Recent internal code leaks from Apple’s software development seem to suggest that the company is actively preparing for the release of the third generation of its popular AirPods Pro. These findings, uncovered within recent iOS 26 beta builds and internal databases, strongly hint that the AirPods Pro 3 could be arriving later in 2025. This development adds fuel to the ongoing discussions and varying analyst predictions regarding the new earbuds’ launch timeline.
Key Takeaways:
- Multiple references to “AirPods Pro 3” and a new Bluetooth identifier (8239) have appeared in Apple’s internal code and iOS 26 beta.
- A recent software update changed a code string from “AirPods Pro 2nd Generation” to “AirPods Pro 2 or later,” hinting at a successor.
- Expected upgrades include an H3 chip, enhanced Active Noise Cancellation, improved audio quality, and possible health monitoring features like heart rate and temperature sensing.
- Rumors suggest a refreshed design for both the earbuds and charging case, with a potential slimmer profile.
- While some analysts predict a 2026 launch, the consistent code references point to a 2025 release, possibly alongside the iPhone 17 event in September.
Apple is known for keeping its product announcements tightly under wraps, but internal code often offers early glimpses into upcoming hardware. In this case, the evidence for AirPods Pro 3 is compelling and comes from multiple sources within the company’s software infrastructure.
Decoding the Digital Breadcrumbs
The most direct evidence emerged from the iOS 26 developer beta. Researchers combing through the system framework found explicit mentions of “AirPods Pro 3,” alongside references to the original AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2. This isn’t a vague hint—it’s a clear naming convention within Apple’s software, indicating that development is in full swing for this new product.
Perhaps even more telling is the appearance of a new Bluetooth identifier. Every AirPods and Beats product has a unique Bluetooth ID, which Apple uses internally to identify and manage devices. A previously unknown identifier, 8239, showed up in a recent update tied to device syncing. This identifier doesn’t correspond to any currently available product. For context, the AirPods Pro 2 are identified with 0x2024 (8228). While it’s possible this identifier could relate to an unannounced Beats product, the timing and other references to AirPods Pro 3 make that less likely. Typically, these identifiers are used late in development, just before a product is officially announced.
Adding to the case, a significant software change was spotted earlier. A line of code once specific to “AirPods Pro 2nd Generation” was updated to “AirPods Pro 2 or later.” This small yet telling alteration signals that Apple is preparing for a successor model, ensuring future compatibility and functionality within its software.
Together, these findings—clear name references in the beta, a new Bluetooth ID, and the code update—paint a picture of a company deep in the preparation stages for the AirPods Pro 3.
Anticipated Features and Design
While the code leaks don’t offer a detailed breakdown of features, they align with ongoing industry rumors and analyst predictions about the next-gen AirPods Pro. Here’s what we expect:
- H3 Chip: The AirPods Pro 2 use the H2 chip, which brought big improvements to sound quality and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The AirPods Pro 3 are likely to feature an upgraded H3 chip, which could push these features even further. Expect better ANC, more refined Adaptive Audio capabilities, and potentially even better sound quality.
- Active Noise Cancellation: Apple’s ANC technology is already among the best, but with the H3 chip, we could see even faster and smarter noise cancellation that better adapts to changing environments.
- Improved Audio Quality: With the new H3 chip, the sound could become richer and more detailed. There’s also speculation about a proprietary wireless protocol that could support lossless audio, especially when paired with other Apple products, such as the Vision Pro.
- Health Monitoring: Apple has been expanding its health ecosystem, and there’s strong speculation that the AirPods Pro 3 might include sensors for heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing. This would allow them to integrate seamlessly with the broader Health and Fitness+ services. Interestingly, in-ear temperature measurements are more accurate than wrist-based ones, which could make this a key feature.
- Design Changes: While a complete redesign is unlikely, rumors suggest subtle updates. The charging case might get slimmer, and the earbuds could feature minor ergonomic tweaks for better comfort. Expect the case to retain MagSafe, USB-C compatibility, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) for precise Find My tracking.
Release Timeline: Conflicting Predictions
Despite the strong evidence from Apple’s code, the exact timeline for the AirPods Pro 3 release remains a bit unclear. Many sources predict a late 2025 launch, likely coinciding with the September iPhone event. This would fit with Apple’s typical three-year refresh cycle (AirPods Pro launched in 2019, and the Pro 2 followed in 2022).
However, some analysts, including Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo, suggest the launch could be delayed until 2026. They argue that Apple may not release any major AirPods hardware updates until next year. That said, the detailed code references are strong enough to make a 2025 release seem more likely. It’s possible that, while a broader release could take place in 2026, we might see a limited or preview launch by the end of 2025.
This discrepancy in predictions highlights the unpredictable nature of product development. Nonetheless, the increasing specificity of the code evidence strongly suggests that Apple is preparing for the AirPods Pro 3 to launch sooner rather than later.
The Significance of Internal Leaks
Apple is notorious for its secrecy, but internal leaks like these are a regular occurrence in the tech world. As engineers work on new operating systems and features, they often leave digital breadcrumbs, such as references to upcoming products, in their code. These leaks may not be intentional, but they provide a window into Apple’s product roadmap, giving us an early look at what’s coming down the pipeline.
For the AirPods Pro 3, the consistency and specificity of these leaks give us more confidence in the speculation than ever before. If these features do come to fruition, the AirPods Pro 3 will likely play a key role in Apple’s broader wearable and audio strategy, further cementing the company’s dominance in the personal audio space.
FAQs
Q1: What are the main signs pointing to the AirPods Pro 3 launch?
A1: Multiple indicators point to the AirPods Pro 3, including explicit mentions in iOS 26 beta code, a new Bluetooth identifier (8239) in Apple’s database, and a software string update from “AirPods Pro 2nd Generation” to “AirPods Pro 2 or later.”
Q2: What new features are expected in the AirPods Pro 3?
A2: Expect an upgraded H3 chip, enhanced Active Noise Cancellation, improved sound quality, and possibly health features like heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing. There may also be design changes, such as a slimmer charging case and a more ergonomic fit for the earbuds.
Q3: When are the AirPods Pro 3 expected to be released?
A3: While some analysts predict a 2026 launch, the consistent code references strongly suggest a 2025 release, possibly in September, alongside the new iPhone models.
Q4: Will the AirPods Pro 3 have a new design?
A4: While a radical redesign is unlikely, subtle refinements are expected. A slimmer charging case, more ergonomic earbuds, and a potentially more compact appearance are rumored.
Q5: What is the significance of the H3 chip in the new AirPods Pro 3?
A5: The H3 chip is expected to power significant upgrades, including improved Active Noise Cancellation, better audio quality, and potentially new health tracking features. It could also lead to better connectivity and battery life.
