iOS 26 Beta Leak Confirms AirPods Pro 3: What to Expect from Apple's Upcoming Release

The latest iOS 26 beta has sparked excitement across the tech community with a fresh leak revealing references to an unreleased product — the AirPods Pro 3. Discovered by Steve Moser, a contributor at MacRumors, this discovery raises several questions and adds to the growing speculation about Apple’s next big launch. Let’s dive into this exciting revelation and explore what it means for Apple fans and tech enthusiasts alike.

Discovery of AirPods Pro 3 in iOS 26 Beta

The first iOS 26 beta was released yesterday, and it already holds a major piece of evidence for an upcoming product. In the new software code, a reference to “AirPods Pro 3” was uncovered. This discovery is not the first of its kind, though — it’s the second time in recent months that Apple’s software has hinted at a new version of the AirPods Pro.

Back in April, a different software update also pointed towards the possibility of future AirPods models, mentioning the phrase “AirPods Pro 2 or later.” Previously, this reference only indicated “AirPods Pro 2nd Generation,” leading many to speculate that Apple was preparing a successor to the AirPods Pro 2.

Now, with the full name “AirPods Pro 3” appearing in iOS 26 code, it’s all but confirmed that the next iteration of Apple’s flagship earbuds is well on its way. While specifics on the new features remain under wraps, the leak adds to mounting anticipation that Apple will unveil the AirPods Pro 3 sooner rather than later.

What Undercode Says: The Impact of the Leak on Apple’s Launch Timeline

The discovery of AirPods Pro 3 in iOS 26 comes at a crucial time, as rumors surrounding the next generation of AirPods have been circulating for months. While some speculated that we might have to wait until 2026 for a new release, the code found in iOS 26 strongly suggests that Apple has plans to launch the AirPods Pro 3 much sooner.

Historically, Apple has unveiled new AirPods products around the same time as its major hardware announcements, such as the iPhone event. With the iPhone 17 expected to be announced this September, it is increasingly likely that Apple will choose this occasion to unveil the AirPods Pro 3 as well. The timing aligns with Apple’s typical product release schedule, and the fact that iOS 26 is expected to launch around mid-September further strengthens this prediction.

Apple’s strategy of drip-feeding information through software leaks seems to be a clever marketing tactic, stirring up excitement and keeping consumers on the edge of their seats. However, despite the leaks, Apple has yet to confirm any details about the new AirPods. We can only speculate on the features that might be included in the AirPods Pro 3. Will they have enhanced sound quality, longer battery life, or perhaps new health tracking features? Time will tell.

Fact Checker Results ✅❌

✅ Confirmed Discovery: iOS 26 code explicitly mentions “AirPods Pro 3,” confirming that Apple is working on the next generation of AirPods.
✅ Launch Timing: The leak supports the notion that the AirPods Pro 3 could arrive as soon as this fall, likely alongside the iPhone 17 event in September.
❌ Rumors vs. Facts: While leaks suggest a fall release, no official details have been confirmed regarding features, pricing, or a specific release date for the AirPods Pro 3.

Prediction: What to Expect from the AirPods Pro 3 🔮

The AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be one of Apple’s most anticipated products of the year. Based on previous leaks and Apple’s design evolution, we can predict several potential upgrades for the new AirPods:

Enhanced Sound Quality: Apple could introduce improved audio performance with more advanced noise cancellation and better bass response.
Improved Battery Life: With each new iteration, Apple tends to enhance battery performance. Expect the AirPods Pro 3 to last even longer than their predecessors.
Health Features: Following the trend of incorporating health tracking features in other Apple devices, the AirPods Pro 3 may include sensors for tracking fitness metrics or even detecting potential hearing issues.
Design Tweaks: While the general form factor is likely to remain similar, subtle design tweaks could make the AirPods Pro 3 more comfortable and ergonomic.
Potential Price Change: There could be a slight price adjustment, but it is unlikely Apple will drastically change the pricing structure of the AirPods Pro.

Overall, the AirPods Pro 3 are poised to be a powerful upgrade to an already successful product line. As the leak suggests, we may not have to wait long before we get the official announcement — but until then, all we can do is wait and speculate.