What is the worst time to buy AirPods?

The worst time to buy AirPods is generally immediately before a major sale, or just before Apple replaces the model you’re considering.

That’s particularly relevant right now. Amazon’s October Prime Day sale takes place on October 6 and 7, so paying full price for AirPods just a few days before the sale would make little sense unless you need them immediately.

What is the best time to buy AirPods?

Major sales events are generally the best time to buy AirPods. Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday are particularly worth watching because Apple’s headphones and earbuds frequently receive significant retailer discounts.

The savings can be substantial. AirPods Pro 3 have previously dropped from their $249 MSRP to $169, while AirPods Max 2 have already been available for $399 rather than $549.

That doesn’t mean you should never buy between sales. If the AirPods you want are already close to their historical low, there’s little reason to wait simply because another sales event will eventually arrive.

Should you buy AirPods now or wait?

For most people, yes — but wait for Prime Day if you can

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For most people, October 2026 is a good time to buy AirPods – but wait until the October 6–7 Prime Day sale if you can.

Apple has recently refreshed the standard AirPods and AirPods Max ranges, while AirPods Pro 3 are only around a year old. That removes much of the risk that comes with buying immediately before a product refresh.

The bigger question is therefore not whether a new generation is about to arrive, but whether you can get the current model at a good price.

Read our AirPods Buying Guide to understand how the different AirPods compare and find out which is best for you.

Should you buy AirPods 5 now or wait?

Buy – but wait for a Prime Day discount if you can.

We recommend: Apple AirPods 5

The AirPods 5 only arrived in September 2026, so there’s little reason to wait for another generation. They are also much easier to recommend than the AirPods 4 they replace because Active Noise Cancellation is now standard.

AirPods 5 start at $129 with a USB-C charging case. Apple also sells a $149 version with a Wireless Charging Case, which adds wireless charging, a speaker for Find My, volume adjustment by swiping the stems and slightly longer battery life.

The new generation also brings improved sound and stronger noise cancellation. Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC.

We think the $149 Wireless Charging Case version is the better choice for most buyers because it costs only $20 more and adds several useful features.

Our recommendation: Buy AirPods 5 if you prefer an open-ear design. If you aren’t in a hurry, wait until Prime Day on October 6–7 to see whether either version is discounted.

Should you buy AirPods Pro 3 now or wait?

Buy – particularly if you find them well below $249.

We recommend: Apple AirPods Pro 3

AirPods Pro 3 launched in September 2025 and remain Apple’s most capable earbuds. They improve on AirPods Pro 2 with a more comfortable and secure fit, stronger noise cancellation, improved battery life and a heart-rate sensor.

They also have a significant battery-life advantage over AirPods 5, lasting up to eight hours with ANC enabled compared with four or five hours for the two AirPods 5 packages. AirPods Pro 3 additionally support Apple’s Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features.

Their $249 price is much higher than the $129/$149 AirPods 5, but discounts can dramatically narrow that gap. AirPods Pro 3 have previously fallen as low as $169, making sales events particularly attractive times to buy.

Our recommendation: Buy if you want the strongest noise isolation, longer battery life, a secure in-ear fit or Apple’s health and hearing features. At full price, compare carefully with AirPods 5; at a substantial discount, AirPods Pro 3 become much more compelling.

Should you buy AirPods Max 2 now or wait?

Buy if you specifically want AirPods Max – but look for a discount rather than paying $549.

We recommend: Apple AirPods Max 2

AirPods Max 2 are relatively new, so waiting for an imminent replacement isn’t the main concern. The bigger issue is value.

The second-generation model adds the H2 chip and features including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation. Sound quality, Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode remain excellent.

However, our review found that Apple failed to address several longstanding complaints, including the headphones’ weight, Smart Case and inability to be switched off manually.

That makes the price particularly important. AirPods Max 2 cost $549, but the updated Prime Day roundup has already recorded a $399 deal – $150 below MSRP.

Our recommendation: Don’t wait because – Apple isn’t expected to update the AirPods Max soon. Instead, wait for a good discount unless you particularly want them immediately.

Should you buy AirPods 4?

Only at a substantial clearance discount.

We recommend: Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)

Best Prices Today: $149.99 at Best Buy | $179 at Adorama | $179 at Apple

AirPods 5 have replaced AirPods 4 and now include Active Noise Cancellation as standard while starting at the same $129 MSRP previously charged for AirPods 4 without ANC.

That makes older AirPods 4 difficult to recommend unless retailers cut their prices significantly. The standard model fell to $99 during Prime Day, but now that AirPods 5 cost $129, we’d want to see an even lower clearance price before choosing the older generation.

Our recommendation: Buy the ANC equipped version only if the price is exceptionally low.

Should you buy AirPods Pro 2?

Only at a significant discount.

We recommend: AirPods Pro 2 USB-C

AirPods Pro 2 are still capable earbuds, but AirPods Pro 3 improve the fit, battery life and noise cancellation and add heart-rate sensing.

The older model can still make sense if retailers are clearing stock at a sufficiently low price. But the closer its price gets to a discounted pair of AirPods Pro 3, the less attractive it becomes.

Our recommendation: Consider AirPods Pro 2 only if they’re substantially cheaper than AirPods Pro 3 and you don’t need the newer model’s heart-rate feature.

Should you buy older or refurbished AirPods?

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Older AirPods can make sense when retailers are clearing stock, but compare the price with the model that replaced them rather than focusing on the percentage discount from the original MSRP.

You should also be careful when buying an older generation simply because it appears heavily discounted. The percentage saving can be misleading if the replacement model offers significantly more for a similar price. AirPods 5, for example, start at the same $129 price originally charged for AirPods 4 without ANC, but now include Active Noise Cancellation as standard.

You should be particularly cautious when buying AirPods from marketplaces or unfamiliar sellers. Counterfeit AirPods can closely resemble genuine products, and unusually low prices – particularly on second-hand marketplaces – can be a warning sign.

If you’re considering an older model, check the exact generation, charging case and condition, and make sure the seller is reputable.

When does Apple release new AirPods?

Unlike the iPhone, AirPods don’t follow a simple annual update schedule.

AirPods Pro 3 launched in September 2025, AirPods Max 2 followed in 2026, and Apple introduced AirPods 5 in September 2026.

Because the three main AirPods families have all been updated relatively recently, the current lineup doesn’t present the obvious “wait because a replacement is imminent” problem that sometimes occurs with Apple products.

Why have Apple’s new Home products taken so long?

Apple’s next generation of smart-home products appears to have been delayed largely because of Siri. The company was developing a much more capable version of Siri for Apple Intelligence, while the processors inside the current HomePod mini and second-generation HomePod weren’t designed to run Apple’s latest AI features.

That created a problem for new HomePod hardware. Apple was reportedly preparing products such as a new HomePod mini and smart home display around the capabilities of the redesigned assistant, but Siri’s delayed development meant the hardware couldn’t launch as originally expected.

That situation has now changed. Siri AI arrived with Apple’s OS 27 updates in September 2026, removing one of the main dependencies that had been holding back Apple’s smart-home plans. Recent reports suggest the HomePod mini 2 and Apple’s smart home display are among the products closest to release.

The full-size HomePod appears to be on a different timetable, however. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in September that Apple is testing a new full-size HomePod with Siri AI support, but said it “doesn’t appear to be imminent.” That means we no longer expect the HomePod 3 to necessarily arrive alongside the HomePod mini 2.

HomePod mini 2 rumors

We’ll start off with the rumors about the HomePod mini 2. The HomePod mini is Apple’s smaller, more affordable smart speaker. The new model is expected to offer a new red color option, major processor upgrade and improved connectivity.

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When is the HomePod mini 2 expected to launch?

• October 2026

Apple introduced the original HomePod mini in November 2020, so it is now nearly six years old and overdue for an update.

Rumours of a successor have circulated for more than a year. In January 2025, reports suggested a launch toward the end of 2025, and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman subsequently said that new HomePod mini and Apple TV models were expected in fall 2025. Those products never materialised.

Attention then shifted to spring 2026, with reports suggesting Apple’s new smart home devices would launch alongside its redesigned Siri. However, that timetable also slipped as Apple continued work on its AI-powered assistant.

The latest reports now point to an October 2026 launch. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has several smart home products that are nearly ready but is waiting for the redesigned Siri to ship with the OS 27 updates before introducing new hardware.

If those plans remain on schedule, the HomePod mini 2 is expected to launch alongside Apple’s broader refresh of its smart home lineup this fall, with most reports pointing to October.

What changes are coming to the HomePod mini 2?

• Black, blue, green, pink, and white color finishes.

The current HomePod mini is available in Midnight, White, Blue, Yellow and Orange. In September, MacRumors spotted Apple code that revealed five colors for the new model: black, blue, green, pink, and white.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in September 2025, that Apple has tested additional colors for the next-generation model, including red, but it appears that red didn’t make the final cut.

Otherwise, the HomePod mini 2 is expected to retain the same compact, spherical design as the current model, with no major external changes rumored. Instead, Apple is reportedly focusing on upgraded internal hardware, including an S9 or newer chip capable of supporting Apple’s latest Siri AI features.

Other changes coming to HomePod mini 2

Beyond the color changes revealed in Apple code, the main expected hardware upgrade is a newer processor capable of supporting Siri AI. Reports also point to newer Apple networking and Ultra Wideband hardware, along with possible audio improvements.

• Siri AI support: A newer processor should allow the HomePod mini 2 to support Apple’s latest Siri AI features, something the current S5-based model wasn’t designed for.
• Improved connectivity: Reports have pointed to Apple’s newer in-house networking hardware, Wi-Fi 6E and an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip.
• Audio improvements: Apple is expected to upgrade the speaker’s audio hardware and processing.
• Other internal upgrades: Further hardware refinements are possible.

HomePad/Smart Home Hub rumors

• Possible launch: October 13, 2026, according to Bloomberg
• Strategy: A new smart-home display category for Apple

HomePad release date

Apple’s first smart home display could launch on October 13, 2026. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman now reports that Apple plans to introduce its new smart-home products on that date, with the long-rumored home hub expected to be the centerpiece of the launch. Apple has not confirmed the date, and Gurman’s report does not say whether the products will be unveiled at an event or announced through Apple’s website. 

The product had originally been expected earlier in 2026, but its launch was repeatedly pushed back while Apple completed the Siri AI technology that arrived with its September OS 27 updates. Gurman previously reported that the hardware had been ready for some time, with Siri the main reason for the delay.

Apple’s own software has also provided evidence that the product is approaching launch. References discovered in macOS identify J490/HomeAccessory17,1 and J491/HomeAccessory17,2, which are believed to correspond to the tabletop and wall-mounted versions of Apple’s smart home hub.

Earlier reports had only narrowed the launch window to 2026, while a March post from leaker Kosutami hinted at a fall release. Those reports have now been superseded by Gurman’s more specific October 13 timeframe.

What is the HomePad?

The HomePad – also referred to as Apple’s Smart Home Hub or home display – is expected to be a compact 6-inch smart display designed to act as a central interface for the home. It would combine Siri AI, smart-home controls, FaceTime, media playback and Apple services in a device intended to remain plugged in on a countertop, desk, bedside table or wall.

The latest reports suggest that it will be considerably smaller than many earlier concept images implied. A six-inch square display would measure only about 4.25 inches across each side, making it much more of a close-up personal device than an iPad-sized family display. It is likely to be more “desk scale” than “room scale.”

Apple’s new Siri AI is expected to be central to the HomePad experience. Its delayed development appears to have been one of the main reasons the hardware did not launch earlier.

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HomePad design, features and specs

Reported features include:

• 6-inch display: The latest Bloomberg report points to a six-inch display with rounded corners, making the device considerably smaller than many earlier renders suggested.
• iMac G4-style tabletop design: The standard model is reportedly mounted above a circular metal speaker base on a polished metal arm, with a design said to be reminiscent of the classic iMac G4.
• Tilting display: The screen is reportedly designed to tilt forward and backward manually.
• Wall-mounted version: A second model is reportedly designed to mount on a wall, with a thin square base containing the speakers and microphones.
• No battery: The device is expected to remain plugged in, reportedly using USB-C for power.
• Siri AI: Apple’s new Siri technology is expected to be central to the device.
• Smart-home controls: It should act as a central interface for Home accessories.
• FaceTime and communication: A front-facing camera is expected to support FaceTime calls.
• User recognition: The device is reportedly designed to recognize household members by face and voice, then display that person’s own calendar, reminders, notes and other information.
• Visitor mode: Reports suggest it will be able to hide personal information when guests are using the device.
• iPhone authentication: A nearby iPhone may be used for stronger authentication when required.

Other software clues and reports suggest the device could also offer:

• Apple apps and services: Reports specifically mention Calendar, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music, Podcasts and smart-home controls.
• Entertainment: The device is also expected to function as an entertainment hub for streaming music and video, as well as making FaceTime calls via a built-in camera.
• New home-focused software: The device is reportedly running a new interface combining elements of Apple Watch, Apple TV and iPhone/iPad software, including widgets, clock faces and photo displays rather than simply running iPadOS.
• No App Store expected at launch: Current reports do not mention an App Store, suggesting the HomePad may initially operate more like a dedicated smart-home appliance than a general-purpose iPad.

Other clues about HomePad software:

• Kitchen integration: A new “CookingKit” framework and expanded food sections in Apple News indicate that kitchen assistance, such as searching for recipes by ingredient, could be a primary selling point.
• Advanced home control: Code found in the iOS 26 Home app describes an “Adaptive Temperature” feature, which could allow the HomePad to offer more granular control over smart thermostats, including energy-saving optimizations based on local electricity rates.

HomePod 3 rumors

The larger HomePod is more expensive than the HomePod mini, delivering richer, louder audio with deeper bass and spatial audio. The next generation is expected to get a processor upgrade, improved connectivity and better sound.

Michael Brown/Foundry

When is the HomePod 3 expected to launch?

• Release date: Unknown; not expected imminently

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in September 2026 that Apple was testing a new full-size HomePod with Siri AI support, but that the release did not appear to be imminent.

What changes are coming to the HomePod 3?

Unlike the HomePod mini 2, there are relatively few leaks about hardware upgrades coming to the full-size HomePod. However, it’s expected to receive the same core internal upgrades needed to support Apple’s AI ambitions.

Expected improvements include:

• More powerful chip: The current HomePod uses the S7 chip from the Apple Watch Series 7. A next-generation model is expected to adopt a significantly faster Apple silicon chip, potentially the S9 or newer, to support Apple Intelligence features.
• Siri AI support: The upgraded hardware should allow the HomePod to run Apple’s new Siri AI features that aren’t supported by the current S7-based model.
• Improved Connectivity: Rumours point to Apple’s in-house networking chip, together with Wi-Fi 6E and an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip for improved performance and smart home integration.
• Audio Enhancements: Apple is also expected to refine the speaker system with upgraded drivers and audio processing.

In September, a post by itspdfu, who has a history of posting leaks online, said that audioOS27, the operating system for HomePod devices, supports Siri AI. The same source claimed that a future HomePod could also include new animations for its top display.

Beyond these internal upgrades, some reports suggest Apple is experimenting with a HomePod featuring a built-in display. That device is expected to be a separate product rather than a standard HomePod 3, and we cover those rumours in the next section.

HomePod with touchscreen (HomePod Touch) rumors

Apple has been rumored to be working on a HomePod with a screen for years, although exactly what form that product will take remains unclear. Older reports have described a HomePod-style speaker with an integrated touchscreen, sometimes referred to unofficially as a “HomePod Touch.”

There is considerable uncertainty here because some older reports about a “HomePod with a display” may describe the same product that more recent reports characterize as Apple’s HomePad or smart home hub. We are treating the HomePod Touch separately here only where reports specifically describe a HomePod-style speaker with an integrated screen.

That is a little more internally consistent and makes the distinction from the HomePad clear without implying that the HomePod Touch is definitely a separate product.

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When could the touchscreen HomePod launch?

• Possible launch: Unknown

Apple has been working on redesigning the HomePod to include a display for some time. Back in March 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Apple would “unveil a redesigned HomePod featuring a 7-inch panel.” Kuo initially expected this product to arrive in the first half of 2024, but that timeline slipped. In December 2024, he reported further delays had pushed the launch to after WWDC 2025, citing software development challenges. Then, in March 2025, Kuo suggested the device had been delayed again, due to Apple Intelligence setbacks.

Those predictions have all passed without a product appearing. Siri AI has since arrived, but there is currently no firm report giving this touchscreen HomePod a new launch date. It is therefore possible that earlier reports referred to a product that has evolved, been delayed further, or overlaps with Apple’s separately reported HomePad project.

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What could the touchscreen HomePod be like?

• Display size: 6 and 7-inch touchscreens.
• Software: Custom touchscreen operating system running apps like Weather, Calendar, Photos, HomeKit as well as Apple Music

One of the biggest limitations of today’s HomePod is that almost every interaction relies on Siri. A built-in display would provide a more direct way to control music, manage smart home devices and access information, putting Apple’s device in direct competition with the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub.

According to current rumours, Apple’s display-equipped HomePod will feature a 6-7-inch touchscreen and run a touch-optimised version of homeOS, allowing it to function as both a smart speaker and a smart home hub. Unlike existing HomePods, it is expected to use a far more powerful A-series chip – possibly an A18 or similar – to support Apple’s redesigned AI-powered Siri and the more demanding graphical interface.

Rumoured features:

• Large touchscreen: A 6-7-inch display for controlling smart home devices, viewing photos, checking the weather, following recipes and interacting with apps.
• Powerful Apple silicon: An A-series chip is expected to replace the S-series processor used in current HomePods, providing the performance needed for Apple Intelligence and the touchscreen interface.
• Smart-home controls: A touchscreen HomePod would logically offer easier access to Home controls, although reports about apps and a dedicated smart-home interface may refer instead to Apple’s separate HomePad project
• Improved connectivity: Apple’s in-house networking chip, Wi-Fi 6E and an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip are all rumoured.
• FaceTime camera: Reports suggest Apple may include a built-in camera for FaceTime and other video-based features. These could instead relate to Apple’s separate HomePad project.
• Possible modular design: Some less-established reports have suggested that a display could dock with a speaker base. This has not been corroborated by the more recent reports describing Apple’s HomePad.

If accurate, this would represent Apple’s biggest expansion of the HomePod lineup since its debut, transforming it from a voice-first speaker into a full smart home controller.

Ben Patterson/Foundry

Apple robotic home display rumors

• Possible launch: 2027 or later
• Strategy: A premium smart-home device with a movable display

Apple is also developing a much more ambitious smart-home device that shouldn’t be confused with the HomePad expected first (see above).

As far back as April 2021, Mark Gurman described a high-end device combining a HomePod speaker, a touchscreen, and a camera mounted on a robotic arm that could follow the user around the room during video calls. Gurman has made various references to this over the years.

The device, previously identified as J595, is reportedly an iPad-like display attached to a motorized robotic arm. The arm would allow the screen to move and reposition itself, potentially following a person around the room during FaceTime calls or turning toward whoever is speaking.

Bloomberg has described it as a higher-end smart-home command center that could combine videoconferencing, home controls and security functions. Unlike the stationary HomePad, this appears to be a significantly more complex—and probably more expensive—product. Earlier reports have suggested a price that could reach around $1,000.

The robotic display is also believed to be further away than the HomePad. Previous reports placed it in late 2026 or 2027 at the earliest, and Apple’s more recent software leaks have focused on the J490 and J491 stationary home hubs rather than J595.

What could the robotic display do?

Reported capabilities include:

• A large display mounted on a motorized arm.
• Automatically turning toward the person using it.
• FaceTime and other video calling.
• Siri AI and smart-home controls.

Cameras and gesture recognition

Reports suggest cameras could support FaceTime, security monitoring and potentially recognition of users or gestures. Apple has also previously filed patents describing HomePod-related gesture controls, although patents do not necessarily indicate features destined for a shipping product.

What chips will power the new HomePods?

The biggest limitation of today’s HomePods isn’t their speakers – it’s their processors. The HomePod mini still uses the Apple Watch S5 chip introduced in 2019, while the second-generation HomePod runs on the newer, but still relatively modest, S7 chip from the Apple Watch Series 7.

Those chips are powerful enough for music playback, Home controls and existing Siri functions, but they were not designed to run the new Siri AI capabilities introduced with Apple’s OS 27 generation.

That hardware gap helps explain why Apple is expected to introduce new HomePod hardware rather than bringing the full Siri AI experience to the existing models.

HomePod mini 2 & HomePod 3

Gurman has said the main hardware change he has specifically reported for the new HomePods is a faster chip, although he has not identified which processor Apple will use.

HomePod with a screen

The display-equipped HomePod is expected to require substantially more processing power than Apple’s existing smart speakers. Because it will reportedly run a touch-based operating system alongside Apple Intelligence, most analysts expect it to use an A-series processor, with an A17 Pro or A18 among the leading predictions. Apple has not confirmed the chip, and these reports remain speculative.

Whatever processors Apple ultimately chooses, the goal appears to be the same across the entire HomePod range: replacing ageing Apple Watch chips with modern Apple silicon capable of delivering the full Apple Intelligence experience.

New HomePod Prices

The prices for the HomePods increased in June 2026:

• HomePod: $349/£349 (was $299/£299)
• HomePod mini: $129/£129 (was $99/£99)

Apple raised HomePod prices in June 2026, so we wouldn’t expect the new models to return automatically to the previous $99/$299 price points.

However, a HomePod with a built-in screen could command a higher price. It may launch as a separate product altogether, potentially starting around $399/£399, or higher, depending on features.

Buying advice: Should you wait or buy a HomePod now?

Wait if: You are considering a HomePod mini. A replacement now appears close, with reports pointing to fall 2026 and Apple code already revealing the unreleased model.

Buy now if: You need a HomePod immediately and find a worthwhile discount. The current HomePod and HomePod mini still work well as speakers and smart-home hubs, but their older processors mean they aren’t designed for Apple’s newer Siri AI capabilities.

If you want a screen: Wait. Apple’s first dedicated home display appears much closer than the more speculative touchscreen HomePod.

What is on Apple’s Smart Home Roadmap

September 2026: Apple’s OS 27 generation introduced its new Siri AI capabilities, removing one of the major software dependencies that had reportedly delayed Apple’s new home hardware.

Fall 2026: The HomePod mini 2 is expected, with October currently the leading possibility.

Fall 2026: Apple’s HomePad/smart home display could also launch, although its timing is less certain.

Beyond 2026: A new full-size HomePod is being tested, but Bloomberg reports that it does not appear imminent.

2027 or later: Apple’s more ambitious robotic home display could follow.

Timing unknown: Apple is also reportedly developing home-security camera hardware.

When is Apple’s next event?

• Next rumored product launch: October 13, 2026. An event remains unconfirmed.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has claimed on X that Apple will launch its “next big thing” on October 13, referring to new smart-home products. Apple has not confirmed the date, and it remains unclear whether the company will hold an event or announce the products through its website and press releases.

Apple hasn’t announced a date for another event in 2026, but it is possible that more new products will launch at an event, or via press release, before the end of the year.

Apple has held October events in the past: in 2023, an event was held on October 30, while in 2021 Apple held one on October 18. With the iPhone Duo launching on October 22, Apple may want to avoid clashing with that launch, making the following week, beginning October 26, a plausible window for another event or product announcements.

What could Apple launch at the next event?

The rumored lineup centers on Apple’s first smart-home display, often called HomePad. Gurman describes a 6-inch screen mounted above a speaker base on a manually tilting arm, plus a separate wall-mounted version. Updated HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K models with faster processors are also expected.

Other rumored launches include new iPads and a touchscreen MacBook Pro, but this report does not establish that they will arrive alongside the smart-home products.

How far in advance does Apple announce an event?

What time does the next Apple event start in U.S., U.K. and other global time zones

How long do Apple events usually last?

How often does Apple hold events?

Does Apple take part in other events?

Does Apple ever announce products without an event?

How to watch an Apple event

Will Apple have a second fall event in 2026?

Apple

Will there be a late fall event in 2026?

The latest reporting points to a smart-home launch on October 13, although its presentation format remains unclear. Apple could announce these products without holding a keynote.

The last time Apple held a late fall event was on October 30, 2023, and before that on October 18, 2021. So while a late fall event would not be unprecedented, it has become relatively uncommon.

Right now, there is no way of knowing whether Apple will hold another event in late 2026, or whether it will continue to launch new products through press releases instead. In the past, October events have often focused on Macs, but in recent years Apple has shown that it does not always consider a dedicated event necessary for Mac launches.

What could Apple launch at the late fall 2026 event?

Apple’s next launch could focus on smart-home products, including the rumored HomePad display, an updated HomePod mini and a new Apple TV 4K. The latter two are expected to feature faster processors that could support Siri AI features.

Other possible launches before the end of the year include the rumored touchscreen MacBook Pro and updates to the iPad and iPad mini. However, it remains unclear whether Apple would announce these alongside its smart-home products, hold a separate event or introduce them through press releases.

For more information about Apple’s late fall events, read: Apple’s October Event: Date, time and what will launch.

Will Apple hold a spring event in 2027?

Michael Simon / Foundry

Apple’s spring events have become increasingly unpredictable. The company has not held a traditional spring event since May 2024, although it did invite members of the media, including Macworld, to a “Special Apple Experience” in 2026.

Rather than a keynote presentation, the March 4, 2026 gathering was a hands-on showcase that followed three days of product announcements, including the MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, and M5 MacBook Air.

Will Apple take a similar approach to spring product launches in 2027? It’s certainly possible. The format appeared to work well, allowing each product announcement to receive its own media coverage rather than competing for attention during a single event.

Apple is expected to release three iPhone models in spring 2027 – or it could be two new iPhones, with the Air and iPhone 18 merging.

• iPhone 18 (base model)
• iPhone 18e
• iPhone Air 2

Apple may also update the MacBook Air with an M6 processor in spring 2027.

When is WWDC 2027?

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When is the WWDC keynote?

In 2026 the WWDC keynote was on Monday June 8. In 2025 it started on Monday June 9. We expect WWDC will start on Monday 7 June in 2027.

WWDC generally runs from the Monday to Friday in the second week of June.

What Apple could launch at WWDC

WWDC is Apple’s big developer event at which it reveals plans for the operating systems that run on Apple hardware.

In June 2027 we expect Apple to unveil details of iOS 28, iPadOS 28, macOS 28, updates to watchOS, tvOS, HomePod software, and an update to Apple’s realityOS.

Apple sometimes announces new hardware at WWDC, usually the high-end models targeted at power users, so we could see new Macs.

Following the keynote on Monday, developer events and sessions will run throughout the week. You can read more about WWDC date, times and everything you need to know in a separate article.

What did Apple launch at past events?

So far in 2026 Apple has held an ‘experience’, which rather than being an event in the traditional sense, was a chance for journalists to get a look at products Apple had launched in the days prior, including MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e. The company also hosted the WWDC keynote on June 8, at which it revealed its plans for Apple Intelligence and Siri in iOS 27, macOS 27 and the other operating systems. Plus Apple held its iPhone launch event on September 9 at which the iPhone 18 Pro and Max, iPhone Duo, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 launched.

In 2025 Apple only held two events. The first was its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, at which it introduced the new features coming in the next version of its operating systems, and the second was the huge September 9 Apple Event where it launched new Apple Watches, new AirPods Pro and the new iPhones for 2025.

Apple doesn’t have to hold an event to launch new products though. Prior to WWDC, Apple launched a new iPhone 16e via press release on February 19, a new iPad and iPad Air via press release on March 4, and a new MacBook Air and Mac Studio on March 5.

Apple then went on to launch a new M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro in October. No event was held to mark these launches.

In 2024, Apple held three events: one on Tuesday, May 7, at which it launched new iPads; a keynote to kick off WWDC on June 10; and an event on September 9 at which Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and the AirPods 4. In October 2024 there was no event, but Apple did announce new products (iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro) via press release.

In 2023 there were three events: WWDC in June, an iPhone event in September, and Apple’s second fall event on October 30 (or after midnight on October 31 if you weren’t in the U.S.).

In 2022 Apple held three events: a spring event on March 8, WWDC on June 6, and the iPhone 14 launch on September 7. In other years Apple has held four events though.

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When were Apple’s past events?

Spring Apple events have been held on the following dates:

• 2026: ‘Experience’ Wednesday March 4
• 2025: No event
• 2024: Tuesday May 7
• 2023: No event
• 2022: Tuesday March 8
• 2021: Tuesday April 20
• 2020: No event
• 2019: Monday March 25
• 2018: Tuesday March 27
• 2017: No event
• 2016: Monday March 21
• 2015: Monday March 9
• 2014: No event
• 2013: No event
• 2012: Wednesday March 7

WWDC events have fallen on the following dates:

• WWDC 2026: June 8 (8-12)
• WWDC 2025: June 9 (9-13)
• WWDC 2024: June 10 (10-14)
• WWDC 2023: June 5 (5-9)
• WWDC 2022: June 6 (6-10)
• WWDC 2021: June 7 (7-11)
• WWDC 2020: June 22 (22-26)
• WWDC 2019: June 3 (3-7)
• WWDC 2018: June 4 (4-8)
• WWDC 2017: June 5 (5-9)

Here are the past few Apple September event dates:

• 2026: Wednesday, September 9
• 2025: Tuesday, September 9
• 2024: Monday, September 9
• 2023: Tuesday, September 12
• 2022: Wednesday, September 7
• 2021: Tuesday, September 14
• 2020: Tuesday, September 15
• 2019: Tuesday, September 10
• 2018: Wednesday, September 12
• 2017: Tuesday, September 12

In the past, Apple has held a second fall event on the following dates:

• 2025: No event
• 2024: No event
• 2023: Monday, October 30
• 2022: No event
• 2021: Monday, October 18
• 2020: Tuesday, October 13 and Tuesday, November 10
• 2019: No event
• 2018: Tuesday, October 30
• 2017: No event
• 2016: Thursday, October 27
• 2015: No event
• 2014: Thursday, October 16
• 2013: Tuesday, October 22
• 2012: Tuesday, October 23
• 2011: Tuesday, October 4

Which AirPods are the best?

We recommend AirPods Pro 3 as the best AirPods overall, thanks to their combination of noise cancellation, secure fit, longer battery life and additional health features.

For many people, however, AirPods 5 will be the better buy. They now include Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness, closing much of the feature gap with the Pro model while costing substantially less. They’re also the obvious choice if you prefer an open fit rather than silicone ear tips.

AirPods Max 2 are best considered separately. They are over-ear headphones rather than earbuds and cost more than twice as much as AirPods Pro 3, so they make most sense for buyers specifically looking for that style of headphone.

1. Apple AirPods Pro 3 – Best AirPods overall

• Best for: Buyers who want the strongest combination of ANC, fit, battery life and features.
• Buy AirPods Pro 3 if: You want the best noise cancellation of Apple’s earbuds, longer battery life, a secure in-ear fit or the health and hearing features.
• Don’t buy AirPods Pro 3 if: You dislike earbuds that seal the ear canal or don’t need enough of their extra features to justify spending $100–$120 more than on AirPods 5.

For most buyers who don’t object to silicone ear tips, AirPods Pro 3 are the best AirPods you can buy.

Released in September 2025, the third-generation AirPods Pro improved on an already excellent pair of earbuds without increasing the $249 launch price. In our review, Jason Cross praised their more comfortable and secure fit, improved battery life, better noise cancellation and Transparency mode, and effective heart-rate sensor. Taken together, those apparently small changes add up to a significant improvement.

The biggest physical change is the fit. AirPods Pro 3 have redesigned earbuds with foam-infused tips available in five sizes, including XXS. In our testing, they stayed securely in place even during intense activity and felt more comfortable than the previous generation.

Noise cancellation is another major advantage. Apple says AirPods Pro 3 remove twice as much noise as AirPods Pro 2, while our review also found improvements to noise reduction, Transparency mode and bass response.

Battery life is strong too. Apple rates the earbuds for up to eight hours with ANC enabled, an estimate that was broadly borne out in our testing. The charging case takes total ANC listening time to up to 24 hours.

AirPods Pro 3 also have features the AirPods 5 don’t. The built-in heart-rate sensor works with workouts in the Fitness app, while Apple’s Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features make the Pro model particularly compelling for users interested in hearing health.

2. AirPods 5 – Best AirPods for most people

• Best for: Most buyers who prefer an open fit or want ANC without spending $249 on AirPods Pro 3.
• Buy AirPods 5 if: You prefer an open-ear fit, want effective noise cancellation and want to spend substantially less than AirPods Pro 3.
• Don’t buy AirPods 5 if: Maximum isolation and noise cancellation are important, or you want heart-rate sensing and Apple’s hearing-health features.

AirPods 5 are no longer simply the cheaper AirPods that miss out on most of the Pro features.

Apple introduced AirPods 5 in September 2026 with Active Noise Cancellation as standard. That immediately makes the decision more interesting: you can now get open-ear AirPods with ANC for $129, compared with $249 for AirPods Pro 3.

Like previous standard AirPods, they don’t use silicone ear tips. They sit in the ear without sealing the ear canal, which will be an important advantage for anyone who finds AirPods Pro uncomfortable or dislikes the isolated feeling of in-ear earbuds.

Noise cancellation is much improved. Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a redesigned acoustic architecture and updated computational audio. Macworld also notes that Transparency mode has been improved and that Adaptive Audio can automatically blend ANC and Transparency according to your surroundings.

Sound has been upgraded too, with a new acoustic design and next-generation Adaptive EQ intended to improve performance across a wider range of ear shapes.

There are actually two AirPods 5 packages, but unlike the previous generation they don’t differ in whether ANC is included.

The $129 AirPods 5 come with a USB-C charging case. Apple rates these for up to four hours of listening with ANC enabled or six hours with noise control turned off, and up to 20 hours with the case when using ANC.

The $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case are the more compelling option. They can charge over USB-C, with an Apple Watch charger or with a Qi charger, and the case includes a speaker for Find My. They also add volume adjustment by swiping the stem. Battery life rises to as much as five hours with ANC, seven hours with noise control off and 22 hours with the case when using ANC.

At only $20 more, we’d lean toward the Wireless Charging Case version unless you’re particularly keen to keep the price down.

3. Apple AirPods Max 2 – Best over-ear AirPods

• Best for: Apple users who specifically want premium over-ear headphones.
• Buy AirPods Max 2 if: You want over-ear headphones, excellent sound and ANC, and particularly value AirPods integration with Apple devices.
• Don’t buy AirPods Max 2 if: Price, weight or portability are important. AirPods Pro 3 offer many of the same AirPods features for less than half the price.

AirPods Max 2 are the choice for buyers who specifically want Apple’s over-ear headphones rather than earbuds.

Apple introduced AirPods Max 2 in March 2026, finally replacing the original AirPods Max with a model powered by the H2 chip. The change brought features including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation to the AirPods Max line.

Sound quality remains excellent. Our review also rated the Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode among the model’s strongest attributes. Apple says ANC is up to 1.5 times more effective than on the previous generation.

They also support lossless and ultra-low-latency audio over USB-C.

But AirPods Max 2 still come with significant compromises. They weigh 13.6 ounces, and our reviewer found that weight noticeable when moving around. Apple also retained the controversial Smart Case and the unusual power-management system that means the headphones can’t simply be switched off manually.

Battery life is rated at up to 20 hours with ANC enabled.

And then there’s the price. AirPods Max 2 cost $549, making them more than twice the price of AirPods Pro 3. Our review consequently found them difficult to recommend despite their excellent sound, ANC and Apple ecosystem integration.

AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Which should you buy?

Foundry

AirPods 5 are better if…

• You dislike earbuds that seal your ear canal.
• You want to spend less.
• An open fit is more important than maximum noise isolation.
• You want ANC but don’t need the Pro health features.

AirPods Pro 3 are better if…

• You want Apple’s hearing-health features.
• Strong noise cancellation is a priority.
• You want longer battery life.
• You want a more secure in-ear fit.
• You want heart-rate sensing.

The difference between standard AirPods and AirPods Pro used to be straightforward: standard AirPods were cheaper and open-fitting, while the Pros added ANC and Apple’s more sophisticated listening modes.

With the AirPods 5, that distinction is less clear. Both AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro 3 use Apple’s H2 chip and support Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Personalized Spatial Audio.

The remaining differences are nevertheless significant.

Design and fit

AirPods 5 use an open-ear design and don’t use ear tips. AirPods Pro 3 sit more tightly in the ear canal and come with foam-infused silicone tips in five sizes. When we reviewed the AirPods Pro 3 we found the redesigned tips substantially improved comfort and security and kept the earbuds in place during strenuous exercise.

• Choose AirPods 5 if you don’t like the plugged-ear sensation of silicone tips.
• Choose AirPods Pro 3 if you want a tighter, more secure fit and better isolation.

Noise cancellation

AirPods 5 include Active Noise Cancellation as standard, unlike AirPods 4, which were sold with or without ANC. But their open-ear design means they approach noise reduction differently from the AirPods Pro 3.

AirPods Pro 3 use ear tips to create a seal in the ear canal, giving them a natural advantage when it comes to isolation. Apple says their ANC removes up to twice as much noise as AirPods Pro 2, and in our testing both noise cancellation and Transparency mode were improved over the previous generation.

AirPods 5 don’t create a seal, but their open-ear ANC is significantly more effective than before. Apple says they remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC.

• AirPods 5 are the better choice if you dislike the feeling of a sealed in-ear fit.
• AirPods Pro 3 remain the better choice if maximum noise reduction and isolation are your priorities.

Battery life

AirPods Pro 3 have a significant battery advantage. They last up to eight hours with ANC enabled and up to 24 hours including the charging case.

The $129 AirPods 5 manage up to four hours with ANC, while the $149 Wireless Charging Case version increases that to five hours.

That’s a substantial difference if you frequently use your AirPods for long journeys or extended listening sessions.

• AirPods 5 = 4 hours battery life
• AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case = 5 hours battery life
• AirPods Pro 3 = 8 hours battery life

Health and hearing features

The AirPods Pro 3 include a heart-rate sensor that can measure your heart rate during workouts, and our reviewer found the results comparable to an Apple Watch during testing.

They also support Apple’s Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features.

Those features aren’t available on AirPods 5.

• AirPods Pro 3 are also the obvious choice if Apple’s health features are important.

Price

The Pro model costs $100 more than the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case and $120 more than the cheapest version.

The gap can shrink during sales. AirPods Pro 3 fell as low as $169 during Amazon Prime Day in June 2026, so it’s always worth checking the live price comparison before deciding.

• AirPods 5 start at $129, or $149 with the Wireless Charging Case.
• AirPods Pro 3 are $249.

Which AirPods 5 should you get?

Unlike AirPods 4, Apple doesn’t sell one AirPods 5 model with ANC and another without it. All AirPods 5 have Active Noise Cancellation.

Instead, the choice is between cases.

The $129 model has a USB-C charging case. It offers up to four hours of battery life with ANC and up to 20 hours including the case.

For $149, the Wireless Charging Case can also charge using an Apple Watch charger or Qi charger and includes a speaker for Find My. The earbuds in this package also support volume adjustment by swiping the stems. Battery life increases to five hours with ANC and 22 hours with the case.

Our recommendation: Buy the version with wireless charging case – given the relatively small $20 difference, the $149 version is the better buy for most people.

Should you buy older AirPods?

We’d generally recommend buying the latest generation rather than deliberately seeking out older AirPods because there is a considerable gap between the different generations.

Should you buy AirPods 4?

AirPods 5 start at the same $129 MSRP previously charged for AirPods 4 without ANC, but now include ANC as standard, along with improved noise cancellation and sound quality.

That makes AirPods 4 difficult to recommend unless you find them at a substantial clearance discount. They dropped to $99 during Prime Day 2026, but with AirPods 5 now available at $129, we’d want to see them priced noticeably lower than that.

Our recommendation: Only buy AirPods 4 at a steep discount.

We recommend: Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC)

Best Prices Today: $149.99 at Best Buy | $179 at Adorama | $179 at Apple

Should you buy AirPods Pro 2?

AirPods Pro 2 remain capable earbuds, but AirPods Pro 3 improve the fit, noise cancellation and battery life, while adding heart-rate sensing.

If you find AirPods Pro 2 at a heavy discount, they can still make sense. But the closer their price gets to a discounted pair of AirPods Pro 3, the harder they are to recommend.

Our recommendation: Only buy AirPods Pro 2 at a significant discount and if you don’t need heart-rate sensing.

We recommend: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Should you buy the original AirPods Max?

AirPods Max 2 retain many aspects of the original design but add the H2 chip, which enables Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation. ANC has also been improved.

If you’re going to spend close to AirPods Max money, the second-generation model is therefore the one to get.

Our recommendation: Only buy if the discount is substantial.

We recommend: Apple AirPods Max (USB-C, 2024)

What’s the difference between AirPods and AirPods Pro?

Do AirPods work with Macs and iPads?

Can you use AirPods with non-Apple devices?

Do AirPods have Find My?

Are AirPods waterproof?