When will new AirPods launch? Latest updates on AirPods Pro, AirPods Max 2, more

Source: 9to5Mac

Apple has new AirPods coming this year, though some models will have to wait a bit longer for an update. Here’s the latest launch timing for new AirPods Pro, AirPods Max 2, and AirPods 5.

AirPods Pro 3 with cameras

Expected launch timing: Fall 2026

AirPods Pro are the most recently updated AirPods model. Rumors indicate they’ll also be the next to get new hardware. Apple reportedly plans to launch a second, higher‑end version of AirPods Pro 3 later this year.

The new AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to be mostly identical to the current model, but add infrared cameras to enable AI features. Pricing will likely be around $299, about $50 more than the standard AirPods Pro 3.

This two‑model approach follows Apple’s similar move with AirPods 4, which offer a lower‑cost $129 option and a premium $179 model with ANC.

AirPods Max 2

Expected launch timing: 2027

AirPods Max fans have waited a long time for a true 2.0 hardware update. In the lead‑up to Apple’s fall 2024 event, many expected AirPods Max 2 to debut. Instead, we only got a USB‑C upgrade and new colors.

The latest reporting indicates AirPods Max 2 are coming in 2027. Rumors say they’ll be lighter than the first model and may feature a more modern H‑class processor—perhaps an H3. Even if they only add the H2 chip, it should still enable many new features that AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 offer today.

AirPods 5

Expected launch timing: 2027

Very little is known currently about the next‑generation AirPods 5. Here’s 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, making 2027 a likely launch target for AirPods 5.

Bloomberg has previously reported that Apple is actively developing AirPods 5, and implied an H3 chip will be included along with possible new health features. However, the AirPods Pro 3’s heart‑rate sensor is not expected to be brought down to the entry‑level AirPods—at least not yet.