TL;DR
Apple is said to be planning a second, higher-end AirPods Pro 3 model that adds infrared (IR) cameras to enable new AI-powered features. Leaks also suggest gesture control may replace—or supplement—pressure-sensitive stem buttons, and the camera-equipped variant would cost more than the existing model.
What happened
AirPods Pro 3 arrived earlier this year, and sources now point to a follow-up variant that would add infrared cameras to the earbuds. Reporting attributes the camera-focused push to Apple’s broader move into on-device artificial intelligence and 'visual intelligence,' which would use external cameras plus AI to offer more information about the wearer’s environment. A separate leak indicates the new model could shift away from the current pressure-sensitive stem controls in favor of hand-gesture input, though it’s possible both control schemes would coexist. Other than the camera addition and potential control changes, the earbuds are expected to remain similar to the existing AirPods Pro 3 hardware. Multiple reports say the camera-equipped pair will be positioned at a higher price point and that Apple may sell both the current and the camera-enabled Pro 3 models concurrently.
Why it matters
- On-device cameras could enable new context-aware AI features that extend AirPods beyond audio playback and noise control.
- Gesture controls would change how users interact with the earbuds, reducing reliance on stem presses.
- A higher-priced, camera-equipped model would introduce a tiered AirPods Pro 3 lineup, giving buyers more choices but complicating purchasing decisions.
- Camera integration raises questions about privacy, battery life, and how Apple will balance features with device size and comfort.
Key facts
- The original AirPods Pro 3 launched a few months prior to these reports.
- Reports claim a second AirPods Pro 3 model will include infrared (IR) cameras.
- Mark Gurman described external cameras plus AI as enabling users to 'understand the outside world' and emphasized Visual Intelligence as central to the idea.
- Leaker Instant Digital suggested the new model might drop pressure-sensitive stem buttons in favor of hand gestures, though both could be supported.
- Aside from the cameras and possible control changes, the new AirPods are expected to be largely the same as the current AirPods Pro 3.
- The camera-equipped variant is expected to carry a higher price than the existing AirPods Pro 3.
- Apple may sell two versions of AirPods Pro 3 side-by-side: the current model and a higher-end camera-equipped model.
What to watch next
- Official release timing and availability for the camera-equipped AirPods Pro 3 — not confirmed in the source.
- Exact pricing for the higher-end model and how it compares to the current AirPods Pro 3.
- Details about how Visual Intelligence features will work in practice, and whether hand gestures will replace or complement stem controls.
Quick glossary
- IR camera: A camera that uses infrared light to capture information about the environment, often used for depth sensing, low-light imaging, or gesture detection.
- Visual Intelligence: A term used to describe AI features that interpret visual input from cameras to provide contextual information or assistive capabilities.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): A technology that uses microphones and signal processing to reduce unwanted ambient sound for a quieter listening experience.
- Pressure-sensitive stem buttons: Physical controls on AirPods stems that respond to squeezes or presses to manage playback, calls, and other commands.
Reader FAQ
Will the camera-equipped AirPods Pro 3 be released this year?
Reports say a second model is expected this year, but an exact launch date is not confirmed in the source.
Will the new model replace the current AirPods Pro 3?
Sources indicate Apple may sell both versions concurrently rather than replacing the existing model.
Are pressure-sensitive stem buttons being removed?
A leak suggests hand gestures could replace stem presses, but the reports also say Apple might support both methods.
How much more will the camera model cost?
The reports state the camera-equipped variant will cost more, but no specific price is provided in the source.
All the new products Apple released in 2025 Chance Miller Dec 31 2025 AIRPODS AIRPODS PRO 3 Another AirPods Pro 3 model is coming, with one rumored upgrade Ryan Christoffel…
Sources
- Another AirPods Pro 3 model is coming, with one rumored upgrade
- Apple Reportedly May Add Infrared Cameras to Its Next …
- Next year's AirPods Pro might cost more, here's why I'm all …
- Report: A higher-end AirPods Pro 3 is coming next year
Related posts
- Kling Motion Control AI: Advanced Platform for Precise Character Animation
- Ukrainian Soldier’s M1 MacBook Air Blocks Artillery Fragment and Still Works
- iPadOS 26 revitalized the iPad in 2025 — enough to replace a Mac?