TL;DR
Apple has released a Year of the Horse special edition of the AirPods Pro 3 as part of its Lunar New Year sale, featuring a horse emoji on the charging case. The model is available in select Asian markets with purchase limits and no hardware changes from the standard AirPods Pro 3.
What happened
As part of its Lunar New Year promotions, Apple introduced a limited-edition AirPods Pro 3 that includes a Year of the Horse motif printed on the charging case. The earbuds themselves retain the same hardware and features as the standard AirPods Pro 3; the release is a cosmetic variant rather than a technical update. Apple made the special edition available through its physical retail stores and online storefronts in several Asian markets, with stock offered only while supplies last. The company has capped purchases at two units per customer and warns it may cancel orders that exceed that limit. For out-of-warranty replacements or repairs of this special edition, Apple may supply the regular AirPods Pro 3 depending on parts availability. The Lunar New Year line also includes a small selection of themed accessories bearing the Year of the Horse designs.
Why it matters
- Limited-edition items tied to cultural holidays can drive short-term demand and draw customers into physical and online stores.
- Regional availability restricts access for international buyers and may fuel secondary-market interest.
- The cosmetic-only change keeps compatibility and support identical to the standard model, simplifying service and inventory decisions.
- Purchase limits and potential substitution with standard units for repairs highlight supply-management considerations for Apple.
Key facts
- Product: AirPods Pro 3 with a Year of the Horse emoji design on the case.
- Markets: Available in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
- Feature set: No hardware changes or exclusive technical features compared with standard AirPods Pro 3.
- Sales channels: Sold at Apple Retail Stores and the Apple Online Store while supplies last.
- Purchase limit: Up to two units per customer; Apple may cancel orders that exceed the limit.
- Repair/replacement: If replacement parts are limited, Apple may provide standard edition AirPods Pro 3 for repair or replacement.
- Additional items: Apple is also offering a small range of limited-edition Year of the Horse accessories.
- Cultural tie: The Year of the Horse is part of the Chinese zodiac and recurs every 12 years; it is traditionally associated with traits like energy, freedom, and independence.
- Context: The release follows Apple’s recent New Year sale in Japan, which included a limited-edition AirTag.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple will expand the Year of the Horse edition beyond the listed Asian markets — not confirmed in the source.
- If Apple will produce similar limited-edition designs for other AirPods models or future holidays — not confirmed in the source.
- Any official statements about stock levels or restocks for the special edition — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- AirPods Pro 3: Apple's third-generation in-ear wireless earbuds, featuring active noise cancellation and spatial audio (general product category).
- Lunar New Year: A cultural holiday celebrated in several Asian countries, often marked by promotions and special retail products.
- Chinese zodiac: A 12-year cycle assigning an animal to each year, commonly used in cultural observances and themed merchandise.
- Apple Retail Store: Apple's physical retail locations where the company sells products, offers support, and provides service appointments.
- Emoji: A small digital icon used to express an idea, object, or emotion; here used as a decorative motif on a product case.
Reader FAQ
Where is the Year of the Horse AirPods Pro 3 available?
Apple is offering the special edition in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
Are these AirPods Pro 3 different technically from the standard model?
No. The change is cosmetic: the earbuds retain the same features as the regular AirPods Pro 3.
Is there a purchase limit?
Yes. Apple limits purchases to two units per customer and may cancel orders that exceed the limit.
Will Apple replace or repair the special edition with the same model?
If supplies are limited, Apple may provide standard edition AirPods Pro 3 for repairs or replacements, subject to availability.
What is the price of the Year of the Horse AirPods Pro 3?
not confirmed in the source
Apple Card shake-up may finally happen this year: Here’s the latest Michael Burkhardt Jan 3 2026 AIRPODS AIRPODS PRO Apple selling limited-edition ‘Year of the Horse’ AirPods Pro 3 Chance…
Sources
- Apple selling limited-edition ‘Year of the Horse’ AirPods Pro 3
- Apple launches limited edition Year of the Horse AirPods …
- Buy AirPods Pro 3
- 2026 Chinese New Year Gifts – Apple (MY)
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