Apple might be getting ready to launch the long-rumored AirPods Pro 3, and iOS 26 just gave us the biggest clue yet.
Code found in the latest iOS update, as discovered by MacRumors contributor Steve Moser, directly mentions “AirPods Pro 3” in a UI framework tied to headphone settings. This strongly suggests that Apple is prepping the software behind the scenes for the next-gen AirPods Pro model, possibly coming later this year.
AirPods Pro 3 Reference Found in iOS 26
While Apple hasn’t officially announced AirPods Pro 3, this isn’t the first time signs have pointed to them. A few weeks ago, Apple quietly updated its support wording for the AirPods Pro 2 to say “AirPods Pro 2 or later,” even though a newer version hasn’t been released yet. This kind of language change usually signals an upcoming product.
Now, with a reference to “AirPods Pro 3” found in actual iOS code, it’s clear Apple is laying the groundwork for a new model, likely targeting a fall 2025 launch, which would line up with typical release timelines.
However, in an earlier report, Ming-Chi Kuo has said that no major AirPods refresh is expected until at least 2026. Given how the existing AirPods Pro 2 are running strong, and how iOS 26 just added some cool new features to the device, 2026 seems pretty alright to me.
Related: Hidden iOS 26 Features Apple Didn’t Talk About at WWDC 2025
What to Expect from AirPods Pro 3
Rumors suggest the AirPods Pro 3 will feature both hardware and design upgrades. The earbuds and charging case are expected to have a slimmer look, possibly following the design direction of the upcoming AirPods 4. The internal hardware is also due for a refresh, with a faster chip to improve Active Noise Cancellation and sound performance.
Even more exciting, some reports claim the AirPods Pro 3 could introduce health-focused features like heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing, bringing them closer to Apple Watch territory in terms of functionality.
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