Apple unveils (accidentally) secret product with iOS 26: This is it

Apple has released iOS 26, with which the company accidentally unveiled a secret product. This device is about!

iOS 26

Apple has announced iOS 26, with which a new interface and many functions come to your iPhone. Developers can now get started with the first test version of iOS 26, in which a striking code has been discovered. Apple refers in the software to a product that has not yet been released. In the software, Apple explicitly mentions the AirPods Pro 3, while the company has not yet made a formal announcement about the ears.

Because of the code in the test version of iOS 26, we know that Apple is working on the AirPods Pro 3. These rumors have been going on for some time, but this is the first time that Apple has confirmed it (accidentally). The company maintains the same naming with the AirPods Pro, because the AirPods Pro 2 are followed by the AirPods Pro 3. In the code of iOS 26, Apple does not explain new functions of the product. Yet we already have an idea of ​​the features that come to the AirPods Pro 3 due to earlier rumors.

AirPods Pro 3

It is expected that Apple will make major changes at the AirPods Pro 3. The advanced ears will receive a new design, with shorter stalks and probably a more compact charging box. This is the first time that Apple adjusts the design of the AirPods Pro, because the ears are virtually unchanged since the first generation of the AirPods Pro.

In addition, both the audio quality and noise reduction are greatly improved in the third generation of the AirPods Pro by the new H3 chip. That is not the only improvement, because Apple is said to work on new health functions. One of those features is a body temperature meter. The AirPods Pro 3 can give an indication of your body temperature, just like the Apple Watch. That is good news, because measuring your body temperature is more reliable from your ear than, for example, with your wrist.

Release of the AirPods Pro 3

It is still unclear which functions will come to the AirPods Pro 3. Apple is most likely working on more accessibility functions, the current AirPods can already be used as a hearing aid. More of this type of functions are added to the AirPods Pro 3. The microphone of the earphones is probably also improved, which is already part of iOS 26 with the existing AirPods. At the AirPods Pro 3, Apple probably also renews the hardware of the microphones.

The fact that Apple reveals the AirPods Pro 3 with iOS 26 means that we may still see the ears this year. There have been rumors for some time that Apple wants to release the new generation of the AirPods in the autumn of 2025. Those rumors now seem to be confirmed, so that the release of the AirPods Pro 3 will probably fall in October or November. The ears will probably get the same starting price as the AirPods Pro 2, which is 279 euros at Apple. Curious what the lowest prices of the AirPods Pro 2 are now? View them here: