When does Apple release new AirPods?

Apple’s AirPods line is stronger than ever, but there are rumors about what’s to come. Here’s everything we know so far about when Apple will release the new AirPods.

Apple’s current set of AirPods

Here’s Apple’s AirPods lineup as it stands today:

When does Apple release new AirPods?

AirPods with camera

The biggest change coming to Apple’s AirPods line is the new AirPods with a built-in camera.

This pair of AirPods will have cameras in both the left and right earcups. However, the camera is not designed for photography and video. Instead, they will be used in conjunction with Siri to provide context for your surroundings. Bloomberg described them as “eyes” for Siri.

For example, while looking at the ingredients of a meal, you can ask your AirPods what to make for dinner or for specific nutritional information. They may integrate with other apps on your iPhone, such as Notifications and Maps, to provide environmental awareness features.

In terms of design, the AirPods with camera reportedly have a longer stem than the regular AirPods Pro to accommodate the camera. There will also be a small LED light that turns on automatically when the camera is capturing data.

AirPods with cameras were originally planned for release in 2026. However, recent reports indicate that the timeline has been pushed to the end of 2027 due to delays in Apple Intelligence and Siri.

More about AirPods with camera:

AirPods Max

Apple just updated the AirPods Max earlier this year with the H2 chip, high dynamic range amplifiers, improved sound quality and more.

Last year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is working on a new version of AirPods Max for 2027 that is lighter than the current design. It is unclear whether this update is still on the roadmap.

AirPods 5

Apple released AirPods 4 in two different versions in November 2024, including one with Active Noise Cancellation and one without.

most recently, Bloomberg Apple is reportedly set to announce the AirPods 5 at a “surprise and shine” event next week, along with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra.

Like AirPods 4, the new AirPods 5 are expected to be available in two versions:

With Active Noise Cancellation
Without ANC

There are no more details about the new features that AirPods 5 may offer.

Conclusion: Should you buy AirPods now?

Apple’s overall AirPods lineup is incredibly strong, especially if you can snag a pair for sale.

That said, if you’re in the market for AirPods 4, I recommend waiting until next week to see what AirPods 5 has to offer.

If you bought AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max, I think now is a good time to buy.

The AirPods Pro 3 was released this spring with a revamped design, improved sound quality, and a built-in heart rate monitor. I think they are really great. I don’t recommend waiting for AirPods with cameras right now, because those aren’t coming until sometime next year at the earliest.

What do you think about the current state of the AirPods line? Are you interested in AirPods with a camera? Let us know in the comments.