What Bloomberg’s Gurman Says About Apple’s Next AirPods Pro
Following the release of AirPods Pro 3, Apple is reportedly expanding its high-end in-ear line with a new version of the AirPods Pro. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman notes this forthcoming model as a “new version” rather than a renamed successor like a hypothetical AirPods Pro 4. The current pattern, such as the AirPods Pro 2 update which included a USB-C charging case without a name change, suggests Apple may continue incremental refinements rather than a dramatic rebrand.
The exact branding remains uncertain. Gurman did not specify whether the new iteration will be called AirPods Pro 4 or simply upgraded AirPods Pro 3 hardware. Industry chatter hints at a premium variant, paralleling how Apple has previously offered multiple configurations within a single line, such as the standard AirPods 4 with and without active noise cancellation.
Two tiers of AirPods 5 Are on the Table
Gurman’s Power On newsletter also indicates Apple is developing two tiers of AirPods 5. While specific feature sets aren’t confirmed, the reporting aligns with Apple’s pattern of expanding hardware in tiers to target different user needs. Analysts have speculated that the higher-end option could mirror the premium positioning seen in earlier generations, potentially incorporating advanced health sensors and enhanced audio features.
One area of potential evolution is health monitoring. AirPods Pro 3 currently offer heart-rate tracking during workouts, but Gurman doesn’t expect this functionality to carry over to the AirPods 5. Instead, Apple appears to be weighing a broader suite of health features—such as temperature sensing and other biometric data—to deepen the devices’ value proposition in wellness and fitness.
Meet the Supposed H3 Chip and Its Implications
A central element of the whispered roadmap is Apple’s next-generation H3 chip for wireless audio. Gurman describes the H3 as delivering improved sound quality and lower latency, which would benefit gaming, calls, and immersive audio experiences. While it’s not confirmed which AirPods models will debut the chip, the natural expectation is that the new AirPods Pro generation will be among the first to receive it, given their emphasis on high-end performance.
The H3’s potential could also influence how future AirPods interact with other Apple devices and services. A faster, more efficient chip would not only improve audio processing but could enable tighter integration with features like spatial audio and on-device processing for health data.
Cameras, In-Air Gestures, and Vision Pro Ties
Another notable thread is Apple’s exploration of cameras in AirPods models. Gurman referenced ongoing work on cameras that could enable in-air gestures and deeper integration with Apple’s Vision Pro ecosystem. Earlier reporting by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned at least one infrared camera, suggesting that Apple might pursue new interaction modalities beyond touch controls and traditional gestures.
In-air gesture support could create novel ways to navigate media and apps without taking the focus away from what you’re watching or listening to. It may also facilitate tighter interoperability with Vision Pro, Apple’s augmented reality headset, as the company builds a broader, interconnected hardware language across devices.
What This Means for Apple Fans
For now, Apple watchers should treat these sketches as early-stage indications rather than confirmed launch plans. The company has a habit of refining features over several product cycles, and timelines often shift. If the rumors prove accurate, we could see a new AirPods Pro version, two AirPods 5 configurations, and the H3 chip entering production in the coming year or two, with camera and health features continuing to expand the lineup’s appeal.
As always, Apple’s path likely blends incremental hardware upgrades with new software capabilities, prioritizing seamless integration across devices. For users seeking crisper audio, more responsive performance, and fresh health insights, the coming generations of AirPods could offer meaningful upgrades without sacrificing the familiar ease of use the ecosystem is known for.
