'AirPods Pro 3' Referenced in iOS 26 Code

[MacRumors]

iOS 26 suggests that Apple is indeed working on a new version of the AirPods Pro that could be coming in the not too distant future. Code in iOS 26 discovered by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser references the "AirPods Pro 3" alongside the "AirPods Pro" and the "AirPods Pro 2."

There is no AirPods Pro 3 at the current time, but rumors suggest that Apple plans to introduce a new model this fall. The reference is buried in a headphone-related UI framework, so Apple appears to be preparing for the upcoming product launch behind the scenes.

This isn't actually the first time Apple has hinted at AirPods Pro 3. Last month, 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 will have a new look for the earbuds and the case, with Apple perhaps slimming down the case like it did for the AirPods 4. We're also counting on a faster audio chip that brings improved Active Noise Cancellation and audio quality, plus the updated earbuds might offer heart rate monitoring functionality and temperature sensing.

For more on what's expected for the AirPods Pro 3, we have a dedicated guide that's updated with new rumors regularly.

Article Link: 'AirPods Pro 3' Referenced in iOS 26 Code

 

[ab2c4]

Bring them on, I hope the music sound quality is noticeably improved.

 

[goonie4life9]

Wooo, it's time to get stoked for the ALL NEW AirPods Pro 3. They are a game changer and the BEST AirPod Pros that Apple has ever released. They are truly the AirPods for ultra pros!

 

[sw1tcher]

A 3rd gen version of AirPods Pro and AirPods Max are still stuck on gen 1 for a few more years

 

[aUniqueName]

I have Gen 1 AirPods Pro, they crackle/have static now when using transparency mode - it's unusable. They work fine with that turned off though. I'll probably get the Gen 3's whenever they come out.

 

[SantaFeNM]

It would be nice if they somehow had an oxygen sensor that got around the patent issue of the AppleWatch.

 

[Two Appleseeds]

Low key excited about a quality heart rate monitor in the airpod Pros, as I have no need to get a watch, but would love that function for workouts

 

[ultratiem]

Double the battery life. It’s possible, do it. Do it. Just do it. Do it. Yo, do it. Do it.

 

[Mr. Jenkins]

The AirPods Pros are the one Apple products I’ve never had any complaints about.

 

[awshucks]

May as well call them AirPods Pro 4 to line up with AirPods 4 like they've done with their OSes.

 

[Lord of the Pies]

My AirPods Pro 2nd gen already sound amazing, both for video calls and Spotify. I'm more amped for the next AirPods Max. Really hope Apple doesn't flake out again on the audio quality. The current one doesn't even sound better than AirPods Pro, truly woeful.

 

[KurtWilde]

They didn’t update the AirPods menu to not say iOS 19 though

 

[sdf]

I got my AirPods Pro 2 earlier this year. I'm fine with this — they've already joined my wallet and iPhone as the things carry around in my pocket at all times. I suspect I'll wait AirPods Pro 3 eventually, but it doesn't have to be now and I'm not going to feel suckered.

 

[hoodafoo]

AI was also "referenced" in Sequoia

 

[progx]

They didn’t update the AirPods menu to not say iOS 19 though

Mine doesn’t say that…? How’d you do that?

 

[KurtWilde]

Mine doesn’t say that…? How’d you do that?

Opened settings

 

[Finalcountdown]

My original AirPods Pro are still kicking, though battery life is starting to go. I’ve been holding out for the 3s for a while. Let’s cross the finish line!

 

[McWetty]

The AirPods Pros are the one Apple products I’ve never had any complaints about.

I love my APP2’s, but the charging issues (the stems don’t always seat against the contacts) is one area that needs huge improvement.

 

[LogicalApex]

Makes sense.

The headliner feature will be support for lossless audio from Apple Music and other sources.

That’s been the delay driver. Same for the AirPod Max.

 

[tonie walker]

Yes please! can’t wait for the next gen, iPhone, watch, and the APP is my most used apple products…goes with me daily ofcourse

 

[Beligerent]

So hopefully the batteries in these last more than 18 months. I cannot keep buying products with non replaceable batteries. Ever notice nothing has replaceable batteries anymore?

 

[svish]

Think it will launch along with iPhone 17. Expecting same price and better ANC with the new version.

 

[Dr McKay]

May as well call them AirPods Pro 4 to line up with AirPods 4 like they've done with their OSes.

AirPod Pro 26

 

[jchurchill]

My 2-year-old Airpod Pro 2s are getting really bad, crackling and buzzing and microphone not working most of the time. (Battery is still going strong, though.) I factory reset it over and over but no luck, so I guess they are toast. But I guess I'm going to be like the rest of the sheep and buy the new ones as soon as released. I hope the AP 3s last longer.

 

[BJMRamage]

I have Gen 1 AirPods Pro, they crackle/have static now when using transparency mode - it's unusable. They work fine with that turned off though. I'll probably get the Gen 3's whenever they come out.

same with my Gen 1 APPs
quite a disappointment to have the ability for NC or Transparency but not be able to use that.

We are flying on vacation later this summer and I am thinking about buying a new APP2 to have NC for the flight. Seems a bunch of retailer have the APP2 discounted now