AirPods 5 Rumor Roundup: Two Models With H3 Chip Expected at Apple's September 9 Event

Apple is expected to announce two AirPods 5 models at its September 9 "Surprise and Shine" event, according to a comprehensive 9to5Mac roundup published August 31. Here's everything the rumor mill says about Apple's next entry-level earbuds — and what's notably absent.

What's Expected

• Two models: Standard and ANC variants, mirroring the AirPods 4 lineup
• H3 chip: New audio processor designed for reduced latency and improved audio quality
• Bluetooth LE Audio: Rumored support for the power-efficient Bluetooth standard, improving battery life and multi-device connectivity
• Microphone and acoustic upgrades: Borrowed from the Pro line for better call clarity and Siri accuracy

What's NOT Coming

Camera-equipped AirPods are delayed until 2027. The much-rumored "AirPods Ultra" with infrared cameras for Siri AI context won't arrive this year due to software and supply-chain bottlenecks. If you were holding out for camera AirPods, you're looking at a minimum 12-month wait.

The Fastest Refresh Ever

This would mark the shortest gap between AirPods generations in the product line's history. The AirPods 4 launched just 12 months ago in September 2025 — previous generations had 18–24 month cycles. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman characterizes the update as "minor," suggesting an entry-level refresh rather than a reinvention.

What Buyers Should Do

If you own AirPods Pro 3 ($199), there's no reason to consider the AirPods 5 — the Pro 3's adaptive audio, hearing health features, and heart rate monitoring are in a different league. If you're shopping for entry-level Apple earbuds, wait until September 9 — the reveal is exactly one week away. Current AirPods 4 prices may also drop after the announcement. Browse all options in our earbuds guide.