Apple is already working on two AirPods 5 models, but that doesn't guarantee an impending release
In addition to an already highly controversial new high-end AirPods variant with built-in cameras, Apple has AirPods 5 with and without noise cancellation also in the pipeline.
When it rains inside information on unreleased Apple products in the online space, it sometimes pours, and for once, we're not (only) talking about upcoming iPhones.
Instead, a bunch of intriguing smart home devices and headphones are also in the spotlight right now, as various references to their internal codenames and possible official names have recently been discovered in public macOS code. Obviously, that confirms the Cupertino-based tech giant is working on all these gadgets and accessories, although their release dates could vary wildly from next month to next year to... never.
Isn't it a little early for an AirPods 5 launch?
It certainly seems that way to me after the September 2024 debut of the AirPods 4 duo and the October 2021 (!!!) announcement of the lone AirPods 3 model sans active noise cancellation, but evidently, it's not too early for Apple to start testing the "B868M" and "B868E."
Despite their very young age, the AirPods Pro 3 could be replaced by an improved model as early as next month. | Image by PhoneArena
Given that the "standard" fourth-gen AirPods are known on the inside by the "B768M" and "B768E" codenames in their non-noise-cancelling and higher-end variants, respectively, it's pretty clear that we're dealing with similar AirPods 5 models here.
What's far from etched in stone, of course, are the expected upgrades of these fifth-gen AirPods with and without active noise cancellation, although an Apple H3 chip with improved overall audio performance and even better connectivity than the current H2 inside the AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods Max 2 feels like a relatively safe bet.
What upcoming Apple earbuds are you most excited about?
In case you're wondering, the aforementioned B768M and B768E designations of the AirPods 4 without and with noise-cancelling skills, respectively, first made headlines just around six months before their commercial release. But I still don't think the AirPods 5 are very likely to come out before the fall of 2027, although the AirPods 2 did get a March launch back in 2019, so perhaps a spring debut is in the cards here too.
Apple is also working on at least two other additions to the company's earbuds roster
... and they couldn't possibly be more different. I'm talking about a mystery new Beats Solo Buds model that's likely to go up against budget-friendly options from Samsung or Google like the Galaxy Buds 3 FE and Pixel Buds 2a, as well as a groundbreaking (and already highly controversial) ultra-high-end AirPods variant that could carry Pro branding.
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These undeniably gorgeous Beats Solo Buds could get a sequel next month too. | Image by Apple
That's right, the world's first-ever earbuds with built-in cameras are now expected to be called AirPods Pro 4 instead of AirPods Ultra or something fancy like that, which might cause a little bit of confusion even among Apple's most devoted fans. On the bright side, the use of such a familiar name suggests the company will be able to keep the AirPods Pro 4's price relatively close to its predecessor's $250 mark.
The Beats Solo Buds 2, meanwhile, could cost as little as 80 bucks and ship alongside a tiny case with no charging functionality, although those are obviously just assumptions on my part based on the capabilities and list price of the original 2024-released generation.
No wonder Apple is the clear leader of global wireless earbuds sales
The massive popularity of the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 is no secret, helping Apple crush its industry rivals in Q1 2026, but clearly, the tech giant is not resting on its laurels, instead preparing to further widen the functionality gap to the likes of Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro with cameras, more power, and presumably, even stronger noise cancellation.
Both Apple and Beats are somehow on the global podium as far as wireless earbuds vendors are concerned right now. | Image by Smart Analytics Global
Apple's dominant 23 percent market share between January and March of this year, mind you, didn't include Beats sales, and if the Solo Buds 2 are indeed real, impending, and as awesomely affordable as I expect, there's a more than decent chance that Apple's daughter brand will move up to the second place in the worldwide vendor hierarchy, securing a monumental one-two win for its parent company soon enough.
So, yeah, I'm almost more excited about that seemingly lower-profile product than the potentially divisive camera-equipped AirPods Pro 4 or the likely pretty distant non-Pro AirPods 5.
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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