Bad news for anyone hoping to see new AirPods this year. A new report suggests the AirPods Pro 3 delay is real—and we might not see a new model until 2026.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has no plans to launch the third-gen AirPods Pro in 2025. Production is now expected to begin sometime in 2026. Kuo also claims that the next-gen earbuds will feature built-in infrared cameras. This could enable new visionOS and spatial audio experiences down the line.

That’s a big shift from what some earlier leaks suggested. Just days ago, code found in a recent Apple software release changed references from “AirPods Pro 2nd Generation” to “AirPods Pro 2 or later.” This fueled rumors that the AirPods Pro 3 could be announced as soon as WWDC 2025.

There’s also conflicting chatter from other sources. Reports have pointed to a 2025 launch. It will come with upgrades like a new H3 chip, better active noise cancellation, and even a heart rate sensor. This is the same one recently added to the Powerbeats Pro 4. Some rumors even hinted that Apple would unveil the new model alongside the iPhone 17 lineup in September.

If Kuo’s prediction holds, Apple’s most premium earbuds will go four years without a major hardware refresh. That’s unusually long for a product category that’s still one of Apple’s biggest money-makers.

Refurbished AirPods Pro 2 – a good alternative

If you’re not interested in waiting until 2026, it might be worth picking up the current-gen model while it’s on sale. The AirPods Pro 2 (refurbished) are going for just $199 right now on Amazon! That’s 20% off the original $249 price, and a solid value if you want the best Apple earbuds available today without paying full retail.

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