Apple has officially dropped the first developer beta of iOS 26, and while most of the attention during WWDC 2025 was focused on Apple Intelligence, new iPhones, and iPadOS upgrades, eagle-eyed developers have found something equally exciting buried within the code: clear references to AirPods Pro 3. This is the first direct confirmation from Apple’s software that a new generation of its high-end wireless earbuds is in the works.
While rumors have long swirled around a new version of the AirPods Pro, Apple’s internal code provides the most concrete evidence yet. The iOS 26 beta explicitly names “AirPods Pro 3,” strongly indicating that the third-generation earbuds are not only being developed but could be nearing completion. This aligns with Apple’s typical product cycle, as the original AirPods Pro were released in 2019 and the second-generation model arrived in 2022. A 2025 release would follow the same three-year cadence.
A Confirmed Successor
Just weeks ago, Apple watchers noticed that iOS had started referring to “AirPods Pro 2 or later” in system settings and compatibility notes. That phrasing subtly hinted at the existence of an upcoming model, but now with “AirPods Pro 3” directly named in the iOS 26 beta, it’s no longer a vague suggestion—it’s a roadmap.
What’s still unclear is the exact release date, but most analysts expect Apple to unveil the AirPods Pro 3 this fall, likely alongside the iPhone 17 lineup in September. That would mark three years since the release of the AirPods Pro 2, keeping in line with Apple’s typical update cycle for its audio gear.
What to Expect from AirPods Pro 3
While Apple hasn’t announced any official specifications yet, leaks and analyst reports give us a strong sense of what to expect. The AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be a meaningful upgrade in terms of both design and functionality.
Expected Features:
- Slimmer Case Design
Apple is expected to shrink the charging case, possibly taking design cues from the upcoming AirPods 4. The earbuds themselves may also see a slight redesign for improved comfort and in-ear fit. - Next-Generation H3 Chip
A new custom chip—likely called the H3—should bring faster processing, lower latency, and better power efficiency. This will support enhanced audio quality and more advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). - Upgraded ANC and Transparency Mode
The H3 chip is expected to power significant improvements in noise cancellation and adaptive transparency, especially in noisy environments like city streets, offices, or planes. - New Health Sensors
Apple is rumored to be experimenting with biometric features such as heart-rate monitoring and body temperature sensing. These features could provide users with real-time health insights, further integrating AirPods into Apple’s broader health ecosystem. - Better Battery Life
With the new chip and power optimization, users can likely expect slightly longer listening times on a single charge—though exact figures haven’t been leaked yet. - USB-C Charging (Likely Standardized)
Following Apple’s broader shift to USB-C across devices, the AirPods Pro 3 will almost certainly ship with a USB-C charging case by default. - Adaptive Audio Enhancements
Building on features already seen in iOS 17, the AirPods Pro 3 are likely to get smarter with environmental awareness—automatically adjusting volume, EQ, and ANC levels based on where you are and what you’re doing.
Not Quite Ready: Advanced Sensor Tech
Some of the more experimental features that have been rumored for future AirPods—like infrared cameras for gesture recognition or spatial awareness—are unlikely to debut in this year’s model. According to multiple reports, Apple is still refining these technologies, and a model with such advanced capabilities may not arrive until 2026 or later.
However, the groundwork is clearly being laid, and the AirPods Pro 3 could be the transitional step that moves Apple’s earbuds beyond simple audio devices and into a new category of “wearable tech with intelligence.”
Why It Matters
The AirPods Pro 2 were widely praised for their exceptional audio performance, top-tier Active Noise Cancellation, and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. For many users, they became a favorite everyday gadget—not just for listening to music, but also for calls, workouts, travel, and more. They set a high bar for what wireless earbuds could be.
READ MORE: How to Tell if AirPods Pro 2 Are Fake or Real – The 100% Method
With such a strong reputation, AirPods Pro 3 will have big shoes to fill. Expectations are high, and it won’t be easy to surpass a product that many consider one of Apple’s best recent innovations. But if early signs are any indication, Apple is preparing something substantial—both in terms of hardware and smart features—that could justify the leap.
Bringing biometric sensors to the AirPods Pro line would also represent another step in Apple’s growing focus on wellness and health monitoring. Combined with Apple Watch, this could offer users a much more holistic view of their daily activity and physiological trends—without needing a dedicated health device.
Final Thoughts
While Apple has yet to officially unveil the AirPods Pro 3, the appearance of the name in iOS 26 code leaves little doubt that the next-generation earbuds are coming soon. With expected upgrades in design, sound quality, and health monitoring, the AirPods Pro 3 could mark one of the most significant leaps in the product line’s history.
If Apple follows its usual release schedule, we should expect an official announcement in September 2025—just in time for holiday shoppers to upgrade their earbuds.
Until then, stay tuned for more leaks, beta code findings, and early hints about what could be one of the most anticipated audio products of the year.
