Code discovered in iOS 26 indicates that a new version of Apple’s AirPods Pro could be released in the reasonably near future. MacRumors contributor Steve Moser found references to the “AirPods Pro 3” alongside the “AirPods Pro” and the “AirPods Pro 2.”
While Apple has not officially announced that AirPods Pro 3 are on the way or even being worked on, we’ve seen several rumors indicating Apple will release a new model this fall. Moser found the AirPods 3 reference buried in a headphone-related UI framework, indicating Apple is preparing for the upcoming product launch behind the scenes.
This is the second hint that Apple is preparing to release AirPods Pro 3 soon in the last month or so, as in May, Apple changed a reference to the second-generation AirPods Pro to the “AirPods Pro 2 or later,” even though there is no “later” right now.
The AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to boast a new look for both the earbuds and the case, with Apple possibly slimming down the case as it did for the AirPods 4. A faster audio chip that brings improved Active Noise Cancellation and audio quality is also a possibility, as is heart rate monitoring functionality and temperature sensing.
