Two new AirPods 5 models will launch alongside the iPhone 18, says reliable analyst here's what I'd like to see Apple change to make them better value than AirPods 4

Date:
Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:03:48 +0000

Description:
A new report suggests the Apple AirPods 5 will launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, and an ANC-toting model will be along for the ride.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Report points to AirPods 5 launching in September, in two models A cheaper version and a pricier option with noise cancellation We're expecting the big iPhone 18 Pro event to happen in early September Despite all these news stories about AirPods with cameras
, we've been hearing that 'normal' AirPods are set to release before the end of the year and a brand-new report paints a much clearer picture of what we're about to see.

According to a report from Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman, a prolific Apple
tipster, the brand is teeing up to release AirPods 5 , consisting of a standard pair of buds and an ANC-toting model. It's suggested that these buds could come in early September Apple's regular late-year launch is expected
to bring iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple Watch 12 and a folding iPhone Ultra
but, by the sounds of it, there's wiggle room for them to release a little later. Still, it's often Apple's style to have one big event with lots of products. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Back in 2024, Apple expanded its non-Pro AirPods line two have two versions. We received the standard AirPods 4 , and also the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation , the latter of which received a slightly more positive review from us. It was a similar model, but with a slightly higher price and ANC. It seems that Apple is continuing that trend. AirPods that are really 'new' (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol) Apple's standard AirPods see fewer leaks
and rumors than the Pro model, and so there aren't any serious reports as to what we could expect. But we weren't glowing in our review, and there are a few tweaks Apple could make to improve them. You may like A fresh report points to new AirPods in 2026, but not Apple's camera-enhanced buds What are the best AirPods to buy today? I've used every model, and here are my recommendations The cheapest AirPods sales and deals in August 2026

The main thing is simply the value. The AirPods 4 weren't expensive, but they just didn't offer as good value for money as the competition the likes of
the Nothing Ear (a) were cheaper, offered features such as ANC, and sounded better.

They stood in contrast to the AirPods Pro 2 (which were current when AirPods
4 launched) and later the AirPods Pro 3 . The premium buds are excellent
value compared to the competition, packing in more features, impressive
sound, and a comfortable and light design. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Apple had the same problem I saw in Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 : a brand not making its cheaper options cheap enough. I'd like to see AirPods 5 either
cost less (unlikely in today's tech world) or have more features to give them a reason to cost more than the rest of the budget earbuds world.

I also think fit reliability is an area that needs to see changes too. It's a common problem in semi-open buds like the AirPods, that they don't grip in your ears as well as those with in-ear tips I've lost count of how many AirPods runners I've seen lose their buds mid-jog. Apple's done good design work in this area, but I want to see improvements still.

Apple improved the battery life of its earbuds last time, and I hope it can
do that again they actually outperformed Apple's claimed figures, but it's normal to see earbuds hit close to 10 hours without ANC on, so it'd be great to see Apple get closer to that. What to read next The best AirPods Pro sales and deals for August 2026 Dont miss super-cheap AirPods before these deals end! I tested them all, here's the one I'd pick AirPods Max 2 review: battery life is the only minor bugbear in an otherwise phenomenal set of headphones for iPhone-owners

When it comes to audio, I hope they'll improve the way they handle detail. As we said in our AirPods 4 review , they lose fine resolution, which can affect the enjoyment of some tracks. Of all the upgrades I've listed, I'd imagine sonic tweaks are the ones most likely to come to fruition.

If Apple wanted to make some serious changes, it could make AirPods truly accessible to Android users (at the moment, most AirPods features require an iPhone, though they will function for basic audio with any Bluetooth device). I don't see the brand making this change, but it'd certainly shine a needed light on Apple's lesser-bought buds however, Android support seems to be Beats' role in Apple's portfolio .

It's hard not to treat 2026 as a fallow year for AirPods. The
fifth-generation models will likely be iterative updates, as the AirPods Max
2 were, and the camera-toting AirPods are expected to launch next year. But a few tweaks could help make the AirPods 5 feel like more than water-treading from Apple, even just two years after the previous models. The best wireless earbuds for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best earbuds 1. Best overall: Technics EAH-AZ100 2. Best mid-range: Cambridge Audio A100 3. Best budget: Nothing Ear (a) 4. Best for noise-cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra 2nd Gen Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/two-new-airpods-5-models-will- launch-alongside-the-iphone-18-says-reliable-analyst-heres-what-id-like-to-see -apple-change-to-make-them-better-value-than-airpods-4


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