AirPods Ultra Launch 'As Soon as Next Month' at $299–$349 With IR Cameras and H3 Chip

Apple{"'"}s AirPods Ultra could arrive "as soon as next month," according to MacRumors. The earbuds — previously referred to as AirPods Pro 4 — are expected to debut alongside iPhone 18 at Apple{"'"}s September event.

What{"'"}s Confirmed

• IR cameras: Tiny infrared cameras built into both earbuds, enabling Visual Intelligence — Siri can see and identify objects, assist with navigation, and provide contextual reminders
• H3 chip: A new processor to handle infrared input, real-time AI processing, and enhanced spatial audio
• Price: Expected between $299 and $349, above the current AirPods Pro 3 at $249
• Launch: September 2026 event, with early mass production reportedly beginning soon

What the Cameras Won{"'"}t Do

The IR cameras are not designed for video recording or live streaming. They capture low-resolution infrared images to identify objects, scan environments, and feed context to Siri. Think of them as eyes for the AI assistant rather than a camera you{"'"}d use to take photos.

How It Compares

• vs. AirPods Pro 3 ($199–$249): Pro 3 lacks cameras and uses the H2 chip. At $199 on Amazon, they{"'"}re $100–$150 cheaper and remain excellent. See AirPods Pro 3 prices
• vs. Sony WF-1000XM6 ($249): Sony matches AirPods Ultra on price but has no AI camera features. See Sony XM6 prices
• vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro ($140): Samsung is less than half the price with FDA hearing aid coming Q4. See Galaxy Buds 3 Pro prices

Should You Wait?

If you{"'"}re in the Apple ecosystem and want the latest AI features, waiting 4–5 weeks for the September event costs nothing. If you need earbuds now, the AirPods Pro 3 at $199 are still excellent and won{"'"}t be obsoleted — they{"'"}ll remain Apple{"'"}s mid-tier option. Read our full AirPods Ultra vs Pro 3 buying guide. Browse all wireless earbuds.