TL;DR
Rumors say Apple will release a higher-end AirPods Pro 3 variant this year that includes IR cameras to power Apple Intelligence features. A leaker reported the camera-equipped model will be priced above 2,000 yuan (roughly $286), suggesting a likely price near $299.
What happened
Multiple reports point to Apple expanding the AirPods Pro 3 lineup with a premium model that adds infrared (IR) cameras. The detail comes from leaker Instant Digital, who previously discussed Apple’s plan to offer two versions: one with cameras and one without. The cameras are expected to enable new Apple Intelligence capabilities, with the forthcoming Siri iteration likely to play a central role in any hands-free visual assistance. Instant Digital also claimed the camera-equipped AirPods Pro 3 will be priced at more than 2,000 yuan, which currently converts to about $286; that phrasing has prompted speculation the final U.S. price could land around $299, roughly $50 above the standard AirPods Pro 3. Apple has precedent for tiered pricing: the current AirPods 4 line includes a $129 base model and a $179 ANC-enabled model.
Why it matters
- A camera-equipped AirPods Pro would expand Apple’s hardware strategy for on-device AI and visual input.
- If cameras enable hands-free Siri interactions, that could change how users access Apple Intelligence features.
- The reported price suggests Apple may position the camera model as a clear premium tier above the standard AirPods Pro 3.
- Apple’s move to sell multiple AirPods models at staggered prices follows an existing pattern in its audio lineup.
Key facts
- Source of the pricing detail: leaker Instant Digital.
- Reported hardware change: inclusion of infrared (IR) cameras on the high-end model.
- Two-model strategy: one AirPods Pro 3 with cameras and one without, per the leaker.
- Quoted price detail: camera model said to be “priced at over 2000 yuan.”
- Current currency conversion places 2,000 yuan at about $286, leading to $299 speculation.
- Speculated premium: about $50 more than the standard AirPods Pro 3.
- Apple precedent: AirPods 4 comes in two prices — $129 (base) and $179 (ANC) — demonstrating tiered pricing.
- Expected timeframe in reports: the new AirPods Pro 3 variant is described as launching this year.
What to watch next
- Official Apple announcement confirming models, features and final pricing (not confirmed in the source).
- Demonstrations or details on how the IR cameras integrate with Apple Intelligence and Siri (not confirmed in the source).
- Exact U.S. price and availability dates for the camera-equipped AirPods Pro 3 (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- IR camera: A camera that uses infrared light to capture information not always visible to the human eye; often used for low-light imaging or depth sensing.
- Apple Intelligence: Apple’s branding for a set of AI and machine learning features integrated across its software and services.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): A technology that reduces unwanted ambient sound by using microphones and processing to produce counteracting sound waves.
- Leaker: An individual or account that shares unofficial information about unreleased products or company plans.
Reader FAQ
How much will the high-end AirPods Pro 3 cost?
A leaker said the camera-equipped model will be priced above 2,000 yuan (about $286), prompting speculation of roughly $299; final pricing is not confirmed in the source.
Are cameras confirmed on the new AirPods Pro?
Reports and the leaker indicate IR cameras are planned for the premium model, but Apple has not officially confirmed this in the source.
Will the cameras enable hands-free Siri?
The story suggests the new Siri and Apple Intelligence features could use camera input for hands-free interactions, but that capability is not confirmed in the source.
When will these AirPods arrive?
The reports say the higher-end AirPods Pro 3 are expected this year, but no specific launch date is confirmed in the source.
I think Apple should take this radical approach to the new Siri Ben Lovejoy Jan 5 2026 AIRPODS AIRPODS PRO 3 New high-end AirPods Pro are launching this year, here’s…
Sources
- New high-end AirPods Pro are launching this year, here’s the rumored price
- AirPods Pro 3: Just Updated! Features, Price, Launch …
- New high-end AirPods Pro are launching this year, here's …
- Another AirPods Pro 3 model is coming, with one rumored …
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