AirPods Pro 3 Teased in iOS 26: What We Know About Apple’s Next Big Release!

The development of the AirPods Pro 3 is progressing, and following an initial indirect mention last month about a feature that “requires Apple AirPods Pro 2 or newer”, Steve Moser has discovered on MacRumors that the first beta version of iOS 26 contains a direct reference to the “AirPods Pro 3”. However, no specifics about their technical features were disclosed. This is a clear indication that their release is imminent.

iOS 26 is set to be released in September, and it will introduce new functionalities for the AirPods, such as using them as a remote to initiate recording or to take a photo on the iPhone and iPad. September is also when Apple traditionally holds its annual fall event, where it unveils its flagship products for the year’s end. This year, the event will reveal the iPhone 17 lineup, and it is highly likely that the AirPods Pro 3 will be launched at the same time.

According to various rumors over the past few months, the AirPods Pro 3 are expected to feature three major innovations: a new sensor to monitor the user’s heart rate (following the recent introduction of this feature in the Powerbeats Pro 2), a more effective active noise cancellation technology, and a new chip designed to enhance energy efficiency and thereby extend battery life.