AirPods Pro 3 rumors indicate a new model with cameras — but, like, why?

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I wouldn't worry if you've just bought some

A pair of Apple AirPods Pro 3
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The AirPods Pro 3 launched to a great deal of fanfare last year, landing with pinpoint accuracy onto our list of the best wireless earbuds. They've got better sound, a (supposedly) improved fit, and a whole load more battery life. Apparently, though, we could see a new version at some point — according to 9to5Mac.

Not happy with having a pair of premium earbuds in its roster, Apple seems intent on making the AirPods line more convoluted and confusing than ever. Two AirPods 4 models and two Pro models.

All of the AirPods

A pair of Apple AirPods Pro 3

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Apparently, the new version of the AirPods looks to replace the traditional idea of smart glasses. To that end, the new model would be equipped with IR cameras, as well as AI integration, so they can make sense of the world around you.

In my opinion, though, it feels like a lot of unnecessary feature bloat, forgetting what makes the AirPods so good in the first place: An excellent audio experience and magical connection with Apple devices.

How likely are they?

A pair of Apple AirPods Pro 3

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Most of the rumors and rumblings that 9to5Mac reports here are old — some of them even pre-AirPods Pro 3 launch. It could be that we see a version of the AirPods Pro 3 launch with some fancy new cameras in the future, but there hasn't really been anything new since last September.

Going by AirPods release calendars past, we could expect a light refresh of the Pro 3 after about a year and a half. That's if things go the same way as the AirPods Pro 2, and given that they only upgraded to match the EU's USB-C mandate, I'm not sure the Pro 3 will follow suit.

Do we need another AirPods Pro model? I'm going to say probably not — the AirPods line is getting confusing enough already, without a second model of more premium AirPods Pro 3 cluttering things up even more.

IR cameras could well be an update to future models of AirPods, but only time will tell whether it's a new model or a refreshed one.

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Tammy Rogers
Tammy Rogers
Audio Editor

Tammy and her generous collection of headphones have found a new home — Tom's Guide! After a two-and-a-half-year stint as iMore's resident audiophile, Tammy's reviews and buying guide expertise have more focus than ever on Tom's Guide, helping buyers find the audio gear that works best for them. Tammy has worked with some of the most desirable audio brands on the planet in her time writing about headphones, speakers, and more, bringing a consumer focussed approach to critique and buying advice. Away from her desk, you'll probably find her in the countryside writing (extremely bad) poetry, or putting her screenwriting Masters to good use creating screenplays that'll never see the light of day.

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