The AirPods Pro 3 could land sooner than expected

AirPods Pro 2 on a chair outside
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)

Anyone who's followed Apple launches for a few years knows the schedule by now: new iPhones in September, new MacBooks in the spring, and new AirPods in September or October. But 2025 could throw us a curveball.

Apple is rumoured to launch the AirPods Pro 3 in "early 2025", according to noted Apple analyst Mark Gurman. The original AirPods Pro launched in October 2019, while the AirPods Pro 2 arrived in the Septembers of 2022 (for the Lightning model) and 2023 (for the updated USB-C version). Early 2025 would be a break with tradition.

It is just a rumour for now, albeit one being spread by one of the few authorities on everything Apple. Gurman also says the AirPods Pro 3 could sport an updated design, though he doesn't elaborate on how they might differ from the AirPods Pro 2.

In September, Apple introduced the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC. They feature some subtle design changes over the AirPods 3, while the ANC model is the first in-ear pair to offer active noise cancellation without eartips. We were impressed by its performance, awarding the 'buds four stars in our review.

The flagship AirPods Pro 2 picked up the full five stars, however, and has been updated with new ANC and health features recently. We're excited to see what Apple can offer from a sequel.

We'll bring you more rumours and leaks as they arrive.

MORE:

AirPods Pro 3: release date rumours, price predictions, and 5 features we want

AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: what's the difference?

Check out the best AirPods you can buy

AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: which are better?

Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 20 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (now defunct), Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more. His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.

Read more
AirPods Pro 2 on a chair outside
AirPods Pro 3: release date rumours, price predictions, and 5 features we want
AirPods Pro 2 on a chair outside
Apple's latest patent teases major usability upgrades for the AirPods Pro line of wireless earbuds
Apple AirPods 4 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2
Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2: what are the differences?
Blue AirPods Max 2 in hand
AirPods Max 2: everything you need to know about the 2024 Apple headphones
AirPods 3 vs AirPods 4 graphic
Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: what's new and should you upgrade?
Apple AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 in a row on desk with records
Best AirPods 2025: Apple's wireless headphones ranked and rated
Latest in Wireless Earbuds
The AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 in their charging cases standing side by side on a wooden surface with a hand out flat behind them.
All three current in-ear AirPods are up to 32% off at Amazon – here's which pair you should buy
HMD amped buds in blue on a blue background
Never worry about your smartphone running out of juice again: these earbuds' charging case has a super-useful feature
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro in a black carry case, next to white and silver carry cases, on a grey background.
The world's first wi-fi earbuds are here... but there's a catch
Sony WF-C700N held in the hand
I can’t wait for new flagship Sony wireless earbuds – but I’m more excited about its leaked cheaper pair
Sony WF-C700N held in the hand
Sony WF-C700N sequel leak teases improved ANC and battery, but will they get better codec support?
Final ZE3000 SV ANC earbuds
Hate that blocked feeling? Final’s wireless earbuds have a Comfort ANC mode to help take the pressure off
Latest in News
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you
Vertere DG X turntable in black finish
Vertere's gorgeous DG X turntable features significant updates for a more refined performance overall