AirPods Pro 3 Confirmed by iOS 26 Beta Leak

The upcoming AirPods Pro 3 have been all but confirmed thanks to a sneaky reveal within Apple's iOS 26 beta.

Discovered shortly after the WWDC 2025 keynote, the code contains explicit references to the unreleased earbuds, suggesting a launch later this year. This leak provides a strong indication that Apple is gearing up to release the next generation of its premium wireless earbuds. The discovery has generated excitement among Apple enthusiasts eager to see what new features and improvements the AirPods Pro 3 will bring.

Top 5 Key Insights:

Explicit Confirmation: The iOS 26 beta code contains direct mentions of "AirPods Pro 3," leaving little doubt about their existence. This confirmation follows a previous software release that hinted at the new model, further solidifying expectations.

The consistent leaks suggest Apple is in the final stages of development.

Expected Launch Timeline: The timing of the leak, coinciding with the iOS 26 beta release, points towards a potential launch in the fall. This aligns with previous rumors and analyst predictions regarding the AirPods Pro 3 release date. Consumers can anticipate an official announcement in the coming months.

Potential H3 Chip Upgrade: The new AirPods Pro are expected to feature an upgraded H3 chip, promising faster processing and improved performance. This enhancement would likely translate to better audio quality, enhanced noise cancellation, and more efficient power consumption. The chip upgrade is a key area of anticipation.

Health Monitoring Integration: Rumors suggest the integration of health sensors, such as heart rate and temperature monitoring, in the AirPods Pro 3. This would position the earbuds as a more comprehensive health accessory, appealing to health-conscious consumers. The addition of health features would broaden the appeal of the AirPods.

Design and Feature Overhaul: Speculation includes a design overhaul for both the earbuds and the charging case, potentially featuring a slimmer case. Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and improved audio quality are also anticipated. These upgrades aim to provide a superior user experience.

Expert Insight:

Steve Moser, MacRumors Contributor: "The mention of 'AirPods Pro 3' was found in a headphone-related UI framework within the iOS 26 code, sitting alongside existing references to the original AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2.

This marks a significant leak, strongly indicating that a new generation of Apple's premium earbuds is on the horizon, likely launching later this year."

Ming-Chi Kuo, TF International Securities: "In 2026 Apple will start building its wireless earbuds with an infrared camera similar to what is used for Face ID. The camera could allow users to enable some kind of in-air gesture controls allowing users to control the device through hand gestures."

Wrap-up:

The iOS 26 beta leak confirms that Apple is indeed working on the next generation of AirPods Pro.

With potential upgrades to processing power, health monitoring, and design, the AirPods Pro 3 are poised to offer a significant step forward in the premium earbud market. The expected launch later this year has created anticipation among consumers eager for the latest innovation from Apple.

This development highlights Apple's continued focus on enhancing its audio and wearable technology.

Author Bio:

Rohan Desai has dedicated 10 years to analyzing business trends, technological innovations, and international trade dynamics. His expertise spans from startup ecosystems to global economic policy.

Citations: iOS 26 beta confirms AirPods Pro 3 ahead of fall launch: Report