The AirPods Pro 3 could be Apple’s next big hardware update, even if the company didn’t announce any new devices at WWDC 2025. While the keynote focused on software like iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26, developers diving into the iOS 26 beta have uncovered strong evidence that new AirPods are on the way.
Steve Moser, a contributor at MacRumors, found references to “AirPods Pro 3” buried within iOS 26’s code, sitting alongside the current AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 models. This is the first time Apple has explicitly named the next generation, and it lines up with earlier hints where the company updated internal phrasing from “AirPods Pro 2nd generation” to “AirPods Pro or later.” With no “later” product currently available, it looks like something is in the works.
Apple hasn’t refreshed the AirPods Pro line since 2022, and a fall 2025 launch would fit the company’s usual product cycle. If history repeats itself, we’ll likely see the new AirPods Pro 3 debut alongside the iPhone 17. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously reported that the upcoming model will feature a redesigned case and earbuds. The case could follow the slimmer look of the AirPods 4, and shorter stems on the buds are a possibility. Hardware updates are also expected, including a next-gen audio chip that boosts Active Noise Cancellation and sound quality.
Some health-tracking features might also make their way into the AirPods Pro 3. Rumors suggest heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing could be part of the upgrade, positioning the earbuds as more than just a premium audio device. There’s also some confusion around whether live translation will be included, but that may actually be tied to iOS 26’s built-in Live Translation features rather than being specific to the AirPods. Meanwhile, crash detection has been mentioned as a potential addition, expanding the AirPods’ utility in emergency scenarios.
Notably, the iOS 26 code also hints at other new hardware like AirTag 2, which hasn’t seen an update since its launch in 2021. While the mention of “AirPods Pro 3” is more direct, the AirTag reference is subtle, likely pointing to improvements in Bluetooth connectivity and battery features. This aligns with Apple’s pattern of quietly laying the groundwork in software ahead of new hardware launches.
