A new report details potential future features for Apple AirPods.

With the AirPods Pro 3 out the door, a new report details the next-gen silicon, health sensors, and AI features coming to the lineup.
Referential image of the AirPods Pro 3. | Image credit — Apple
Apple is reportedly working on the follow-up to the AirPods Pro 3, focusing on an H3 chip and health features. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple intends to transform AirPods into AI devices and is considering embedding cameras.
What's next for Apple's audio products?
With the newest AirPods now available, Apple is said to be developing the next generation of its audio products. In a recent newsletter, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg discussed a plan that includes more than just audio enhancements.
According to Gurman, the silicon team is developing an H3 chip for improved audio and reduced lag. The next standard AirPods 5 are also in development. However, health and AI are key areas of interest.
Gurman says Apple aims to add health features, like a temperature reader. The main focus is turning AirPods into AI devices. To that end, the company is exploring adding cameras directly into the earbuds. Gurman has mentioned this before, but it appears Apple is actively pursuing the idea.
Smarter earbuds are coming
This plan suggests Apple sees AirPods as more than an iPhone accessory. They are becoming central to the company's vision for personal computing, along with the Apple Watch. The ear is ideal for sensors and direct communication with an AI assistant.
Competitors like Samsung and Google are also working to make their earbuds smarter. Apple's integration of hardware and software may provide an advantage. This evolution is important to those invested in the Apple ecosystem or wearable tech. AirPods could become a key interface for health monitoring and AI interaction, making them more essential.
With the newest AirPods now available, Apple is said to be developing the next generation of its audio products. In a recent newsletter, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg discussed a plan that includes more than just audio enhancements.
According to Gurman, the silicon team is developing an H3 chip for improved audio and reduced lag. The next standard AirPods 5 are also in development. However, health and AI are key areas of interest.
Gurman says Apple aims to add health features, like a temperature reader. The main focus is turning AirPods into AI devices. To that end, the company is exploring adding cameras directly into the earbuds. Gurman has mentioned this before, but it appears Apple is actively pursuing the idea.
This plan suggests Apple sees AirPods as more than an iPhone accessory. They are becoming central to the company's vision for personal computing, along with the Apple Watch. The ear is ideal for sensors and direct communication with an AI assistant.
Competitors like Samsung and Google are also working to make their earbuds smarter. Apple's integration of hardware and software may provide an advantage. This evolution is important to those invested in the Apple ecosystem or wearable tech. AirPods could become a key interface for health monitoring and AI interaction, making them more essential.
Cameras in your ears? It's a wild idea
The idea of cameras in earbuds raises privacy concerns and potential social issues. It could be seen as a strange concept.
Smart glasses with cameras are becoming more common, so consumers may accept this technology in audio accessories.
An AI assistant that can see what you see could offer real-time, contextual help. It could translate menus, identify landmarks, or guide repairs. Smartphones and smart glasses offer similar features, but the goal is to leave your phone behind and interact with the world using Apple smart glasses and AirPods. That future may be close.
The idea of cameras in earbuds raises privacy concerns and potential social issues. It could be seen as a strange concept.
Smart glasses with cameras are becoming more common, so consumers may accept this technology in audio accessories.
An AI assistant that can see what you see could offer real-time, contextual help. It could translate menus, identify landmarks, or guide repairs. Smartphones and smart glasses offer similar features, but the goal is to leave your phone behind and interact with the world using Apple smart glasses and AirPods. That future may be close.
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Data-only plans & global coverage – use code IPHONEARENA30
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase
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We may earn a commission if you make a purchase