Apple Targets 2026 for AirPods Pro Upgrade, Health Features Expand to AirPods Lineup
CUPERTINO, CA – Apple is laying the groundwork for notable updates to its AirPods lineup, with a major AirPods Pro revision anticipated in 2026 and the next generation AirPods 5 expected around the same timeframe. The updates will center around the integration of the H3 chip – absent in the current models – and a potential expansion of health-sensing capabilities beyond the Pro line.
These developments signal Apple’s ambition to position AirPods as more than just audio devices, transforming them into essential accessories for iPhone users through features like temperature sensing and potential infrared cameras. This strategy leverages the existing massive user base-millions already wear AirPods daily-allowing Apple to introduce new functionality to a captive audience rather than needing to drive adoption of entirely new hardware.
According to reporting from Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo, the next AirPods pro will feature significant hardware improvements. kuo specifically forecasts these upgrades for 2026, aligning with a typical two-year update cycle, despite the recent release of the AirPods Pro 3. The AirPods 5 are also projected for a 2026 arrival, maintaining Apple’s established cadence of updates.
Beyond the H3 chip, expected improvements include enhanced audio quality and minor design refinements for the AirPods Max 2, slated for 2027. Apple’s focus on integrating health sensors into AirPods underscores a broader strategy to turn the devices into vital components of a user’s overall wellness ecosystem.
