Apple is developing a new H3 chip for future AirPods models to reduce latency and improve audio quality, according to a report. This development follows last month’s launch of the AirPods Pro 3, which utilized the older H2 processor from 2022.
The recent AirPods Pro 3 featured upgrades concentrated in hardware, such as larger batteries and new foam-infused ear tips, rather than advancements in its processing chip. In his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple’s silicon group is now working on the next-generation H3 chip. Gurman stated, “The company’s silicon group is working on an H3 chip designed for less lag time and better audio quality.” An exact release timeline for this new chip has not been provided.
Apple is reportedly planning to launch a version of the AirPods Pro 3 equipped with IR cameras sometime next year. It is possible this model could be the first to feature the new H3 chip, as additional processing power may be necessary for new functionalities tied to the IR cameras. The exact chip configuration for this variant, which would still fall under the AirPods Pro 3 line, remains unconfirmed, though one report noted it was unlikely to include a higher-end chip.
Development is also underway for a new entry-level model, the AirPods 5. This follows the launch of the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) last year. Gurman’s report indicates that updates are planned for both the entry-level and Pro tiers of the product line. However, the heart-rate monitor, a feature included in the AirPods Pro 3, is not anticipated to be integrated into the forthcoming AirPods 5 model.
Apple is also exploring adding more health-related features to the AirPods line over time, such as a temperature reader. It remains unclear if this sensor is specifically related to the launch of the AirPods 5. No official timeline has been provided for the release of the AirPods 5, which is expected to be a modest update. The new model could potentially incorporate the H3 chip. Currently, the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC are on sale for record-low prices of $89 and $119, respectively.
