Apple has started developing a new H3 chip for future AirPods models, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported. The news follows the launch of the AirPods Pro 3 last month, which used the 2022 H2 chip.
In his “Power On” newsletter, Gurman states that Apple’s silicon group is working on the H3 chip. The chip is designed for less lag time and better audio quality, according to Gurman. No specific timeline for its release was provided.
With the AirPods Pro 3 out, Apple has turned its development attention to another new version of its high-end in-ear buds. The H3 chip could debut in a version of the AirPods Pro 3 equipped with IR cameras, expected to be released next year. However, it is unlikely that a model still under the “AirPods Pro 3” name would contain a higher-end chip.
In addition to the H3 chip, Apple is working on a new entry-level model, the AirPods 5. This follows the reported launch of the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation last year. Both entry-level tiers are expected to receive an update. Gurman does not anticipate that the heart-rate monitor featured in the AirPods Pro 3 will be included in the AirPods 5.
The report mentions that Apple is looking to add more health features to its audio products, such as a temperature reader, but it is unclear if this feature is planned for the AirPods 5. No launch timeline for the AirPods 5 was provided, though it is described as a modest update that could potentially use the new H3 chip.
The AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are currently listed on sale for $89 and $119, respectively.
