Apple’s H3 Chip and Next-Gen AirPods Already in Development
▼ Summary
– AirPods Pro 3 launched with the H2 chip from 2022, relying on hardware upgrades like larger batteries and foam ear tips rather than new silicon.
– Apple is developing an H3 chip for future AirPods to reduce lag and improve audio quality, though no timeline is specified.
– AirPods Pro 3 with IR cameras are expected next year and may feature the H3 chip to support new camera-related functionalities.
– Apple is working on AirPods 5, updating both entry-level tiers but not including the heart-rate monitor from AirPods Pro 3.
– Apple plans to add more health features to AirPods over time, such as a temperature reader, but it’s unclear if this will be part of AirPods 5.
While the recently launched AirPods Pro 3 brought several hardware improvements, they notably retained the H2 chip from 2022, leaving many to wonder about Apple’s next move in audio silicon. Fresh reports now confirm that Apple’s silicon team is already deep in development of the next-generation H3 chip, targeting significant reductions in audio lag and delivering superior sound quality for future AirPods models.
According to industry sources, Apple has shifted its development focus to another iteration of its premium in-ear headphones following the AirPods Pro 3 release. The upcoming H3 chip is being engineered specifically to minimize latency and enhance audio performance. This new silicon could potentially debut in a version of the AirPods Pro 3 equipped with IR cameras, expected to launch sometime next year. The additional processing capabilities of the H3 chip would likely be necessary to support new functionalities tied to these infrared sensors.
Beyond the Pro lineup, Apple is also advancing its standard AirPods. The company introduced both the standard AirPods 4 and a noise-cancelling variant last year, and both tiers are reportedly slated for updates. While the heart-rate monitor feature from the AirPods Pro 3 is not anticipated to trickle down to these more affordable models, Apple is said to be exploring the integration of additional health-oriented capabilities over time. One possibility under consideration is the inclusion of a temperature sensor, though it remains uncertain whether this will be part of the AirPods 5 launch.
No specific release window has been provided for the AirPods 5, and the update is expected to be relatively incremental compared to the current generation. It is plausible that these new entry-level AirPods could incorporate the H3 chip, but that has not been confirmed. In the meantime, the existing AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are available at their lowest prices to date, selling for $89 and $119 respectively. For consumers who do not require a perfect seal for noise cancellation, these current models present an excellent value.
(Source: 9to5 Mac)
