'AirPods Pro 3' Referenced in iOS 26 Code

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."

AirPods Pro 3 Mock Feature
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.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

Mr. Jenkins Avatar
23 hours ago at 11:27 am
The AirPods Pros are the one Apple products I’ve never had any complaints about.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ab2c4 Avatar
1 day ago at 11:01 am
Bring them on, I hope the music sound quality is noticeably improved.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
goonie4life9 Avatar
1 day ago at 11:01 am
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!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ultratiem Avatar
23 hours ago at 11:24 am
Double the battery life. It’s possible, do it. Do it. Just do it. Do it. Yo, do it. Do it.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KurtWilde Avatar
23 hours ago at 11:36 am
They didn’t update the AirPods menu to not say iOS 19 though

Attachment Image
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aUniqueName Avatar
1 day ago at 11:05 am
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.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)