After months of mixed reports and shifting predictions, it looks like AirPods Pro 3 are finally locked in for a fall 2025 launch. That’s according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who dropped the long-anticipated update in his latest Power On newsletter just in time for Apple’s next hardware wave.
Gurman says AirPods Pro 3 are coming this fall
Gurman’s weekend newsletter was mostly a recap of expected product drops, including Apple Watch refreshes and M5-powered iPad Pros. But buried in the list was the news AirPods fans have been waiting for: the next-gen AirPods Pro are back on the fall docket.
According to Gurman, we should expect “new AirPods Pro earbuds,” potentially the same ones he previously reported would feature heart-rate monitoring and other health-focused upgrades.
Apple plans a 3-year iPhone redesign with iPhone Air in 2025, a foldable model in 2026, and a curved-glass iPhone 20 in 2027.
Conflicting timelines had cast doubt
Until now, AirPods Pro 3 were stuck in a fog of conflicting analyst reports. Apple typically updates its Pro earbuds every three years, which would line up with a 2025 launch. But earlier this year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo threw cold water on that timeline, suggesting that “significant updates” may not arrive until 2026.
The uncertainty deepened when other analysts echoed Kuo’s claim. At the same time, iOS 26 code leaks hinted at new AirPods models brewing for next year, suggesting that the wait might not be so long after all.
Why this update matters now
Gurman’s latest report changes the temperature. His reporting is often a leading indicator of Apple’s actual plans. His previous silence on the Pro 3 was a red flag for hopeful buyers. With that silence broken, there’s now real weight behind a fall reveal.
If the timeline holds, that would mean AirPods Pro 3 could debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup and possibly even the rumored iPhone Air in just a few weeks.
What to expect from AirPods Pro 3
While exact specs remain under wraps, previous leaks and reports suggest the Pro 3 could bring:
- Heart-rate tracking
- A redesigned H3 chip for better audio and connectivity
- New adaptive audio features
- Continued support for USB-C charging
The AirPods Pro 2 USB-C model was widely praised for hitting the sweet spot in design and performance. Apple will have to thread the needle carefully if it wants to make Pro 3 feel like a true upgrade rather than just another iteration.
New buds, right on schedule
With Gurman now on record, AirPods Pro 3 are no longer a wildcard. They’re back on the radar and likely just weeks away from an official unveiling. For fans who’ve been holding out, the wait might finally be over.
