AirPods 5 are expected to arrive next week, according to the latest rumors pointing to a debut at Apple’s September 9 event. The new earbuds would join a wide lineup that reportedly includes the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple Watch Series 12, and an iPhone Ultra.
When AirPods 5 Could Launch
Apple’s largest event of the year is scheduled for September 9, and alongside new iPhones, Apple Watch models, and likely Home products, the fifth-generation AirPods are anticipated to make an appearance.
The timing lines up with Apple’s release history. The original AirPods launched in 2016, followed by AirPods 2 in 2019, AirPods 3 in 2021, and AirPods 4 in 2024. With Apple typically waiting two or three years between generations, a 2026 update fits the established pattern.
What stands out is how few leaks have surfaced about the new model. Much of the recent AirPods chatter has focused on a camera-equipped version, and a video discovered in Apple software recently showed that model in action, fueling speculation about a near-term release.
What to Expect From the New Earbuds
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, AirPods with cameras won’t arrive until 2027. Instead, he expects AirPods 5 without cameras to debut at the September event. Gurman reported that the rollout will refresh Apple’s entry-level earbuds, a model last updated in 2024, while the camera-equipped version is held back for next year.
Gurman also indicated that AirPods 5 will come in two distinct versions: one with Active Noise Cancellation and one without ANC. He does not expect the new earbuds to include the heart-rate sensor found in AirPods Pro 3, though he noted that Apple aims to add more health features over time, including a temperature reader.
Chip and Health Features Still Uncertain
Gurman has separately reported that Apple is developing an H3 chip designed to reduce lag and improve audio quality. Whether AirPods 5 will feature the H3 remains unclear. When the H2 chip debuted, it was initially exclusive to the AirPods Pro line before reaching other models.
New health sensors are possible for AirPods 5, and the H3 chip is also a possibility, but concrete details remain scarce. Apple could still surprise buyers at the reveal, much as it did with AirPods Max 2 earlier this year. AirPods 4 originally launched in 2024, marking the last refresh of Apple’s entry-level earbuds.
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Image: 9to5mac.com
