Details continue to emerge about Apple’s next-generation premium earbuds, widely referred to as “AirPods Ultra” and sometimes described in leaks as fourth-generation AirPods Pro. The next-gen earbuds reportedly will bring a significant jump forward, including adding cameras and health-monitoring features. And they aren’t too far away.
Here’s what to expect.
AirPods Ultra rather than AirPods Pro 4?
AirPods Pro 3 launched in fall 2025, and rumors of a follow-up began circulating almost immediately. That’s surprising — the usual span of time between new models is about three years.
But it seems the leaks aren’t about a fourth-generation model. Instead, Apple is apparently working on a very advanced version that many expect to be the first in a new “AirPods Ultra” line.
The high-end earbuds supposedly will be joined by a folding “iPhone Ultra” as well as a “MacBook Ultra” with a touchscreen. The name change indicates a notable leap forward rather than a routine update, as previously happened with Apple Watch Ultra.
Apple’s first AI device?
iOS 27 reportedly will upgrade the Siri voice assistant into an AI-powered chatbot. Apple advertising will surely position AirPods Ultra as the best option to access this AI wherever it’s needed. To be clear, Siri will run on the user’s iPhone or Mac, not the earbuds.
Looking ahead, the AirPods Ultra could even function as a lightweight, screen-free interface for Apple’s AI, greatly reducing how often users need to look at their iPhones. Far beyond simply controlling music playback, voice commands to the AI could summon driving directions, send and receive texts, and much more.
Cameras? Really?!?
Early reports that Apple might build cameras into the AirPods Ultra might make people chuckle at the idea of taking pictures with their ears. But the cams reportedly won’t be intended for that.
Instead, they will give the Siri AI a way to see the world around the user. They would let wearers easily make use of Apple’s own visual intelligence feature. With the current version, users point an iPhone camera at an object in the real world to receive an explanation for it. The AI feature can read and summarize text, identify objects, translate languages on signs and more.
Building low-res cameras into AirPods Ultra could let this happen almost seamlessly.
Beyond that, multiple reports indicate these cameras will function as depth and proximity sensors. That fostered speculation that the earbuds might also support gesture detection, allowing iPhone users to control audio playback by moving their hands in specific patterns. There might be no more need to squeeze the earbuds’ stems — assuming Apple can get the tech to work reliably.
More health-monitoring features
AirPods Pro 3 brought the first health-related feature to Apple’s earbuds: heart rate monitoring. The upcoming Ultra version is expected to build on that. Unconfirmed reports point to improved heart rate monitoring plus the possible addition of body temperature tracking.
More broadly, rumors indicate the earbuds will deepen Apple’s “hearing health” push as well, with features like hearing tests and additional protection from loud environments.
If accurate, these moves would continue Apple’s goal of turning everyday accessories into passive health monitoring tools.
Better audio, of course
Audio performance is expected to improve in the AirPods Ultra, potentially through a new H3 wireless chip that enhances both sound quality and connectivity. But that’s par for the course for new AirPods — audio quality keeps improving with each new generation.
Plus, leaks coming out of Cupertino mention better active noise cancellation and more adaptive transparency modes, refining features that have become central to the AirPods Pro line.
And no one should be surprised that Apple is supposedly working to improve AirPods battery life, a key area of competition in the premium earbud market.
Start saving your money
For now, the AirPods Ultra earbuds remain firmly in the realm of speculation. But taken together, the leaks suggest Apple is preparing a more ambitious update than usual, one that could blur the line between audio accessory and health device while deepening the earbuds’ role in the company’s expanding ecosystem.
Of course, the additional features likely will lead to a higher price than the current AirPods Pro, which retail for $249. Estimates generally come in around $299, but AirPods Ultra could cost even more.
As for the launch timing, rumors suggest the earbuds could debut as soon as September alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro and the first folding iPhone. But they could arrive later, of course. With the earliest possible release still months away, it’s too early for anyone to be able to give a reliable launch window.
And if Apple really does sell the earbuds as “AirPods Ultra,” do not expect them to replace AirPods Pro 3 in the lineup. This is apparently a new third tier of earbuds.
