Apple is preparing new AirPods this year, although some models will have to wait a little longer for the update. Here’s the latest launch timing for the new AirPods Pro, AirPods Max 2, and AirPods 5.
AirPods Pro 3 with cameras
Expected launch timing: Fall 2026
AirPods Pro are the latest updated model of AirPods. Still, rumors suggest there will be others getting the new hardware as well.
That’s because Apple is reportedly planning to launch a second, higher-end version of the AirPods Pro 3 later this year.
The new AirPods Pro 3 are said to be mostly identical to the current model, but add infrared cameras to enable AI features.
The price will likely be around $299, about $50 more than the standard AirPods Pro 3.
This two-model approach follows Apple, which made a similar move with the AirPods 4, offering a cheaper $129 variant and a $179 premium model with ANC.
AirPods Max 2
Expected launch timing: 2027
AirPods Max fans have been waiting a long time for a real 2.0 hardware update. Ahead of Apple’s fall event in 2024, many expected the AirPods Max 2 to debut. But instead, we only got a USB-C upgrade and new colors.
The latest reports suggest that the AirPods Max 2 will arrive in 2027.
They are said to be lighter than the first model. And expectations are for a more modern H-class processor – possibly the H3.
While the AirPods Max 2 will only add the H2 chip, it should still enable a lot of the new features that the AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 offer today. Here’s hoping for a bigger update though.
AirPods 5
Expected launch timing: 2027
Very little is currently known about the new generation of AirPods 5. However, here is a timeline of previous AirPods updates:
- AirPods: 2016
- AirPods 2: 2019
- AirPods 3: 2021
- AirPods 4: 2024
Apple typically ships new AirPods every three years, so 2027 is a likely target for the AirPods 5 launch.
Bloomberg previously reported that Apple is actively developing the AirPods 5 and expects the H3 chip and possibly new health features to be included. However, the AirPods Pro 3’s heart rate sensor isn’t expected to be downgraded to the entry-level AirPods — at least not yet.
Are you waiting for a specific new AirPods update? Let us know in the comments.
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