Apple's Next-Gen AirPods: H3 Chip to Bring AI and Audio Enhancements

AirPods Pro 4 and AirPods 5 tipped for a big chip upgrade -- here's why

As the dust settles on a very successful AirPods Pro 3 launch, Apple already seems to be looking to upgrade the whole family with a new chip. In his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Marc Gurman reports that Apple is working on the H3 chip, the successor to the H2 chip that powers its current AirPods models. The H3 was pegged for launch with the AirPods Pro 3, but to everyone's surprise, they're powered by the tried and true H2 chip from the previous model. So why are the AirPods of the future likely to need this new chip? Two words: Apple Intelligence. With the AirPods Pro 3, Apple gave us Live Translation. It's a clever system, letting you chat with people speaking other languages while your buds translate what they're saying. Except the buds aren't doing it -- your phone is. The AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4 simply aren't clever enough to do the AI work on their own. If Apple wants buds that can process AI requests without relying on a separate device, it's going to need a new chip. So, in comes the H3. According to Gurman, Apple is currently working on the H3 chip for a future pair of AirPods Pro 3. Alongside potential AI upgrades, the new chip should also offer better audio quality and improve audio lag. Apple is also reportedly working on a new pair of budget buds in the AirPods 5, the sequel to (as you might have guessed) the AirPods 4. It would be strange to see those launch alongside the H3 chip, something generally reserved for the Pro buds, but we've been surprised before. Gurman doesn't think we're going to see the heart rate sensors of the AirPods Pro 3 on board, but we might get other health features, "including a temperature reader." He does, however, think that we might see camera modules in the buds. Those will aid their AI powers in some way, apparently -- although we'll have to wait to see them first. And, as always, we're not really sure when that's going to be.

AirPods 5 could get better audio, lower latency, and more features with upcoming H3 chip: Report

This update could help Apple strengthen its position in the premium wireless audio market. Apple is reportedly developing a next-generation H3 chip for its upcoming AirPods lineup, including the 5th-generation AirPods or AirPods 5. This custom chip is expected to deliver improved audio quality, lower latency, and deeper integration with Apple's expanding AI ecosystem. The information comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who shared details about Apple's ongoing AirPods roadmap in his Power On newsletter. Here's everything we know so far: According to the Bloomberg report, Apple's silicon team is working on the H3 chip, which could succeed the current H2 processor found in the AirPods Pro (3rd generation) and AirPods (4th generation). The H3 is expected to enable 'less lag time and better audio quality'. The former could enhance both gaming and video playback experiences. Gurman also mentioned that Apple has started developing the standard AirPods 5, which will refresh the entry-level and mid-tier models. For context, the AirPods 4 (ANC) launched in India last year at Rs 17,900. Also Read: Amazon Great Indian Festival Diwali Special Sale: Top Portable Bluetooth Speaker deals Environmental sensing While features like the heart-rate sensor may remain exclusive to the Pro line, Apple is said to be exploring new health-focused capabilities such as body temperature measurement. We have previously seen a temperature sensor in the Honor Earbuds 3 Pro and Sennheiser Momentum Sport. This sensor, combined with advanced algorithms, analyses the temperature near the user's ear canal. It can record continuous or on-demand readings and issue abnormal temperature alerts in case of fever. Users can also use this data to track exertion and recovery during workouts or outdoor activities. AI and camera-powered AirPods in the works Beyond hardware upgrades, Apple is reportedly testing ways to transform AirPods into AI-assisted devices. We have come across patent filings suggesting the idea of embedding tiny cameras in future versions. This could potentially enable advanced spatial awareness or gesture-based controls. They could use this to know if you have worn the earbuds or not. It could also aid in better fall detection and emergency responses. If accurate, the H3 chip could significantly improve the everyday user experience by cutting audio delay, improving calling and Siri interactions. The camera and environmental sensing features may take time.