New H3 Chip: AirPods Pro 3 Leak Suggests Big Audio Upgrade, New Design, and Health Tech in Fall 2025 Rollout
Apple’s next-gen wireless earbuds have quietly stepped into the spotlight. The recently released iOS 26 beta code has unveiled the clearest sign yet that AirPods Pro 3 is on its way.
Found by contributor Steve Moser and reported by MacRumors, a direct mention of "AirPods Pro 3" now appears in Apple’s headphone system framework, sitting right next to older models. This leak, subtle but telling, strongly suggests the product is in its final development stage and nearing launch.
Past Code Clues and Predicted Launch Timeline
This isn’t the first time iOS code dropped breadcrumbs about an unreleased product. Last month, Apple quietly replaced specific references to AirPods Pro 2 with more flexible language like “AirPods Pro 2 or later.”
Now, with this new naming inside the iOS 26 beta, industry expectations have narrowed in on a fall 2025 debut, likely alongside the iPhone 17.
Expected Hardware Upgrades and Features
While the beta code doesn't spell out features, the timing and past rumors build a solid picture. The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to include Apple’s upgraded H3 chip. The chip could power faster processing, longer battery life, and tighter integration with Apple’s growing health tech.
Advanced Active Noise Cancellation will likely build on the already praised performance of the AirPods Pro 2, delivering sharper sound isolation in real time.
Improved Audio Experience on the Horizon
Audio quality is also likely to take a step forward. Each AirPods generation has refined sound clarity, and AirPods Pro 3 could raise the bar again. Leaks point to a new case design too, slimmer, lighter, and closer to the updated AirPods 4 shape.
Health Sensors May Join the Lineup
One standout expectation is the possible addition of health sensors. Heart rate tracking and temperature detection might finally make their way into Apple’s audio wearables, reflecting the company’s broader focus on health tech.
Rumors Clash as Launch Nears
Although analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had predicted a 2026 launch, Apple’s code appears to tell a different story.
The AirPods Pro 3 now feel all but confirmed. If history holds, they will debut this September, continuing Apple’s tradition of pairing flagship earbuds with iPhones.
A Quiet Build-Up to a Big Reveal
As iOS 26 inches closer to public release, the clues grow louder. Apple may not have made an announcement yet, but the silence is thinning.