AirPods Ultra: All the rumors at a glance

Apple is apparently planning a completely new product category: AirPods with infrared cameras. What was previously only science fiction—headphones that can see their surroundings—could become reality in the fall of 2026. The new model is expected to be positioned above the AirPods Pro 3 and may be called AirPods Ultra.

The AirPods Pro 3 were released in September 2025, bringing improved sound, stronger ANC, and, for the first time, heart rate monitoring. However, they still use the H2 chip from 2022. In our AirPods buying guide: Pro 3 vs. AirPods 4 vs. Max 2, we compared the current selection.

Now, reports from Ming-Chi Kuo, Mark Gurman, and several Weibo leakers suggest that Apple will launch a premium model in 2026 featuring IR cameras and the new H3 chip. This would be the biggest addition to the AirPods line since its introduction in 2016.

The most important points in brief

Detail	Expectation
Product	Higher-priced AirPods Pro 3 with IR cameras, possibly "AirPods Ultra"
Release	September or October 2026
Chip	H3 (new generation)
Cameras	Infrared sensors for visual intelligence and gesture control
Price	Estimated price: €299–349 (next to AirPods Pro 3 for €249)
Replaces	Nothing – the AirPods Pro 3 will remain in the product range alongside the new models.

Name: AirPods Ultra or AirPods Pro 3 with cameras?

Apple has not yet made a decision. Two scenarios are being discussed:

Option 1: Two versions of the AirPods Pro 3 – with and without cameras. Similar to the AirPods 4, which are available with and without ANC.

Option 2: A standalone product called AirPods Ultra. Mark Gurman considers this option likely. Apple already uses the "Ultra" label for the Apple Watch Ultra, for chips (M-Ultra), and for CarPlay Ultra. A price above the AirPods Pro 3 would create a new premium tier in the AirPods lineup – between the Pro 3 (€249) and the AirPods Max 2 (€579).

Cameras: What can they do – and what can't they do?

The IR cameras in the AirPods Ultra are not photo or video cameras. They are infrared sensors, similar to the iPhone's Face ID system. They detect the surroundings but do not take any visible photos or videos.

Expected features:

Visual Intelligence: The cameras provide environmental data to Siri and Apple Intelligence – without taking the iPhone out of your pocket. Object recognition, text recognition, and contextual information are made possible directly via the AirPods.
Gesture control in the air: Instead of pressing the stick, hand movements could suffice – pause, resume, accept. Some reports suggest that Apple could completely replace the pressure-sensitive sticks with gesture recognition.
Spatial Audio with Vision Pro: Improved head tracking and spatial perception through the combination of IR sensors and the H3 chip. This would make the AirPods Ultra an ideal companion for Apple's AR headset.

Leaker Kosutami summed it up perfectly: The next AirPods Pro "can see around you" and are "connected to Apple Intelligence".

Chip: H3 for more performance

The AirPods Pro 3 still use the H2 chip from 2022 – despite new features. The AirPods Ultra are expected to receive the new H3 chip, which, according to Gurman, is already in development.

Expected improvements:

Better sound quality and lower latency
Performance for real-time gesture processing and IR data analysis
Improved energy efficiency for acceptable battery life despite additional sensors
Stronger connection with iPhone 18 Pro and Vision Pro

Health features

The AirPods Pro 3 already introduced heart rate monitoring and hearing tests. With the H3 chip and additional sensors, the AirPods Ultra could offer further health features – such as expanded fitness data or improved ambient noise analysis. However, specific details are not yet known.

Price and positioning

The AirPods Ultra would fill a gap in the AirPods lineup:

Model	Price (DE)
AirPods 4	from €149
AirPods 4 with ANC	from €199
AirPods Pro 3	249 €
AirPods Ultra (expected)	€299–349
AirPods Max 2	579 €

The AirPods Pro 3 will remain available for purchase – just as the AirPods 4 will exist side-by-side with and without ANC. Those who don't need IR cameras should continue to choose the Pro 3.

Release: When will the AirPods Ultra be released?

September or October 2026 is the most likely timeframe – along with the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone Ultra, and the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo confirmed that IR camera AirPods are expected to enter mass production in 2026.

AirPods Ultra: Who should wait for them?

The AirPods Ultra are not a replacement for the AirPods Pro 3. Anyone simply looking for good headphones with ANC will be perfectly happy with the Pro 3. The Ultra are aimed at users who actively use Apple Intelligence, own a Vision Pro, or are interested in Apple's future in gesture control and spatial computing.

Anyone looking to buy new AirPods right now can confidently opt for the Pro 3 – they'll remain in the product line and continue to receive software updates. However, those waiting for the next big innovation in Apple headphones should keep an eye on fall 2026. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Mohd Syis Zulkipli)