Apple Can't Stop Hinting at AirPods Pro 3 Ahead of Rumored Launch
Apple's at it again with the AirPods Pro 3 breadcrumbs.
Newly released iOS 26 code discovered by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser now references "AirPods Pro 3" alongside the current models, buried in a headphone UI framework. It's pretty clear Apple's preparing for something behind the scenes.
This isn't even the first hint we've gotten recently. Last month, Apple sneakily changed references to the second-generation AirPods Pro to "AirPods Pro 2 or later" – despite there being no "later" model available yet. Someone's getting a little ahead of themselves over in Cupertino.
The pattern suggests Apple's gearing up for a fall launch, which lines up perfectly with rumors pointing to a 2025 release. We're expecting a redesigned case (possibly slimmer like the AirPods 4), improved Active Noise Cancellation thanks to a faster audio chip, and some intriguing health features like heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing.
There's even talk of real-time translation capabilities, which would be pretty wild if Apple can pull it off seamlessly.
With all these hints piling up, it's looking more likely that AirPods Pro 3 will make their debut alongside the iPhone 17 series this September. Apple's certainly not being subtle about it anymore.
Popular Stories
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) starts today with the traditional keynote kicking things off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. MacRumors is on hand for the event and we'll be sharing details and our thoughts throughout the day.
We're expecting to see a number of software-related announcements led by a design revamp across Apple's platforms that will also see the numbering of all of...
At today's WWDC 2025 keynote event, Apple unveiled a new design that will inform the next decade of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS development, so needless to say, it was a busy day. Apple also unveiled a ton of new features for the iPhone, an overhauled Spotlight interface for the Mac, and a ton of updates that make the iPad more like a Mac than ever before.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel ...
Apple today announced a complete redesign of all of its major software platforms called "Liquid Glass."
Announced simultaneously for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and CarPlay, Liquid Glass forms a new universal design language for the first time. At its WWDC 2025 keynote address, Apple's software chief Craig Federighi said "Apple Silicon has become dramatically more powerful...
Apple today announced that iPadOS 26 will be compatible with the iPad models listed below.
iPadOS 26 features a new Liquid Glass design, a menu bar, improved app windowing, and more.
iPadOS 26 supports the following iPad models:iPad Pro (M4)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
iPad Air (M2 and later)
iPad Air (3rd generation and...
In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is currently offered by select automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and a handful of others, and it is set to expand further.
During its WWDC 2025 keynote today, Apple said that 13...
Apple at WWDC announced iOS 26, introducing a comprehensive visual redesign built around its new "Liquid Glass" concept, alongside expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, updates to core communication apps, and more.
Liquid Glass is a translucent material that reflects and refracts surroundings to create dynamic, responsive interface elements, according to Apple. The new design language...
