Two new Air Pods 5 models will launch alongside the i Phone 18, says reliable analyst — here's what I'd like to see Apple change to make them better value than Air Pods 4 | Tech Radar
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Two new Air Pods 5 models will launch alongside the i Phone 18, says reliable analyst — here's what I'd like to see Apple change to make them better value than Air Pods 4
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Report points to Air Pods 5 launching in September, in two models
A cheaper version and a pricier option with noise cancellation
We're expecting the big i Phone 18 Pro event to happen in early September
Despite all these news stories about Air Pods with cameras, we've been hearing that 'normal' Air Pods are set to release before the end of the year — and a brand-new report paints a much clearer picture of what we're about to see.
According to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a prolific Apple tipster, the brand is teeing up to release Air Pods 5, consisting of a standard pair of buds and an ANC-toting model.
It's suggested that these buds could come in early September — Apple's regular late-year launch is expected to bring i Phone 18 Pro models, Apple Watch 12 and a folding i Phone Ultra — but, by the sounds of it, there's wiggle room for them to release a little later. Still, it's often Apple's style to have one big event with lots of products.
Back in 2024, Apple expanded its non-Pro Air Pods line two have two versions. We received the standard Air Pods 4, and also the Air Pods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, the latter of which received a slightly more positive review from us. It was a similar model, but with a slightly higher price and ANC. It seems that Apple is continuing that trend.
Apple's standard Air Pods see fewer leaks and rumors than the Pro model, and so there aren't any serious reports as to what we could expect. But we weren't glowing in our review, and there are a few tweaks Apple could make to improve them.
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The main thing is simply the value. The Air Pods 4 weren't expensive, but they just didn't offer as good value for money as the competition — the likes of the Nothing Ear (a) were cheaper, offered features such as ANC, and sounded better.
They stood in contrast to the Air Pods Pro 2 (which were current when Air Pods 4 launched) and later the Air Pods Pro 3. The premium buds are excellent value compared to the competition, packing in more features, impressive sound, and a comfortable and light design.
Apple had the same problem I saw in Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4: a brand not making its cheaper options cheap enough. I'd like to see Air Pods 5 either cost less (unlikely in today's tech world…) or have more features to give them a reason to cost more than the rest of the budget earbuds world.
I also think fit reliability is an area that needs to see changes too. It's a common problem in semi-open buds like the Air Pods, that they don't grip in your ears as well as those with in-ear tips — I've lost count of how many Air Pods runners I've seen lose their buds mid-jog. Apple's done good design work in this area, but I want to see improvements still.
Apple improved the battery life of its earbuds last time, and I hope it can do that again — they actually outperformed Apple's claimed figures, but it's normal to see earbuds hit close to 10 hours without ANC on, so it'd be great to see Apple get closer to that.
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When it comes to audio, I hope they'll improve the way they handle detail. As we said in our Air Pods 4 review, they lose fine resolution, which can affect the enjoyment of some tracks. Of all the upgrades I've listed, I'd imagine sonic tweaks are the ones most likely to come to fruition.
If Apple wanted to make some serious changes, it could make Air Pods truly accessible to Android users (at the moment, most Air Pods features require an i Phone, though they will function for basic audio with any Bluetooth device). I don't see the brand making this change, but it'd certainly shine a needed light on Apple's lesser-bought buds — however, Android support seems to be Beats' role in Apple's portfolio.
It's hard not to treat 2026 as a fallow year for Air Pods. The fifth-generation models will likely be iterative updates, as the Air Pods Max 2 were, and the camera-toting Air Pods are expected to launch next year. But a few tweaks could help make the Air Pods 5 feel like more than water-treading from Apple, even just two years after the previous models.
➡️ Read our full guide to the best earbuds
- Best overall: Technics EAH-AZ100
- Best mid-range: Cambridge Audio A100
- Best budget: Nothing Ear (a)
- Best for noise-cancelling: Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds Ultra 2nd Gen
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Tom Bedford is a freelance contributor covering tech, entertainment and gaming. Beyond Tech Radar, he has bylines on sites including Games Radar, Digital Trends, Android Police, Tech Advisor, Whatto Watch and BGR. From 2019 to 2022 he was on the Tech Radar team as the staff writer and then deputy editor for the mobile team.
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