Apple fans, get ready. A major leak from Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 beta has just confirmed what many had hoped for — the development of AirPods Pro 3 wireless earbuds. This leak comes directly from Apple's internal software and hints at a fresh new upgrade to the AirPods Pro lineup.
If you’ve been holding off on buying the AirPods Pro 2, this news might make you glad you waited.
Let’s dive into everything we know so far about the Apple AirPods Pro 3, including the rumored release date, expected features, and what Apple might be planning next for the AirPods ecosystem.
The first developer preview of iOS 26 contains a hidden gem — a direct reference to “AirPods Pro 3” in the system files. Tech experts discovered this mention while analyzing the beta code of Apple’s latest software release.
Previous firmware only included “AirPods Pro 2.” Now, the wording has changed to “AirPods Pro 2 or later,” a subtle but important confirmation that Apple is planning a new-generation AirPods Pro model.
This shift in internal language makes it clear: the AirPods Pro 3 are officially in development, and Apple’s iOS 26 beta just gave us our first real evidence.
So, when will Apple launch AirPods Pro 3?
Based on past Apple event patterns, the AirPods Pro 3 release date is most likely scheduled for September 2025. Apple typically unveils new iPhones, software, and accessories during its annual fall event, and this year will likely be no different.
That means we could see AirPods Pro 3 revealed alongside the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series and the full rollout of iOS 26.
However, some insiders, including analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, believe that advanced tech like infrared cameras and gesture control may be delayed until a 2026 version, possibly AirPods Pro 4.
Here’s what the leaks and rumors suggest the new AirPods Pro 3 features might include:
Improved Sound with Next-Gen H3 Audio Chip
Apple is expected to launch a new audio chip, possibly called the H3 chip, that will offer superior sound quality, better active noise cancellation, and longer battery life compared to the current H2 chip.
Health Tracking with Built-In Biometric Sensors
There are strong rumors that the AirPods Pro 3 may include health sensors, such as heart rate monitoring or body temperature detection. These features would align well with Apple’s growing focus on health and wellness.
Compact Charging Case with Updated Design
Apple may introduce a slimmer and more ergonomic AirPods Pro 3 case design, making it easier to carry and more durable.
Lossless Audio Support for High-Quality Listening
Thanks to the new chip and updated Bluetooth protocol, AirPods Pro 3 might support lossless audio playback, delivering high-resolution music without compression.
Some tech reports mentioned that Apple is working on AirPods with infrared cameras, designed for gesture control and deeper integration with Apple Vision Pro.
But based on the current leak from iOS 26, it looks like these features may not be ready until AirPods Pro 4 in 2026.
For now, AirPods Pro 3 is shaping up to be more of an evolution than a revolution — still, a meaningful upgrade for many users.
It’s not just AirPods Pro 3 making news. The iOS 26 developer beta also introduces firmware updates for AirPods Pro 2 and other models.
These updates include:
Studio-grade voice recording for podcasters and professionals
Remote camera shutter controls for iPhone users
Sleep-aware playback controls for smarter pauses
Faster CarPlay switching between Apple devices
These enhancements show Apple is preparing its full AirPods lineup for the new iOS 26 environment and future ecosystem growth.
If you already have AirPods Pro 2 and they still perform well, you might want to hold off unless health tracking or sound upgrades are important to you.
But if you're using first-gen AirPods or looking to switch to Apple’s ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 3 release in 2025 may be worth the wait. With a better chip, more battery life, and new sensors, it will likely be a solid step forward in wireless audio.
Thanks to the iOS 26 beta leak, we now know for sure that AirPods Pro 3 is real and likely launching later this year.
While we may not get gesture control or built-in cameras just yet, the expected improvements in design, battery, health features, and sound quality are still impressive.
Watch out for the Apple September 2025 event, where AirPods Pro 3 will likely be officially revealed alongside new iPhones and the full iOS 26 release.
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