My guess with Canon apparently releasing an R3 with a gripped body is to release a step-up
pro camera which would buy them some extra time to continue further development and further fine-tune and prefect the top of the line R1 and whatever new or game changing features it will come with. Canon doesn’t want to release their top of the line model just because the market expects it. But it’s exactly that, expectations and market pressure (among a couple of other things), which increased in the industry over the last couple of years. This made Canon release the EOS R as it’s introduction model into the mirrorless universe. It enabled them to release the RF mount and line of lenses gradually and prior to any high specs body. Although as the last of the bunch and a bit late, clever move in my opinion. More importantly, it allowed customers to get used to the new system and provide very valuable first feedback which eventually (and with the RP and R Astro as intermediate stops) resulted in the very much anticipated R5 and R6. No doubt that the anticipation and initial EOS R strategy contributed to the R5’s and R6’ success. In that sense it makes much sense to initially split the introduction of a true pro line of cameras with an intro model, the R3, and at a later stage a top of the line R1. With Canon’s clear diversification into more « specialised” and “dedicated” bodies, I wouldn’t be surprised if the R3 and potential R1 would continue to exist in parallel as their pro grade cameras but with slightly different usage in mind. Think about it. The R5 amd R6 are in the same kind of though pattern. It’s either that or the “R3” naming is misleaked working name and is eventually gonna change to R1. Either way if the leak is genuine (let’s hope it’s confirmed) it’s clearly not a coincidence.....food for thought....