AirPods Pro 3 leak confirms Apple is prepping for launch

We’ve heard whispers about the AirPods Pro 3 for a while now. But thanks to a new software leak, Apple may have just confirmed they’re on the way.

Developer Aaron Perris spotted a key detail in a recent Apple software release. A string of internal code that once specified “AirPods Pro 2nd Generation” has now been updated to say “AirPods Pro 2 or later.”

That tiny change says a lot. It means Apple is already laying the groundwork to support the upcoming AirPods Pro 3 in its system software. So while this doesn’t confirm an exact launch date, it’s the clearest sign yet that they’re close.

Could they make a surprise appearance at WWDC? Maybe. But history suggests a more familiar timing—Apple has launched every generation of AirPods Pro in the fall, right alongside new iPhones. That lines up nicely with the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro models, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 expected in September.

What should we expect from AirPods Pro 3? A new H3 chip is rumored, which could mean faster connectivity, better power efficiency, and smarter audio processing. Improved Active Noise Cancellation is also on the table, along with a few surprise features Apple is likely keeping under wraps.