Apple to Unveil 2 AirPods 5 Models by Sept. 9 as Code Hints at ANC Option

Q: With AirPods 5 supposedly dropping this September, what hidden upgrades justify replacing the two-year-old AirPods 4?

Right now, there is no confirmed hidden upgrade that clearly justifies replacing AirPods 4 with AirPods 5. What is solid is the launch timing and product structure. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple is preparing two AirPods 5 versions, one with active noise cancellation and one without, and references to those models have appeared in macOS 26.7 code. But Apple has not disclosed the feature changes, pricing, battery gains, or any design revision. The most plausible reason to upgrade, if Apple delivers it, is a new H3 chip. That remains speculative, but it is the main rumored improvement. An H3 chip could bring better sound processing, lower latency for gaming and video, improved call quality, and more efficient power use. Those are meaningful upgrades, but none are confirmed yet. Beyond that, any case for replacing AirPods 4 is weak because the current model is already recent and well equipped. AirPods 4 launched in September 2024, use Apple’s H2 chip, offer water and sweat resistance, and already split into ANC and non-ANC versions. Software-driven additions in the AirPods ecosystem, such as translation and other smart features, increasingly depend on firmware and the paired iPhone, not necessarily brand-new earbuds. So unless Apple announces a clear leap in battery life, audio quality, latency, or fit, AirPods 5 looks more like a routine refresh than a must-buy replacement. For most AirPods 4 owners, the smart move is to wait for Apple’s official specs before upgrading.

3 articles · Updated · MacRumors · Aug 24

September 9 is the earliest date Apple is expected to announce two AirPods 5 versions, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Both models are set to mirror the AirPods 4 lineup, with one version offering active noise cancellation and another without it.
macOS 26.7 release-candidate code already contained references to AirPods 5 last week, reinforcing expectations that they will appear at Apple's annual iPhone event.
Apple has not detailed upgrades over the AirPods 4, which debuted in September 2024 and currently sell in the U.S. for $129 to $179.