AirPods Pro 3 Will Come In Two Versions, The Main Difference Is In This Feature

AirPods Pro 3 is expected to bring a number of improvements, including heart rate detection (photo: x @iPhone_News)

JAKARTA - Apple is rumored to be announcing the AirPods Pro 3 tomorrow along with the launch of the iPhone 17, and it turns out that this device will be present in two different versions.

Three years after releasing AirPods Pro 2, Apple is finally ready to present a refresh on its best earbud line. AirPods Pro 3 is expected to bring a number of improvements, including heart rate detection, a slimmer charging casing design, and possible body temperature measurement features. However, some analysts believe the previously mentioned temperature sensor may actually be only part of the heart rate sensor design.

Interestingly, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had predicted that AirPods Pro 4 would be released next year. This prediction was considered strange because Apple rarely jumps generationally from year to year. However, new leaks from leakers of Digital Instant in Weibo provide a more reasonable explanation.

According to the leak, AirPods Pro 3 will be present this year as expected, but there will be a more sophisticated version released in 2026. The main difference between the two is the presence of infrared camera sensors in the more expensive version. This sensor will reportedly allow control using hand movements in the air (water gestures), which can replace the control of the pinch (squeeze gesture) on the AirPods bar as it currently exists.

AirPods Pro 2 is currently selling for around $250. A state-of-the-art version of the AirPods Pro 3 is expected to sell more expensive, possibly above $280. Given the higher price and this new technology, some users may prefer Apple to maintain physical control than rely entirely on air gestures.

It is not yet clear whether Apple will immediately announce both versions of the AirPods Pro 3 at once. Most likely, versions with infrared cameras will be announced later, perhaps by the end of 2026. The strategy of selling two versions of the AirPods Pro at different prices will be new to Apple, although they are currently implementing similar strategies on AirPods 4 which are present in the standard version and versions with Active Noise Cancellation.

The answers to all these rumors will soon be revealed tomorrow. Apple will hold an event titled "Awe dropping" on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 am Pacific time (00 a.m. local time).