Apple May Unveil AirPods 5 as Early as September

Adrian Mühlroth

August 25, 2026, 2:17 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Recently, a leaked video from Apple showing a new AirPods model with cameras caused a stir. However, this is not planned until 2027. In the meantime, the entry-level AirPods of the fifth generation are set to be released–with and without active noise cancellation (ANC). This could happen as early as September.

Launch alongside iPhone 18 series

According to Apple expert Mark Gurman from “Bloomberg,” Apple might announce “new AirPods at the product launch event in September.” According to people familiar with the matter, these are the next generation of Apple’s entry-level headphones: AirPods 5.

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The AirPods 4 were also released two years ago in September alongside the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. It is the first AirPods model from which Apple offers two variants. The cheaper version is the direct successor to the AirPods 3, featuring improved earbud geometry for a better fit and a significantly smaller case. The higher-end version additionally comes with ANC and a speaker for locating through the “Find My” network.

Headphones on test How good is noise canceling on the AirPods 4, really?

Thanks to a New Chip New AirPods Model Finally Gets Pro Features

Codenames already known

In the wake of the major Apple leak, numerous unannounced products were found in the code of the macOS Tahoe 26.7 preview version. The demo video for the AirPods with a camera, also included in the leak, drew attention. However, other headphone models can also be found in the code.

Notably, the two codenames B868M and B868E stand out, which according to “MacRumors” likely refer to the AirPods 5 variants without and with ANC. The current generation has the codenames B768M (without ANC) and B768E (with ANC).

What changes with the AirPods 5?

Apart from the possible launch date and codenames, little is known about the AirPods 5 so far. It has been known since the end of 2025 that Apple is working on the next chip generation for wireless headphones. The H3 is expected to improve audio quality and reduce latency (the delay between audio signal and playback). The AirPods 5 could be the first model to receive the new chip–an honor previously exclusive to the AirPods Pro.

Apple is likely to further enhance the effectiveness of active noise cancellation in the more expensive version of the AirPods 5. For open in-ear headphones without silicone tips, ANC is a rather unusual feature. Nevertheless, Apple managed to quickly lead this niche segment with the AirPods 4.

Also interesting: What new devices does Apple have in the pipeline?

In both the Pro and Max series, new generations have consistently dramatically improved ANC performance. It is expected that a noticeable difference will also be felt with the AirPods 5 with ANC. The H3 chip, in particular, could set new standards through improved audio processing.

Additional health features like the heart rate sensors in the AirPods Pro 3 are not expected. Apple is likely to focus on reducing the price and reserving extra features for higher-priced models.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.