From AirPods 5 to a model equipped with cameras, Apple is reportedly preparing some significant changes to its wireless earbud lineup.

Apple’s current AirPods lineup includes AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation (ANC), AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2.

These products span the entry-level to premium segments, catering to a wide range of user needs.

AirPods 4 currently sell for around $99, while AirPods 4 with ANC are priced at approximately $149.

AirPods Pro 3 are available for $99 during the current sale, while AirPods Max 2 cost around $479.

Apple, however, does not appear ready to stop with its current generation. Recent leaks suggest the company is considering or preparing at least three new directions for the AirPods lineup.

AirPods with cameras: Apple’s biggest change yet

One of the most notable upgrades rumored for AirPods is a version featuring cameras built directly into both earbuds.

According to reports, both the left and right earbuds will be equipped with a camera.

The primary purpose of these cameras, however, would not be to take photos or record videos like an iPhone camera.

Instead, they are expected to work with Siri and Apple Intelligence, allowing the virtual assistant to understand the user’s surroundings.

Bloomberg has previously described the camera system as the “eyes” of Siri. This means future AirPods may not simply listen and respond to questions, but could also “see” the world around the user and provide more contextually relevant answers.

For example, while looking at cooking ingredients, users could ask their AirPods what they should make for dinner or request information about the ingredients’ nutritional content.

The earbuds could also work with iPhone apps such as Reminders and Maps to provide additional information based on the user’s surroundings.

In terms of design, the camera-equipped AirPods are expected to feature longer stems than the current AirPods Pro to make room for the camera system. A small LED light is also reportedly planned, automatically turning on whenever the cameras are collecting data.

The special AirPods model was initially expected to arrive in 2026. More recent reports, however, suggest Apple has pushed the plan back to late 2027, partly because of delays involving Apple Intelligence and Siri.

New AirPods Max could be lighter

Apple also upgraded AirPods Max this year with the H2 chip, a new high-dynamic-range amplifier and several improvements to audio quality.

Even so, the company may still be developing a new version of AirPods Max. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously revealed that Apple was planning a 2027 AirPods Max model with a lighter design than the current generation.

It remains unclear whether the plan is still part of Apple’s product roadmap. Reducing the weight, however, could be a worthwhile upgrade, as the size and weight of AirPods Max have long been a concern among users.

AirPods 5 could arrive as soon as next week

Among the rumored products, AirPods 5 are perhaps the most relevant for users currently considering buying AirPods 4.

Apple launched AirPods 4 in November 2024 in two versions, one with active noise cancellation and another without ANC.

According to Bloomberg, Apple could unveil AirPods 5 at its special “Surprise and shine” event next week, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra.

Like the current generation, AirPods 5 are expected to come in two versions: one featuring ANC and another without active noise cancellation.

There is currently little specific information about the new features AirPods 5 could bring. The biggest question, therefore, is how far Apple will take the upgrades, from sound quality and battery life to connectivity and smarter features.

Hai Phong