The iOS 16.4 release candidate version, distributed to developers on Tuesday evening, appears to contain a hint of new AirPods that could be released in the near future.
Apple has now officially distributed the release candidate versions of iOS 16.4 and Co. to developers. Not only new functions have been added. As Twitter user @aaronp613 reported, the RC version includes references to AirPods with model number A3048 and an AirPods charging case with model number A2968. There are no rumors of new AirPods and it's too early for Apple to update the earbuds since they were only refreshed in 2021.
iOS 16.4 innovations briefly summarized
It's not clear if new AirPods are actually on the way or if this is some sort of iterative update where Apple switches to USB-C for the charging case as expected. Apple's iOS 16.4 update includes a number of new features, including extending the duplicate detection feature in the Photos app to the shared iCloud Photo Library to detect and merge duplicate photos and videos. In addition, the update fixes issues such as VoiceOver support for Maps in the Weather app, purchase requests on the parent's device, and bugs with Matter-compatible thermostats. The iOS 16.4 update also improves crash detection for iPhone 14 models. (Photo by Dontree / Bigstockphoto)
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