Apple almost confirms AirPods Pro 3, iOS 26 beta source code spills the beans
If the latest development is to be believed, Apple might be planning the launch of its next-generation AirPods Pro — likely to be called the AirPods Pro 3. There's been quite a bit of confusion around its release, especially with rumours suggesting the device could feature tech like infrared cameras and more. While Bloomberg's Mark Gurman initially expected the new AirPods Pro to arrive in 2025, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that Apple would instead launch the earbuds with infrared camera tech in 2026, hinting that no new Pro model would arrive this year. Gurman, on the other hand, believes the camera tech isn't ready yet and won't launch before 2027.advertisementThat said, we're already halfway through the year, and there's been no official sign of an AirPods Pro launch. However, a recent report from MacRumors might offer the first real clue. According to the report, contributor Steve Moser spotted a reference to 'AirPods Pro 3' buried inside the iOS 26 source code. The mention was found in the developer beta of iOS 26, within the headphone UI framework. While this isn't an official confirmation, Apple has used similar references in the past to quietly signal the existence of upcoming products.Adding to this, MacRumors analyst Aaron also found another interesting reference. In a particular system prompt, Apple reportedly uses the line, 'This task requires Apple AirPods Pro 2 or later.' At the moment, there is no model 'later' than the AirPods Pro 2, which is the only Pro model currently on sale. This has naturally sparked more speculation about whether a third-gen model is on the way.advertisement
In terms of design and hardware expectations, the recently released AirPods 4 might offer some clues about what to expect from the AirPods Pro 3. The next-gen earbuds could feature a refreshed design for both the case and the buds — possibly slimmer and sleeker — along with a concealed LED indicator and a new capacitive button for pairing and unpairing.When it comes to features, Apple is said to be testing a faster audio chip that could offer significantly better Active Noise Cancellation than the already impressive AirPods Pro 2. Mark Gurman also reports that Apple is working on health features, including in-ear heart rate tracking for the AirPods Pro 3. While Powerbeats Pro 2 already collects heart data, they can't stream music to gym equipment at the same time. Apple may be aiming to offer both biometric tracking and uninterrupted audio playback with the next Pro earbuds — something that would appeal to fitness-focused users.Additionally, Apple is researching ear-canal temperature sensing. If included, this could provide more accurate body temperature readings than the current Apple Watch, which relies on skin temperature. However, it's unclear whether this feature will be ready in time for a 2025 launch.Another interesting feature being discussed is real-time translation. Rumour has it that AirPods Pro 3 may work with the iPhone's Translate app to enable live conversation translation directly through the earbuds. In theory, this could allow someone to hear instant English translations of another person speaking in another language (and vice versa), without needing to use a phone screen.As for the possible release date, while there's still uncertainty around when the AirPods Pro 3 might arrive — and whether it will be this year or next — one thing's for sure: if Apple does decide to launch the earbuds in 2025, the most likely time would be alongside the iPhone 17. That would follow Apple's past pattern, with the first-gen AirPods Pro arriving alongside the iPhone 11 series in 2019 and the second-gen model launching with the iPhone 14 series in 2022. If the iOS 26 code reference is anything to go by, we might just see the new AirPods Pro this September.
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