The next high-end AirPods are expected to use a new H3 chip

What to know

Apple's next high-end AirPods could use a new H3 chip, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who reported in October 2025 that Apple's silicon group is working on it.

Gurman said the chip is designed to cut lag and improve sound quality. Tom's Guide later reported the H3 could also bring better voice isolation on calls, better noise cancellation and better spatial audio.

Apple has not announced AirPods 5 or the H3 chip.