AirPods 5 release news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Apple announced AirPods 5 on September 9, 2026, starting at $129, with ANC now standard.
The $129 entry price undercuts the previous AirPods 4, making ANC cheaper for buyers.
Background
Apple announced the AirPods 5 at its September 2026 event, positioning active noise cancellation as a standard feature across the lineup for the first time. The entry-level model starts at $129, while the version with a wireless charging case costs $149 — $30 less than the previous model. The launch follows months of rumors and speculation about the next-generation AirPods.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2, 20269to5Mac published a roundup of what to expect from Apple's next AirPods, noting rumors about the lineup.
- Sep 8, 2026The Apple Post reported on when AirPods 5 could go on sale after Apple's event.
- Sep 9, 2026Apple officially announced AirPods 5 at its September event, with ANC standard, five hours of battery life, live translation, and a starting price of $129.
- Sep 18, 2026AirPods 5 are set to hit stores, according to Engadget.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Engadget described the update as a modest upgrade focused on better noise cancellation.
- Analysts
- PCMag noted the AirPods 5 are somehow cheaper than the AirPods 4.
Still unverified
The rumored AirPods with built-in cameras were spotted in an accidental leak earlier in 2026, but Apple has not officially announced them; Bloomberg reports they may launch next year, though the timeline has reportedly slipped to late 2027.