets high expectations. The earbuds deliver on core promises like superior audio fidelity and a noticeably improved Active Noise Cancellation system that effectively quiets the surrounding environment.
Despite these strengths, Apple appears poised to push the boundaries further. Reports suggest a separate, premium-tier model is in development. The defining upgrade for this version would be the inclusion of infrared (IR) cameras. This hardware is not for capturing photos but for enabling new AI-driven contextual awareness.
So, what could these cameras actually do? According to reliable sources, the technology would allow the AirPods to perceive and interpret the user’s surroundings. This Visual Intelligence could provide real-time, audio-based information about the world, such as identifying objects or reading text aloud. In a more recent leak, it was suggested the new model might even replace the physical stem controls with a system that recognizes hand gestures for commands, though Apple could potentially support both input methods.
Beyond the cameras and potential new controls, the high-end AirPods Pro 3 are expected to share the core design and acoustic architecture of the standard model. The trade-off for the advanced features will be a higher price point. This strategy mirrors Apple’s approach with the standard AirPods line, offering consumers a choice between a capable base model and a feature-rich premium option.
The prospect of camera-equipped earbuds opens a fascinating chapter for personal audio, blending immersive sound with contextual awareness. It remains to be seen how these features will materialize and whether the market will embrace this new direction for wearable technology.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
