AirPods Pro 3 Rumor Roundup: A Charging Case With Touch Controls

AirPods Pro 3 Rumor Roundup: A Charging Case With Touch Controls

Apple’s AirPods Pro lineup might be in for a big design shake-up—but not in the earbuds themselves. Instead, the next-generation AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to ship with a redesigned charging case that swaps the classic pairing button for futuristic touch controls.

Goodbye Button, Hello Tap

According to reliable leakers @asherdipps and @majinbuofficial, Apple is reportedly ditching the physical pairing button we’ve known since the first AirPods.

In its place?

  • Touch controls on the front of the case.

  • Pairing with a simple tap.

  • Possible playback controls (play, pause, skip) built directly into the case itself.

This would not only simplify the design but also reduce mechanical parts, potentially making the case more durable in the long run.

Same Size or Slimmer?

The rumor mill isn’t fully aligned on the case’s size:

  • One source suggests a slightly smaller design.

  • Another points to accessory maker dimensions showing it’s almost identical to today’s case.

One thing seems certain: the lanyard loop is sticking around.

When Will AirPods Pro 3 Launch?

The timeline is a bit messy:

  • Mark Gurman (Bloomberg): AirPods Pro 3 are in Apple’s fall pipeline.

  • Jeff Pu (Analyst): No mass production until 2026.

  • Ming-Chi Kuo: Also points to 2026 for new hardware.

That means even if Apple teases the AirPods Pro 3 soon, we may not see them until much later.

Software Upgrades Are Coming First

While we wait for the next-gen hardware, AirPods Pro 2 are getting some exciting new tricks this fall:

  • Studio-quality audio recording 🎙

  • Remote camera control 📸

  • Improved voice isolation for calls

  • Auto-pause when you fall asleep 😴

  • Smarter switching with CarPlay 🚗

So if you own the current AirPods Pro, they’re about to get a nice upgrade without you spending another dime.

Current Deals

  • AirPods Pro 2: $199 ($50 off)

  • AirPods 4 with ANC: $148.99 ($30 off)

  • AirPods 4: $89 ($40 off)

(Pro tip: you can track Apple deals with price trackers to snag the lowest price history.)

Final Thoughts

If the rumors are true, the AirPods Pro 3 charging case could be the star of the show—a small but meaningful design change that makes pairing and playback even more seamless.

The big question: Will we see them this fall, or will we be waiting until 2026?

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