If you’ve been waiting for a sign to upgrade your earbuds, Apple’s latest drop might just be the “gallop” you needed.
The company has released a Year of the Horse Special Edition AirPods Pro 3, created to mark the upcoming Lunar New Year, which begins on Feb. 17, 2026. The limited-run earbuds feature a custom horse emoji engraving on the USB-C MagSafe charging case, a design not available on standard models.
Apple has followed its annual Lunar New Year tradition by releasing zodiac-themed hardware, offering an aesthetic refresh rather than a technical upgrade. The earbuds themselves remain unchanged from the regular AirPods Pro 3.
The special edition AirPods Pro 3 are available now, starting in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, both online and at Apple retail stores. Availability is limited, and sales will continue while supplies last. Apple has also placed a purchase cap in some regions.
“The Year of the Horse Special Edition AirPods Pro 3 are available at an Apple Retail Store and Apple Online Store while supplies last. Each customer can only purchase up to 2 units,” according to Apple’s Hong Kong website.
Despite the festive look, pricing remains the same as the standard AirPods Pro 3. Apple originally launched the AirPods Pro 3 in 2025, bringing improved sound quality, stronger Active Noise Cancellation, a redesigned fit, and built-in heart rate sensing.
Orders placed now are expected to begin shipping on January 8, depending on location.
What happens if you need a replacement?
Because of the limited nature of the release, Apple has clarified what customers should expect if a replacement is needed after purchase.
“If you need to replace or repair the Year of the Horse Special Edition AirPods Pro 3, subject to supply, we may provide you with standard edition AirPods Pro 3 for replacement or repair,” the company notes. This means the special engraved case may not always be replaced if stock runs out.
Apple has released similar Lunar New Year AirPods in past years, including editions celebrating the Year of the Dragon, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, and Snake. As with previous releases, the focus remains on design and collectability rather than new features.
Alongside the special edition AirPods Pro 3, Apple is also selling a range of Year of the Horse-themed accessories in select regions. These include iPhone cases, AirTag covers, power banks, organizers, and travel chargers designed to match the Lunar New Year theme.
Also read: Apple is also expanding Fitness+, adding new programs and challenges in its latest Fitness+ update.
