Apple is only hours away from its “Surprise and Shine” event on September 9, and AirPods 5 have emerged as one of the likely hardware announcements alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and new Apple Watch models. Apple has not confirmed the earbuds, although references inside macOS 26.7 and multiple reports now point to a launch during today’s event.
The latest information suggests Apple will once again offer two versions of its standard AirPods, while bringing significant improvements to noise cancellation. Apple’s event begins at 10 a.m. Pacific, or 10:30 p.m. IST. You can read our guide to watching the September 9 Apple event before the presentation starts.
AirPods 5 could arrive in two versions
Apple reportedly plans to continue the two-model strategy introduced with AirPods 4. Earlier reports described an affordable version without Active Noise Cancellation and a more expensive model with ANC, while last-minute information says Apple will offer versions with and without a wireless charging case.
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Here is what the rumored lineup currently looks like:
| Feature | AirPods 5 base model | Higher-end AirPods 5 |
|---|---|---|
| New generation | Expected | Expected |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Unclear in latest report | Expected |
| Wireless charging case | Reportedly absent | Reportedly included |
| Improved noise cancellation | Expected to improve | Expected to improve significantly |
| H3 chip | Rumored | Rumored |
| Price | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
Apple currently sells AirPods 4 for $129 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for $179 in the US. There is no reliable last-minute confirmation that AirPods 5 will keep those prices, so pricing remains one of the main details to watch during the keynote.
Noise cancellation looks like the biggest upgrade
The strongest new rumor concerns Active Noise Cancellation. AirPods 5 are reportedly getting “dramatically improved” noise cancellation, which would give Apple more room between the standard AirPods and AirPods Pro while keeping the open-ear design accessible to buyers who do not want silicone ear tips.
A new H3 headphone chip has also been rumored for AirPods 5. If Apple uses it, the chip can provide the processing foundation for better audio, lower latency, improved voice isolation and more efficient ANC. However, Apple has not confirmed the H3 chip, and the latest report about AirPods 5 does not explicitly establish that specification.
The main rumored upgrades include:
- Two AirPods 5 configurations
- Significantly improved noise cancellation
- Wireless charging on at least one version
- A possible new H3 audio chip
- Improved audio processing and lower latency
- Continued separation between standard AirPods and the Pro lineup
Camera-equipped AirPods are reportedly waiting until 2027
One major AirPods feature is now unlikely to appear tonight. Apple had reportedly considered introducing AirPods equipped with tiny cameras or visual sensors this year, but those models have been pushed into 2027 while Apple continues working on the hardware and software.
Code found in macOS 26.7 has already revealed extensive work on the technology, including synchronized cameras, person detection, motion calibration and environmental awareness. The system appears designed to give Visual Intelligence more information about what the wearer sees rather than function as a traditional photography camera. Our closer look at the leaked camera AirPods technology explains what Apple has been testing.
For today, attention remains firmly on AirPods 5. Apple has yet to confirm their name, specifications, price or release date, but the combination of software references and last-minute reporting makes a September 9 announcement increasingly likely.
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