Apple recently updated its codebase, including a numerical reference to an unreleased audio product. While the product’s identity remains unclear, its placement in the code and circulating rumors suggest it might be the AirPods Pro 3.
The extra identifier, 8239, is not the number that Apple uses for any of its existing AirPods or Beats headphones. No other information about the device is available, except for its existence in Apple’s codebase. Given AirPods Pro 3 rumors, it would make sense for the number to correspond to the upcoming earbuds, but there is also the possibility that Apple is working on refreshed Beats of some kind that we don’t know about yet.
MacDailyNews Take: The rumor mill around the Apple AirPods Pro 3 points to a 2025 launch, likely in September alongside the iPhone 17, though some analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu suggest a possible delay to 2026.
Here’s a rundown of the speculated features and upgrades based on leaks and industry insights:
• Release Timeline: Most sources, including Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman, peg a fall 2025 launch, aligning with Apple’s typical iPhone event schedule. However, a code reference to “AirPods Pro 3” in iOS 26 Beta 1, spotted by MacRumors, suggests Apple is preparing for a release soon, possibly as early as WWDC 2025 in June, though September remains more likely. A leaker named Kosutami claimed a May or June 2025 launch, but their track record is mixed, as a similar 2024 prediction didn’t pan out.
• Design Updates: Expect a redesign for both the earbuds and charging case, potentially slimmer like the AirPods 4, while retaining the iconic stemmed design with force sensors for controls. The case may keep MagSafe and Qi2 support but could feature a concealed status LED and a front-facing capacitive pairing button. There’s also talk of a touchscreen charging case based on recent Apple patents.
• New Chip: The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to use a new H3 chip, succeeding the H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2. This should improve audio processing, connectivity, and efficiency, potentially boosting battery life, noise cancellation, and features like Adaptive Audio and Siri integration.
• Health Features: Rumors suggest in-ear heart rate monitoring, similar to the Powerbeats Pro 2, and body temperature sensing via the ear canal for more accurate readings than wrist-based devices like the Apple Watch. These features aim to position AirPods as health-focused wearables, possibly including hearing health assessments like those introduced in AirPods Pro 2.
• Audio and ANC Improvements: Enhanced sound quality and “much better” Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are anticipated, potentially surpassing competitors like Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra. The H3 chip could also enhance Personalized Spatial Audio, especially for Vision Pro integration.
• Other Features: Speculation includes live translation capabilities via integration with the iPhone’s Translate app, gesture-based controls (possibly glove-compatible), and improved Find My functionality with a U2 chip in the case. There’s also mention of infrared cameras for gesture recognition, though these might not arrive until later models, possibly 2026 or 2027.
• Pricing: Most sources expect the AirPods Pro 3 to maintain the $249 price point of their predecessors, though some Reddit users speculate a hike to $299 due to inflation or tariffs. However, Apple’s history suggests price stability to stay competitive.
• Skepticism and Uncertainty: While the iOS 26 code leak strengthens the case for a 2025 launch, conflicting reports from analysts like Kuo introduce doubt, with some suggesting only minor updates or a focus on other Apple products in 2025. The absence of concrete details on features like infrared cameras or battery life improvements (some hope for 8 hours per bud, 30 hours with the case) adds to the uncertainty.
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