Excited about Apple's next-gen AirPods? I have good news and bad news for you today
While the oft-rumored camera-equipped AirPods are almost definitely not coming out in 2026 after all, the AirPods 5 are now likely to see daylight next month in two flavors.
While everyone and their mother probably knows at this point that Apple plans to unveil its first foldable device alongside the more conventional iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max but not the "vanilla" iPhone 18 as well next month, the rumor mill hasn't been very active or detailed regarding other products that might debut at the same September event.
Until recently, for instance, it wasn't clear how the Cupertino-based tech giant intended to follow last fall's AirPods Pro 3 announcement and the AirPods 4 launch from September 2024. Of course, we're still a couple of weeks or so away from any such plans actually being confirmed by the company, although in the meantime, we can probably trust Bloomberg's Mark Gurman knows exactly what he's talking about on this front.
If history is any indication, the AirPods 5 will probably look a lot like the AirPods 4. | Image by PhoneArena
As it turns out, the fifth-gen AirPods are in fact impending, at least according to the most trustworthy Apple insider in the world, who expects two "flavors" to see daylight "this year." The active noise cancellation-equipped and non-noise-cancelling AirPods 5 are rumored to debut "as early as the September product launch event", which might suggest that Gurman isn't entirely certain about their exact release timing this year.
But unless there's something wrong with the production of Apple's next big earbuds, I highly doubt these will end up going official alongside the latest Macs or an upgraded iPad mini in October.
What upcoming AirPods model do you think you'll buy?
Gurman already dismissed that theory shortly after these groundbreaking AirPods were shown in action... by none other than Apple, and the 2027 launch timeframe is "reconfirmed" in the latest Bloomberg report. While that's likely to sadden the usual contingent of hardcore Apple fans who tend to get excited about any new product or technology that sounds bold or potentially innovative in any way, I'm fairly certain some privacy-concerned users will breathe a (temporary) sigh of relief.
Genuinely, this will just create privacy concerns across the board and ruin it for 99% of people who just want to listen to music
JustSomeCommonB_tch on Reddit, August 20, 2026
Although all people familiar with Cupertino's plans have assured us the cameras built into this mysterious future AirPods edition will not be used to take photos or record videos of a wearer's surroundings, instead focusing on providing "context" for Siri and other AI tools, the general public feeling remains one of caution and not excitement, as is evident on social media.
Here are more news stories on upcoming Apple products:
Now that's an interesting question... I cannot answer just yet, mostly because it's not clear how the camera-equipped AirPods will be called and how integral a role they'll play in Apple's wireless earbuds portfolio when they're released.
For the longest time, the assumption was this product would be labeled AirPods Ultra (or something along those lines) and sit above the AirPods Pro family in terms of both capabilities and pricing.
Genuinely who wants cameras on their headphones? Just seems like an unnecessary cost that doesn’t benefit the primary function of the device. And your phone would always have a better camera.
gaysaucemage on Reddit, August 20, 2026
But lately, I've been hearing more and more whispers calling for a straightforward AirPods Pro 4 branding for Apple's first earbuds with built-in cameras. That suggests the price tag might not exceed $250 or at least $300, but at the same time, it could cause some major outrage among those wanting to own the most powerful Apple buds without getting the benefits and privacy concerns of in-ear cameras as well.
Another possibility is that Apple will look to release the AirPods Pro 4 in two flavors as well, one with cameras and one without, but either way, that's unlikely to happen this year.
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Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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