Rumors have long indicated new AirPods Pro were in the works, with a fall launch expected. But now, a leak from Apple’s own software has brought the first official hint that AirPods Pro 3 are coming soon.
Code string points to AirPods Pro 3’s upcoming launch
Aaron Perris shared in a post on X a string of code he discovered in “a recent software release from Apple.”
The code string points to AirPods Pro 3’s arrival not being too far off.
As seen in Perris’ screenshot below, he noticed a key change.
Where the code once referenced a task requiring “AirPods Pro 2nd Generation,” that same task now has a new description in the recent software release.
Now, it says it requires “AirPods Pro 2 or later.”
In other words, something in Apple’s code that currently required AirPods Pro 2 will work with AirPods Pro 3 as well, and Apple is preparing its software for that change.
9to5Mac’s Take
Does this code string mean an AirPods Pro 3 launch is imminent? Not necessarily.
A surprise release at WWDC is always possible, and can’t be ruled out.
But more likely, Apple is planning to launch AirPods Pro 3 this September alongside the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and more.
Previous AirPods Pro models both debuted in the fall, and Apple typically releases all its flagship new AirPods products alongside the iPhone.
When AirPods Pro 3 do arrive, we’re expecting a new H3 chip, improve Active Noise Cancellation, and more new features.
Do you think AirPods Pro 3 will launch at WWDC, or later in the year? Let us know in the comments.
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