You will seemingly have to wait longer than anticipated for Apple’s next-gen AirPods Pro. The company will supposedly only refresh its flagship earbuds in 2026.

“AirPods may not see significant updates until 2026, ” said Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

AirPods Pro refresh could be a year away

Apple dropped the last major AirPods Pro refresh in September 2022, packing major upgrades. This included a new H2 chip, better Active Noise Cancelation (ANC), improved audio quality and more. A year later, the company again updated the earbuds, only to replace the Lightning connector with USB-C.

Multiple rumors pointed to the AirPods Pro getting a refresh later this year. But it seems that might not be the case. TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple will only refresh the AirPods in 2026. The next-gen model will feature an IR-equipped camera, likely for in-air hand gesture support.

Kuo first predicted nearly two years ago that Apple would launch AirPods with built-in IR cameras in 2026. However, rumors suggested that the company could refresh the current model with other changes before that. It seems that might not happen. The lack of rumors regarding a potential AirPods Pro 3 unveiling later this year adds credence to Kuo’s theory.

Despite its age, Apple keeps improving the AirPods Pro, though. With iOS 18 last year, it added features like voice isolation, head gestures, personalized spatial audio for gaming, lower latency, etc. It also turned the AirPods Pro into surprisingly capable hearing aids.

Lighter AirPods Max might arrive in 2027

Apple is also working on an AirPods Max refresh. The new model will supposedly be lighter, with Kuo predicting they will enter mass production in 2027.

The company’s flagship headphones only received a visual overhaul in September 2024, with new color options and a USB-C port. Otherwise, the $549 headphones remain unchanged from their initial launch in December 2020.