AirPods Pro 3 discovered in Apple code

Rumors about the AirPods Pro 3 have been circulating for quite some time. Now things seem to be getting more concrete. A hint was discovered in recent Apple software that makes it pretty clear: a new AirPods Pro model is in the works. This discovery doesn't come from the rumor mill, but directly from Apple code. This is new – and makes the whole thing particularly exciting.

Anyone interested in new Apple products knows that major changes in Apple systems usually point to new hardware. Just such a change has now been discovered. Developer Aaron Perris has published a code string on Platform X (formerly Twitter) that he found in a current Apple software. It contains a clear indication that Apple is working on the AirPods Pro 3—and may release them soon.

Code shows: Apple is preparing for AirPods Pro 3

Specifically, it concerns a feature in the system code that was previously only compatible with the AirPods Pro 2. The new version now states: "AirPods Pro 2 or newer." That sounds unassuming, but it means a lot. Apple wouldn't add this feature if there wasn't already a new model that would also be supported. The wording "or newer" is a strong indication that the AirPods Pro 3 are in the works—and that Apple is already preparing its software for it.

Will it be released at WWDC? Or in the fall?

What does this mean for the release? It doesn't necessarily mean that the AirPods Pro 3 are just around the corner. But it can't be ruled out either. A presentation at WWDC (Apple's developer conference in June) is possible, but not particularly likely. Historically, Apple usually releases its new AirPods models in the fall – and that would make sense this time too. The first generation of AirPods Pro came out in October 2019, the second in September 2022. A similar timeframe would be plausible. New iPhones (iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and Pro Max), the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and other devices are also expected in fall 2025. The AirPods Pro 3 would fit well into this lineup.

What can you expect from the AirPods Pro 3?

Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but there are concrete expectations regarding the technical innovations. A new H3 chip is very likely, which should provide more performance, faster connections, and improved efficiency. Apple is also likely to improve active noise cancellation (ANC), which is expected to be even more precise and reliable. Other possible innovations:

Improved battery life
New sensors for fitness or health data
Improved compatibility with Apple Watch and iOS
Possibly new control options or smarter detection of movements

Apple is likely to continue to refine audio quality, both for listening and microphone performance for phone calls. Whether there will be a new design is still unclear, but major changes are unlikely.

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AirPods Pro 3: Everything points to an imminent release

The leak is a serious hint about the AirPods Pro 3. Apple has adapted its software so that it is no longer limited to the second generation. The addition of "or newer" in the code is no coincidence. Even though there hasn't been an official statement, there are many indications that the third generation will be introduced in the coming months—most likely in the fall, alongside new iPhones and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. So, anyone interested in new AirPods should wait a bit longer. The AirPods Pro 3 could bring a noticeable upgrade, especially in performance, noise cancellation, and software features. (Image: Shutterstock / Moma okgo)