iOS 26 developer beta hints at Apple launching the AirPods Pro 3 sooner rather than later. The first beta of the OS contains references to the upcoming wireless earbuds.
Conflicting reports surround the AirPods Pro 3 launch. Some point to a fall 2025 release, while others suggest the earbuds might not arrive until 2026.
iOS 26 accidentally teases AirPods Pro 3
Apple launched the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) in September 2022. While the earbuds have been updated to add USB-C support since then, their internals remain unchanged. On the software front, Apple has continuously improved its flagship AirPods, adding features like head gestures, voice isolation, and even hearing aids.
But the AirPods Pro 2 can do with a hardware refresh. In May, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple might not make significant upgrades to AirPods Pro until 2026. However, references to the earbuds spotted by MacRumors in the first iOS 26 developer beta suggest otherwise.
While the references don’t specifically reveal anything about the AirPods Pro 3’s possible features, they hint at its existence. Apple may unveil its new flagship earbuds in September alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. There’s no reason for the earbuds references to appear in iOS 26 beta 1 so early otherwise.
AirPods Pro 3 must be coming soon if it is in iOS 26 Beta 1. Unfortnately I couldn’t find any other references or hints as to what new features they might have. https://t.co/aoNSJjhgvJ
— Steve Moser (@SteveMoser) June 10, 2025
Next-gen AirPods might sport IR cameras
Rumors point to Apple working on AirPods with IR cameras. However, it’s unclear whether the AirPods Pro 3 will feature them or if Apple will reserve them for a future model. The IR cameras can enable support for in-air hand gestures and possibly other features.
The earbuds might also sport a newer generation chip for better sound quality, ANC and battery life. Leaks also suggest that Apple is working on a lighter AirPods Max, but it will only debut in 2027.
Rajesh has been closely following and writing about the latest happenings in the world of mobile for nearly a decade now. While he prefers Android, he does not deny the superiority of Apple’s products and ecosystem.
