AirPods Pro 3 reference spotted in iOS 26 beta ahead of potential September release

The recent unveiling of the first developer beta for iOS 26, shortly after Apple's WWDC 2025 event, has sparked excitement with the discovery of references to a yet-to-be-announced product: the AirPods Pro 3. Within the codebase of the beta, multiple mentions of the next-generation wireless earbuds have been detected, suggesting a potential release later this year. MacRumors initially reported the findings, with contributor Steve Moser uncovering the term 'AirPods Pro 3' nestled within a user interface framework related to headphones. This revelation marks a significant moment as it is the second instance where Apple's software hints at an impending refresh of the AirPods Pro lineup. Previously, an update had swapped out references to 'AirPods Pro 2nd Generation' for a more generalized 'AirPods Pro 2 or later,' further igniting speculation among enthusiasts. Although Apple has yet to officially announce any details regarding new AirPods hardware, these recent references align with prevailing expectations that the company could reveal the AirPods Pro 3 in conjunction with the upcoming iPhone 17 series, anticipated to launch in September. This pattern follows the successful introduction of the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) alongside the iPhone 14 lineup in 2022. The upcoming AirPods model is rumored to offer incremental hardware improvements, such as an enhanced H2 chip that may provide superior active noise cancellation and extended battery life. However, no major design or feature alterations have been confirmed through the code analysis. Despite the new discoveries, earlier forecasts from analysts suggested that a more substantial hardware revamp for the AirPods might not materialize until 2026. Reports indicate that Apple is developing a model equipped with an infrared camera, part of a larger initiative to integrate new sensors into its audio devices. As is customary for Apple, any official announcements regarding the AirPods Pro 3 are likely to remain confidential until the company's next significant product launch event, expected to take place in the fall.