New Bluetooth ID Hints at Upcoming AirPods—But Which Model Is It?

New Bluetooth ID Hints at Upcoming AirPods—But Which Model Is It?

A mysterious new Bluetooth identifier (ID 8239) discovered in Apple’s code is fueling fresh speculation that a new AirPods model is on the way. Reported by MacRumors, the ID doesn’t match any existing AirPods or Beats products—raising the possibility that Apple is prepping an unannounced audio device.

What We Know So Far

  • The new Bluetooth ID: 8239

  • Doesn’t match:

    • AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) – ID 8228

    • Any AirPods Max, AirPods 3, or Beats models

  • Found in Apple code related to device syncing—a strong indicator it’s an in-house audio product

While the code offers no additional details, it confirms Apple is testing hardware that’s not yet public—and it’s advanced enough to be integrated into development builds.

Is This AirPods Pro 3?

Possibly—but there’s some conflicting intel:

  • Some rumors suggest AirPods Pro 3 could launch late this year, possibly with:

    • A refreshed design

    • New health sensors (like temperature or hearing aid functionality)

  • However, Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo both say mass production won’t begin until 2026, pointing to a much later release

So, if this ID is tied to the Pro 3, it could represent early development hardware—or a different AirPods variant entirely.

Other Possibilities

Given Apple’s expanding audio ambitions, the new Bluetooth ID could also point to:

  • A mid-cycle refresh (like new colors or minor internal changes)

  • A new entry-level AirPods model

  • A hearing-focused wearable, similar to what Bloomberg has reported Apple is exploring

  • Even AirPods with cameras, a rumored 2027 concept focused on spatial awareness and vision-related AI features

In the Meantime: AirPods Pro 2 Still Getting Upgrades

Before anything new hits shelves, Apple is still investing in the current lineup. This fall, AirPods Pro 2 will receive a firmware update that adds:

  • Studio-quality audio recording

  • A remote camera control feature (via stem gesture)

These improvements show Apple is building long-term value into existing models, even as new ones are on the horizon.

Bottom Line

The discovery of a new Bluetooth ID (8239) is a strong sign that Apple is actively testing a next-gen audio product. Whether it’s AirPods Pro 3, a new category, or a health-focused wearable, one thing’s clear: Apple’s audio roadmap is far from quiet.

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