New AirPods 2025 Release Date: AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 Rumors

In September 2024, Apple AirPods 4th introduced at the same time the company announced that hearing aid features would come to the 2nd Generation AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max got a minor update (Lightning switched to USB-C and a color frisking). Those who hoped that AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 would launch were disappointed.

It is now almost three years since the Airpods Pro 2 was introduced in September 2022, and more than four years since the AirPods Max introduction in December 2020. Updates are long too late.

In this article, we track all the rumors of the launch date, new features and specifications and other changes that come to AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Read on for the latest news about 2025 AirPods.

We first look at the rumors and leaks regarding AirPods Pro 3 before moving on to AirPods Max 2 below (click here to jump to the AirPods Max section).

AirPods Pro 3 release date: When is AirPods Pro 3?

It would be typical to expect a September launch for AirPods Pro along with the iPhone 17. The original AirPods Pro was introduced in October 2019, AirPods 2nd Gen launched in September 2022, and these were updated with USB-C in September 2023.

In a February 2025, the Bloomberg report Mark Gurman suggested that AirPods Pro 3 was “still many months away”. However, it could still put up with a September (or October) launch.

Also in February, a non -verified delicious in a tweet claimed that there would be an AirPods Pro launch in May or June.

In May 2025, however, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that we may not see an update to AirPods until 2026. This could be related to production delays due to a new infrared camera spell said to equip AirPods with (more about it below).

AirPods Pro 3 Price: How much does AirPods Pro 3 cost?

We do not expect the price to change, although it may rise in certain parts of the world and remain the same in others.

For example, when Apple launched AirPods Pro in the UK, the price was £ 249, this award was later reduced to £ 229, so it could go back to £ 249. The price in the US has not changed since launch. Other factors may affect pricing.

Prices for the AirPods series starts at $ 129/£ 129 for AirPods 4, and rises to $ 499/£ 549 for AirPods Max:

• Apple earplugs: $ 19/£ 19
• AirPods 4: $ 129/£ 129
• AirPoids 4 with ANC: $ 179/£ 179
• AirPods Pro 2.-Gen $ 249/£ 229
• AirPods Max $ 549/£ 499

Ignoring the $ 300 prize for AirPods Max, that’s an extra $ 70 between AirPods 4 with ANC and AirPods Pro. It would be possible for Apple to increase the price of AirPods Pro if the new features made the upgrade worth.

We have a tour of the best wireless earplugs for iPhones and the best wired headphones if you would like to consider alternatives to AirPods. Also read AirPods Pro vs AirPods to find out how the models are compared.

AirPods Pro 3 features: What specifications and features will AirPods Pro 3 have?

It’s pretty easy to make predictions about the new features that come to AirPods Pro 3 just by looking at AirPods 4 and Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (Beats is an Apple-owned subsidiary). For example, PowerBeats Pro 2, which was launched in February 2025, includes heart rhythm monitoring. Read our review of PowerBeats Pro 2 and our AirPods 4 review.

As for the features that come to come to AirPods Pro 3, here is what we have heard:

Pulse monitoring: In December 2024, Gurman said Apple is working on the ears heart rhythm monitoring. This allows users to track heartbeat while exercising without having to carry an Apple Watch.

The inclusion of heartbeat monitoring in Powerbeats Pro 2 certainly indicates that the same feature will be available on AirPods Pro 3, but you can expect it to be superior. One problem with PowerBeats Pro 2 is that they cannot steam music and catch heart data at the same time. Another problem is with the interaction between the heartbeat on the Apple Watch and Powerbeats.

Temperature monitoring: Mark Gurman has also said that Apple examined in-ear temperature sensors and Apple has a patent on such technology. In-ear temperature feeling can also be faster and more reliable than those via Apple Watch.

Translation: As part of the iOS 19 update, Apple is said to add a live translation feature to AirPods. It is unknown which AirPods will be compatible, but AirPods Pro 3 is sure to be. We expect to hear more at WWDC.

Better active noise reduction: According to Mark Gurman (in October 2023), AirPods Pro 3 will contain a new H3 chip, which can lead to better active noise reduction.

Crash Detection: An Apple Patent describes a way in which motion sensors inside AirPods can help break down crashes.

AirPods Pro 3 Design: Will Apple update AirPods Pro -Design?

As mentioned above, we can look at AirPods 4 for some clues about changes that may come to AirPods Pro. Such a change related to the charging case. The AirPod 4 charging case is missing a physical setup button, instead with a sensor under the status light on the front that lights up when active.

There may be more changes coming. According to Mark Gurman (back in October 2023), AirPods Pro will have a new design. We do not expect new colors, but the buds may be further slim down.

The changes can be less visible, more tactile: a number of Apple patents indicate that Apple seeks to improve the way the touch controls work on the earplugs that work when the user wears gloves. For example, in February 2025, a patent was awarded to Apple that could enable this.

AirPods Max 2 Release Date: When is AirPods Max updated?

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote about AirPods Max in a December 2023 newsletter and said “the cans are not selling well enough for the company to invest in brand new hardware or software features”. However, it is now more than four years since Airpods Max was introduced, and with such a Premium award, Apple owes it to customers to bring AirPods Max according to their competition and other Airpod’s Apple sells.

In 2024, Mark Gurman predicted that AirPods Max would get an updated on the iPhone event. Unfortunately, the update only included a color change and a switch from lightning to USB-C connection.

Even worse, the change meant that AirPods Max could no longer be used as wired headphones (a feature of the lightning -based model). This was the case until a software update in March 2025 added this ability together with lossless and ultra low latency sound. As a result of this software update, users are now able to play lossless audio and ultra-low-latency sound through a cable connection.

Losseless audio is a key feature for audio producers, while the audio latency sound is the key to games and live streams. Both very important features for AirPods Mac.

Despite these ‘updates’, they hang over four year old headphones behind the competition and an update is long over.

The bad news is that if analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is correct, we could wait until 2027 for the second generation of AirPods Max.

AirPods Max 2 Price: How much does AirPods MAX 2?

For $ 549/£ 499 AirPods Max is an expensive purchase. The fact that they are now more than four years old makes this award look incredibly bloated. It is no wonder that they are often discounted at Amazon and elsewhere.

However, when the new models are launched, we do not expect a price change. These are designed to look after the premium headphones, on the market, and their competition has solar prices.

That said, the price in the US and the UK can enter the line, where Apple chooses to ‘match’ the price it usually does (many Apple products share one, such as $ 499/£ 499 price points), as Apple calculated based on exchange rates and local taxes.

AirPods Max 2 Specs: What specifications and features will AirPods Max 2 have

There is so much missing from He AirPods Max compared to AirPods Pro that it is easy to assume that the following will be included:

• H1 -chip upgraded to H2 (or H3)
• Adaptive sound (which combines transparency mode and ANC)
• Conversation awareness
• Conversation Boost
• Voice insulation
• Personalized volume
• Option to activate with ‘Siri’ voting command (not just ‘hey siri’)
• Custom high dynamic range amplifier
• Bluetooth 5.3 (up from Bluetooth 5.0)
• Find min

Also expect better battery life.

A patent identified in 2022 indicates that Apple is looking at detecting “Audio Howl”, which is described as distracting audio feedback.

AirPods Max 2 Design: Will Apple update AirPods Max Design?

Jason Cross/IDG

Improvements of gesture controls currently via the digital crown. Could Apple leave the digital crown in favor of touch control on the ear cups?

We could see changes in the carrier case. Ideally, it should cover the entire product and be more protective. A patent of 2022 suggested that Apple develop a better case with magnetic locks.

The Sound Show Patent, mentioned above, also refers to removable ear pads that could be reassembled using magnets.

We would also like to see a folding design and better waterproofing.

If you are eager to hear the latest rumors about Apple’s plans, the best place to start our Roundup of new Apple products is.

Those who are interested in the current interval should look at our Roundup of the best AirPods offers for the latest good deals.