AirPods Pro 4

AirPods Pro 4Release Date, Price & Specs

Last updated

Compared with AirPods Ultra, very little is known about the next AirPods Pro. Recent reporting has focused almost entirely on Apple’s premium AI earbuds, leaving the future of the Pro lineup less certain. Whether the next AirPods Pro shares those technologies or remains a more conventional upgrade is still unclear.
Also reported as AirPods Ultra (our AirPods Ultra page). One device, so the reporting record below covers every name it goes by.
Status
Reported
When you can buy it
Around August 2028
How sure we are
Uncertain
OFFICIAL STATUS
Apple has not announced AirPods Pro 4
SEP 14 · LATEST ON AIRPODS PRO 4
AirPods firmware 9A348 adds custom EQ to Pro 3 and AirPods 4

If you own AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 or AirPods Max 2, you can now tune the sound yourself and the setting travels with the earbuds. AirPods Pro 2 get the update but not the EQ, and you can't force the install.

Read the story →

Best for

Music.
Silicone tips seal your ear and active noise cancellation shuts out the room.Our own judgement. No single source states this.
Calls.
There is a microphone in each stem, so you can take calls hands-free.Our own judgement. No single source states this.
Travel.
Noise cancellation quiets a journey, and the charging case fits in a pocket.Our own judgement. No single source states this.

What will the AirPods Pro 4 have?

Comparison

Compare earbuds

How it compares

Price

$249

What it costs to buy. None of these need a subscription.

Weight

5.6g

Grams in your ears. Lower is lighter.

Battery life

~8 hrs

How long it lasts on its own, away from a charger.

Cost over 3 years

AirPods Pro 3
$249
AirPods 5
$129
AirPods 4
$129
Pixel Buds 2a
$129
Galaxy Buds 4
$179.99

Battery life

AirPods Pro 3
~8 hrs
Pixel Buds 2a
10 hrs
Pixel Buds Pro 2
8 hrs
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
6 hrs
Galaxy Buds 3 FE
6 hrs

Current list prices.

One earbud, not the pair, and not the case.

Battery life can vary based on usage, settings and firmware version.

Expected release date

An average of 1076 days between updates.

AirPods Pro 4 release date

1059 days1092 daysexpected~1047 daysOct 30, 2019AirPods Pro (1st generation)Sep 23, 2022AirPods Pro (2nd generation)Sep 19, 2025AirPods Pro 3Around August 2028AirPods Pro 420192020202120222023202420252026202720282029
ShippedExpected

An average of 1076 days between updates.

GenerationOn saleGap
AirPods Pro (1st generation)Oct 30, 2019first
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)Sep 23, 20221059 days
AirPods Pro 3Sep 19, 20251092 days
AirPods Pro 4 (expected)Around August 2028expected

Quick answers

All FAQs

Quick answers

How much will AirPods Pro 4 cost?
Unknown. AirPods Pro 3 launched at $249. If Pro 4 adds cameras, it could be $299 and sold alongside Pro 3 at $249. If cameras go to AirPods Ultra only, Pro 4 would likely stay at $249.
When does AirPods Pro 4 come out?
Uncertain. Gurman said in June that a camera-equipped model, code-named B798, was delayed to a 2027 launch. In early August he said a related version, B790, was progressing and could ship sooner, but after references to B790 turned up in code in mid-August, Gurman said the AirPods were no longer on Apple's release schedule, and Apple has no plans to release camera-equipped AirPods before 2027. Nothing is confirmed.
Should I buy AirPods Pro 3 now or wait for Pro 4?
Buy AirPods Pro 3 now. It's excellent already: heart rate sensing, the FDA-authorized Hearing Aid feature, up to 8 hours of ANC battery life, and Live Translation. Almost nothing specific is confirmed yet about the next AirPods Pro, so there's no clear feature to wait for.

Get AirPods Pro 4 updates

Email me when there's news.

Available nowAirPods 5$129Guide News
Available nowAirPods Pro 3$249Guide News
Available nowGalaxy Buds 4 Pro$249Guide News
Available nowSamsung Galaxy Buds 4$179Guide News
Expectations view

Timing and release

A higher-end camera version is expected in 2026

Instant Digital describes it as a higher-end AirPods Pro 3 variant.

Contested
62% track record
1 source → 5 outlets
Read our overview

Camera

A camera may go in each earbud

A camera in each earbud may let them see around you.

Reported
67% track record
1 source → 8 outlets
Read our overview
Report record
37 of 40 still open, 1 can’t be checked.
  • 1 Right
  • 1 Wrong
  • 38 Not checked
View all records
  1. AUG 312026
    OutletOpenNo outcome yet
    The cameras find which screen you are watching
    Source: The Mac Observer
    Record
  2. AUG 312026
    LeakerOpenNever settled
    Mactracker found code putting the camera AirPods' screen detection ahead of Face ID for spatial audio head tracking.
    Sources: Mactracker, MacRumors
    Record
  3. AUG 212026
    OutletOpenNever settled
    macOS Tahoe 26.7 code shows the camera AirPods capturing paired stills, with a capture light and on-device person detection.
    Source: MacRumors
    Record
  4. AUG 182026
    OutletOpenNo outcome yet
    Setup requires a Secure Pairing step
    Source: Digital Trends
    Record
  5. AUG 172026
    OutletClosedRight
    Apple embedded a demo video for its camera AirPods in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate.
    Sources: MacRumors, 9to5Mac
    Record
  6. AUG 72026
    OtherOpenNever settled
    Apple code identified a camera-equipped AirPods product with the codename B790.
    Sources: Original source unclear, MacRumors
    Record
  7. AUG 72026
    JournalistOpenNever settled
    A small LED was expected to indicate when the earbud cameras were active.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  8. AUG 72026
    JournalistOpenNever settled
    The cameras were expected to function as eyes for Siri.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  9. AUG 72026
    JournalistOpenNever settled
    Tiny infrared cameras were expected in both the left and right earbuds.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  10. AUG 72026
    JournalistOpenNever settled
    The camera-equipped AirPods were expected to have a design similar to AirPods Pro 3.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  11. AUG 72026
    JournalistClosedWrong
    Camera-equipped AirPods could be unveiled as soon as September 2026.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  12. AUG 22026
    JournalistUncertainNot comparable
    Gurman reported a second AirPods project, B790, is progressing alongside camera model B798 and could ship in 2026.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  13. JUL 32026
    LeakerOpenNever settled
    Kosutami claimed that development of the camera-equipped AirPods Pro had been suspended.
    Sources: Kosutami, MacRumors
    Record
  14. JUN 162026
    JournalistOpenNo outcome yet
    Gurman reported that B798 camera AirPods had slipped from 2026 to a fluid late-2027 target.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, 9to5Mac
    Record
  15. MAY 82026
    OutletOpenNo outcome yet
    An LED lights when data goes to the cloud
    Sources: Bloomberg, Gizmodo · recorded as Gizmodo
    Record
  16. MAY 72026
    JournalistOpenNo outcome yet
    Gurman reported that camera-equipped AirPods had reached advanced testing, with an infrared camera in each earbud.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  17. APR 302026
    JournalistOpenNo outcome yet
    The camera-equipped AirPods were not expected to support hand gestures.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  18. APR 302026
    JournalistOpenNo outcome yet
    The infrared cameras were expected to enhance Visual Intelligence on compatible iPhones.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  19. APR 302026
    JournalistOpenNo outcome yet
    The infrared cameras were expected to feed information about the wearer's surroundings to Siri.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  20. APR 302026
    JournalistOpenNo outcome yet
    The AirPods cameras were expected to be infrared sensors rather than photo or video cameras.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  21. APR 302026
    JournalistOpenNo outcome yet
    Apple was considering the AirPods Ultra name for the camera-equipped AirPods.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  22. APR 302026
    JournalistOpenNo outcome yet
    The camera-equipped AirPods were expected to be priced above the $249 AirPods Pro 3.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  23. APR 302026
    JournalistOpenNo outcome yet
    Apple was planning new AirPods with cameras for Siri.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  24. MAR 92026
    JournalistOpenNever settled
    Gurman reported that the camera-equipped AirPods would likely be priced above AirPods Pro 3.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, MacRumors
    Record
  25. FEB 172026
    JournalistOpenNo outcome yet
    Gurman reported that Apple was accelerating camera-equipped AirPods built around Siri.
    Sources: Mark Gurman, 9to5Mac
    Record
  26. FEB 92026
    LeakerOpenNever settled
    Kosutami claimed that the next AirPods Pro would use cameras in both earbuds to 'see around' the wearer.
    Sources: Kosutami, MacRumors
    Record
  27. OCT 132025
    OutletOpenNo outcome yet
    An H3 chip is coming, debut model unconfirmed
    Sources: Mark Gurman, Cult of Mac · recorded as Cult of Mac
    Record
  28. SEP 82025
    LeakerOpenNo outcome yet
    The higher-end 2026 AirPods Pro was expected to cost more than $249.
    Sources: Instant Digital, MacRumors
    Record
  29. SEP 82025
    LeakerOpenNo outcome yet
    Apple could remove pressure sensors from the higher-end 2026 AirPods Pro and rely on gesture controls instead.
    Sources: Instant Digital, MacRumors
    Record
  30. SEP 82025
    LeakerOpenNo outcome yet
    The higher-end 2026 AirPods Pro was expected to use an infrared camera for gesture controls.
    Sources: Instant Digital, MacRumors
    Record
  31. SEP 82025
    LeakerOpenNo outcome yet
    Apple was expected to sell the 2026 higher-end AirPods Pro alongside AirPods Pro 3.
    Sources: Instant Digital, MacRumors
    Record
  32. SEP 82025
    LeakerOpenNo outcome yet
    The 2026 AirPods Pro was expected to be a higher-end variant of AirPods Pro 3 rather than a wholly new generation.
    Sources: Instant Digital, MacRumors
    Record
  33. SEP 82025
    AnalystOpenNo outcome yet
    AirPods with infrared cameras could provide an enhanced spatial-audio experience with Apple Vision Pro.
    Sources: Ming-Chi Kuo, MacRumors
    Record
  34. SEP 82025
    AnalystOpenNo outcome yet
    AirPods with infrared cameras could recognize hand gestures.
    Sources: Ming-Chi Kuo, MacRumors
    Record
  35. SEP 82025
    AnalystOpenNo outcome yet
    The 2026 AirPods Pro was expected to receive a more significant hardware upgrade with at least one tiny infrared camera.
    Sources: Ming-Chi Kuo, MacRumors
    Record
  36. SEP 82025
    AnalystOpenNo outcome yet
    Apple planned to introduce a successor to the 2025 AirPods Pro in 2026.
    Sources: Ming-Chi Kuo, MacRumors
    Record
  37. SEP 82025
    LeakerOpenNo outcome yet
    Instant Digital claimed that Apple planned a higher-end camera-equipped AirPods Pro 3 variant for 2026.
    Sources: Instant Digital, 9to5Mac
    Record
  38. SEP 72025
    OtherOpenNo outcome yet
    AirPods Pro are expected to add at least one infrared camera in 2026
    Sources: Ming-Chi Kuo, X
    Record
  39. SEP 72025
    AnalystOpenNo outcome yet
    Kuo said a 2026 AirPods Pro model would follow AirPods Pro 3 with at least one infrared camera.
    Sources: Ming-Chi Kuo, MacRumors
    Record
  40. JUN 302024
    AnalystOpenNever settled
    Kuo said AirPods with infrared cameras could enable in-air gesture control.
    Sources: Ming-Chi Kuo, Tom's Guide
    Record
Oct 25, 2023 · First sign of it
Bloomberg places the next AirPods Pro refresh in 2025
Bloomberg reported a broad AirPods overhaul that included a new Pro model in the year after the planned 2024 entry-level refresh. The report put the next AirPods Pro generation on a 2025 track well before product-specific feature leaks arrived.
Feb 13, 2025 · New feature
Heart-rate monitoring is reported as ready for AirPods Pro 3
9to5Mac summarized Mark Gurman’s health-sensor reporting and said heart-rate monitoring was the feature expected to be ready for AirPods Pro 3. This moved the health story from a general future-AirPods project to a concrete expectation for this generation.
Aug 26, 2025 · Design and hardware
A case leak says the pairing button is going away
9to5Mac preserved an Asher Dipprey post claiming the AirPods Pro 3 case would shrink slightly and lose its physical pairing button. The same post said pairing would instead be handled by tapping the case, matching the tracked design claim in the brief.
Sep 1, 2025 · New feature
An anonymous tip claims in-ear temperature sensing
9to5Mac reported an anonymous tip that AirPods Pro 3 would contain a second health sensor for temperature sensing in addition to heart-rate hardware. The report treated the temperature feature as less certain and warned that not every rumored feature might be ready at launch.
Sep 8, 2025 · Others confirmed it
Gurman says not to expect major audio or ANC changes
On the eve of Apple’s event, Mark Gurman posted that he still expected AirPods Pro 3 with heart-rate monitoring, a revised fit and a revamped case. He also said he did not expect major audio or active-noise-cancellation improvements, preserving the final pre-launch version of that tracked claim.
Sep 9, 2025 · Announced
Apple announces AirPods Pro 3
Apple formally announced AirPods Pro 3 on September 9 and confirmed heart-rate sensing during workouts. Apple also set September 19 availability, moving the generation from rumor to an official product.
Sep 19, 2025 · Went on sale
AirPods Pro 3 go on sale
AirPods Pro 3 became available from retailers and online on September 19, matching the release date already held in the brief. The launch completed the three-year refresh cycle first reported in 2023.
Jul 15, 2026 · New feature
A public beta adds custom EQ to AirPods Pro 3
A 2026 AirPods public-beta firmware added custom EQ support to AirPods Pro 3 alongside other supported models. Because the feature was still in beta, this is recorded as a post-launch software development rather than a new shipping milestone.
Oct 30, 2019 · Went on sale
AirPods Pro launched, first Pro model
Apple launched the first AirPods Pro at $249, introducing active noise cancellation, a sealed in-ear design with silicone tips, and Transparency mode to the AirPods line. The H1 chip powered always-on Hey Siri.
Sep 23, 2022 · Went on sale
AirPods Pro 2 launched, H2 chip, 2x ANC
AirPods Pro 2 introduced the H2 chip, 2x better ANC than Pro 1, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and a MagSafe case with a built-in speaker for Find My. Priced at $249.
Sep 2024 · New feature
FDA Hearing Aid clearance
Apple received FDA clearance for the over-the-counter Hearing Aid feature on AirPods Pro 2, making it the first consumer earbuds with FDA-cleared hearing aid capability. The feature launched with iOS 18 for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Sep 19, 2025 · Went on sale
AirPods Pro 3 launched, heart rate, 2x ANC
Apple launched AirPods Pro 3 at $249 with in-ear heart rate monitoring, 2x stronger ANC than Pro 2, new multiport acoustic architecture, foam-infused silicone tips in 5 sizes, IP57 water resistance, and Live Translation. H2 chip retained from Pro 2. Shipped September 19.
Jun 2026 · New feature
iOS 27: Workout Buddy and expanded Apple Intelligence
WWDC 2026 brought Workout Buddy to AirPods Pro 3, an Apple Intelligence-powered fitness coach that gives real-time guidance during workouts using heart rate data. Live Translation expanded to more languages.

Do new AirPods Pro turn up at Apple's September event?

Readers got this one wrong — 1 vote

Expected price: about $249

Our estimate

Price compared to others

Price compared to others

AirPods Pro 3
$249
AirPods 5
$129
AirPods 4
$129
Pixel Buds 2a
$129
Galaxy Buds 4
$179.99
Pixel Buds Pro 2
$229

Reveal to on sale

How long after the reveal can you actually buy one?

AirPods Pro (1st gen)2 days
AirPods Pro (2nd gen)16 days
AirPods Pro 310 days
AirPods Pro 4?  on-sale date not reported

The gap has ranged from 2 days (AirPods Pro (1st generation)) to 16 days (AirPods Pro (2nd generation)).

Available nowAirPods 5$129Guide News
Available nowAirPods Pro 3$249Guide News
Available nowGalaxy Buds 4 Pro$249Guide News
Available nowSamsung Galaxy Buds 4$179Guide News

Frequently asked questions

Questions about AirPods Pro 4

Top questions

How much will AirPods Pro 4 cost?
Unknown. AirPods Pro 3 launched at $249. If Pro 4 adds cameras, it could be $299 and sold alongside Pro 3 at $249. If cameras go to AirPods Ultra only, Pro 4 would likely stay at $249.
When does AirPods Pro 4 come out?
Uncertain. Gurman said in June that a camera-equipped model, code-named B798, was delayed to a 2027 launch. In early August he said a related version, B790, was progressing and could ship sooner, but after references to B790 turned up in code in mid-August, Gurman said the AirPods were no longer on Apple's release schedule, and Apple has no plans to release camera-equipped AirPods before 2027. Nothing is confirmed.
Should I buy AirPods Pro 3 now or wait for Pro 4?
Buy AirPods Pro 3 now. It's excellent already: heart rate sensing, the FDA-authorized Hearing Aid feature, up to 8 hours of ANC battery life, and Live Translation. Almost nothing specific is confirmed yet about the next AirPods Pro, so there's no clear feature to wait for.
Does AirPods Pro 4 have cameras?
Unclear. Some reports describe a camera model similar to AirPods Ultra, and it's possible the two are actually the same reported device with an unsettled name. Nothing is confirmed either way.

Using it

Subscription required?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: a subscription is required for Apple Fitness+.
Does it have noise cancelling?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: yes, it cancels noise.
What does it cost?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: it costs $249. That is the list price.
Does it work with my phone?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: it works fully with an iPhone and partly with Android. It pairs with Android, but the app and the iPhone-only features are not there.
How heavy is it?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: it weighs 5.55g.
How good is the camera?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: it has no camera.
How does it connect?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: it connects over Bluetooth 5.3.
What chip is inside?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: it runs on Apple H2.
Does it do spatial audio?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: yes, it does spatial audio.
Can I control it with gestures?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: yes, you can control it with gestures.
Can it see and answer questions about what I am looking at?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: no, it cannot see what you are looking at.

Sizing and fit

How do I pick the right size?
If the ear tip feels too large in your ear or is uncomfortable, try a smaller ear tip.

Battery and charging

How do I charge it?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: airPods shut down and charge whenever they're in the case with the lid closed. Put your AirPods in their case.
How do I reset it?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: put your AirPods in their charging case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds. Double-tap the front of the case while the status light is on. Double-tap again when the status light flashes white. Double-tap a third time when the status light flashes faster. When the status light flashes amber, then flashes white, you can follow the steps on your device's screen to reconnect your AirPods.
How do I set it up?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: with your AirPods in the charging case, open the charging case, and hold it next to your iPhone. For AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 (both models), and AirPods 5 (both models), double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white.
How do I update it?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: firmware updates are delivered automatically while your AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi. Make sure that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is on.
How do I look after the battery?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: airPods Pro 3 learn from your daily usage and determine when to charge to an optimized limit and when to allow for a full charge. The limit adapts to your daily usage and preserves your battery lifespan over time. To fully charge your AirPods Pro 3, turn off Optimize Charge Limit, then tap Turn Off Until Tomorrow, or tap Turn Off to turn off the setting entirely.
Is it water resistant?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: dust, sweat, and water resistant (IP57): AirPods Pro and charging case
How long does the battery last?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: it runs 24 hours with the case and noise cancelling on. That is 10 hours in hearing aid mode, and 8 hours of listening with noise cancelling on.

Water

How do I clean it?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: you can clean the encircled meshes on your AirPods Pro 3, including the bottom mic. Place your thumb or index finger over the ear tip hole of each AirPod to seal it. Don't run your AirPods Pro under water, and don't use sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean your AirPods Pro.
Can it get wet (shower, pool, swimming)?
AirPods Pro 3, the current model: yes, it survives a shower and a soaking. Its rating is IP57. It holds up for thirty minutes at one metre. Swimming laps and diving need a different rating, and it does not carry one.

Price and models

When will the AirPods Pro 4 come out?
Expected around August 2028. It has not been announced. Basis: cadence estimate.

AirPods firmware 9A348 adds custom EQ to Pro 3 and AirPods 4

If you own AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 or AirPods Max 2, you can now tune the sound yourself and the setting travels with the earbuds. AirPods Pro 2 get the update but not the EQ, and you can't force the install.

The AirPods 5 codenames leaked out of macOS 26.7

B868M and B868E sit one increment above the shipping AirPods 4, splitting the next generation into a plain pair and one with active noise cancellation. No date came with them.

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