AirPods Pro 3 Reportedly Mentioned in iOS 26 Beta 1 Code, Could Debut in H2 2025

Apple rolled out the primary iOS 26 developer beta earlier this week, and particulars that weren’t introduced by the corporate throughout its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025) keynote occasion have begun to floor on-line. One of probably the most notable discoveries is the point out of a brand new AirPods Pro 3 mannequin that’s anticipated to reach in the second half of 2025 because the successor to the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) mannequin that was launched in September 2022.

AirPods Pro 3 Reference Spotted in iOS 26 UI Framework

MacRumors contributor Steve Moser found references to the “AirPods Pro 3” in the iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 code on Tuesday. Apple seeded the primary developer beta of the upcoming iOS 26 software program launch shortly after the WWDC 2025 keynote occasion, and the rumoured wi-fi headset was noticed in a UI framework associated to headphones, in accordance with the publication.

The AirPods Pro 3 mannequin is predicted to debut with incremental {hardware} upgrades, together with an upgraded model of the H2 chip that arrived on the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation). As a consequence, the AirPods Pro 3 might supply improved energetic noise cancellation (ANC) and improved battery life.

According to a current report, the Cupertino firm is not anticipated to make main {hardware} modifications to the AirPods till 2026. Apple is alleged to be engaged on a pair of AirPods geared up with an infrared digital camera. This would not be the primary time that Apple has added new sensors to a wi-fi headset — the not too long ago launched Powerbeats Pro 2 has a built-in coronary heart charge sensor.

Apple would not usually reveal any particulars about upcoming units earlier than they’re launched, and we’re unlikely to see any announcement from the corporate till September, which is when the subsequent era iPhone 17 collection is predicted to debut. The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) was launched in September 2022 alongside the iPhone 14 lineup.