Overview
- Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Apple could unveil AirPods 5 at its expected September 9 product event, and Apple has not publicly confirmed the plans.
- The new AirPods 5 are reported to be an entry-level update offered in two variants: a standard model and a version with active noise cancellation.
- Developers found references to the new AirPods and a mistakenly included demo clip in iOS and macOS 26.7 beta code that hint at both near-term updates and ongoing prototype work.
- Separately, Apple is said to be developing camera-equipped AirPods to feed Visual Intelligence and Siri features, but those models have reportedly slipped into 2027.
- If true, the move would keep a lower-cost AirPods refresh on Apple’s usual fall cadence alongside iPhones and Watches while leaving buyers who want camera and AI features waiting until next year.