Looks like Apple is quietly getting ready to launch the next generation of its popular wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3. Thanks to some clever digging by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, we’ve found code inside iOS 26 that actually mentions “AirPods Pro 3” alongside the current AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2. While Apple hasn’t said anything officially yet, this kind of discovery usually means a new product is coming sooner rather than later.
Little Clues Building Up
This isn’t the first hint we’ve gotten about the AirPods Pro 3. Just last month, Apple tweaked a reference in iOS from “AirPods Pro 2” to “AirPods Pro 2 or later”, which was interesting because, well, there’s no “later” version yet. It’s these subtle changes that often give away what’s cooking behind the scenes.
‘AirPods Pro 3’ Referenced in iOS 26 Code https://t.co/YEJxEmGOXm pic.twitter.com/lvNv02tiqG— MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) June 10, 2025
What Can We Expect from AirPods Pro 3?
Rumors suggest that the new AirPods Pro might sport a fresh look, both the earbuds themselves and their charging case could get a makeover. Think a slimmer, more compact case, maybe similar to the sleeker design Apple introduced with the fourth-generation AirPods.
But it’s not just about looks. The AirPods Pro 3 are also expected to come with a faster audio chip that could seriously boost noise cancellation and overall sound quality. Apple tends to squeeze better battery life and performance improvements into every new model, so that’s something to look forward to.
One of the most exciting rumors? The AirPods Pro 3 might include health tracking features like heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing. If that pans out, it would be a big step forward, turning your earbuds into even more useful health gadgets.
When Could They Launch?
No official launch date yet, but insiders are betting on a fall release, possibly alongside the iPhone 17 and some other new Apple gear. Given these iOS 26 code hints, it feels like a solid guess.
So, with a new design, smarter tech, and cool health features, the AirPods Pro 3 could end up being Apple’s best earbuds yet. And iOS 26 is already getting everything ready for the big debut.