AirPods Pro 3 are in the works, iOS 26 beta code reveals

Key Takeaways:

• iOS 26 beta code mentions the unreleased AirPods Pro 3.
• The discovery was made shortly after iOS 26’s debut on June 9.
• This is the second time AirPods Pro 3 has been hinted at in Apple software.
• Apple unveiled iOS 26 with a new ‘Liquid Glass’ design language at WWDC.
• Developer betas were released shortly after the keynote, leading to the discovery.

Hidden Clues in iOS 26 Beta

Apple’s iOS 26 only made its debut on June 9, but researchers have already unearthed intriguing hints of unreleased hardware in the operating system’s code. Specifically, the beta version of iOS 26 features an explicit mention of the as-of-yet unreleased AirPods Pro 3, alongside the current AirPods Pro 2 and original AirPods Pro.

Discovery Shortly After Release

The first developer betas of iOS 26 and its counterparts were rolled out shortly after Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote. It was during this early access that developers stumbled upon the surprising reference to the AirPods Pro 3 in the code.

Second Hint at New AirPods

This isn’t the first time hints of new AirPods have appeared in Apple’s software. On May 15, an Apple software release included the phrase “AirPods Pro 2 or later,” suggesting earlier that new models were in development. The recurring mentions strengthen the belief that the AirPods Pro 3 might be on the horizon.

The ‘Liquid Glass’ Design of iOS 26

At WWDC, Apple unveiled its latest assortment of operating systems, all of which bear the “26” version number and a sleek design language dubbed ‘Liquid Glass’. The visual overhaul accompanies various under-the-hood improvements and, apparently, concealed references to future hardware.

What This Could Mean

While Apple has not made any official announcements regarding the AirPods Pro 3, the explicit mentions in iOS 26 code indicate that the tech giant is actively working on the next iteration of its popular wireless earbuds. Such discoveries have, in the past, preceded official product launches, sparking excitement among Apple enthusiasts.

Conclusion

As developers continue to explore the depths of iOS 26, more details may emerge about Apple’s upcoming products. For now, the references to the AirPods Pro 3 fuel anticipation for what innovations Apple may introduce in the near future.