Apple could unveil two new AirPods 5 models at next month’s iPhone event

Apple could announce AirPods 5 as soon as next month, with a new report claiming the company is preparing two versions of its next entry-level earbuds.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, as reported by 9to5Mac, Apple is planning to introduce fresh AirPods during its expected September product event, where the company is also rumored to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, its first foldable iPhone, and new Apple Watch models.

Gurman later added that the new AirPods 5 lineup is expected to include both a standard version and a higher-end model with Active Noise Cancellation, continuing Apple’s recent strategy of offering different versions of its regular AirPods at different price points.

The current entry-level AirPods were last updated in 2024, making a refresh likely as Apple prepares its next wave of accessories for the iPhone 18 launch cycle.

The report suggests the AirPods 5 will be separate from Apple’s rumored camera-equipped AirPods, which are now not expected until next year. Those earbuds have been the subject of several recent leaks, including a demo video discovered inside the macOS Tahoe 26.7 Release Candidate showing how AirPods could work with Visual Intelligence.

Apple is believed to be developing camera-equipped AirPods as part of a broader push to make Siri and Apple Intelligence more aware of the user’s surroundings. However, the AirPods 5 expected next month appear to be a more conventional update focused on Apple’s mainstream wireless earbuds lineup.