For months, we’ve been hearing that Apple had a new version of its AirPods Pro on the horizon, equipped with tiny IR cameras designed to power new Siri AI visual intelligence features and perhaps recognize hand gestures like Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
Last week, a video found in the MacOS 26.7 release candidate allegedly showed the camera-equipped AirPods in action, supercharging rumors that new AirPods Ultra — or whatever Apple plans to name them — would turn up at this year’s iPhone event. But new rumors and leaks suggest new AirPods 5 open earbuds and new over-ear headphones from Apple-owned Beats are more likely to make their debut in the coming weeks.
AirPods 5 fresh rumors
Citing unnamed sources, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said this year’s iPhone rollout “will include new AirPods 5, an update to Apple’s entry-level earbuds.” Meanwhile, Gurman maintains that the camera-equipped version of the AirPods “isn’t expected until next year.” And according to MacOS Rumors, AirPods 5 references were already discovered in MacOS 26.7 Release Candidate code. Released two years ago, the AirPods 4 are available with and without noise canceling, and AirPods 5 should also be available in two versions with similar list prices of $130 and $180, respectively.
It’s unclear whether the AirPods 5 will include any design changes, but one would expect them to offer performance upgrades, and it’s possible they may be the first AirPods to be powered by Apple’s rumored H3 chip.
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are something of a technological marvel, as ANC is a rare feature for open earbuds because it typically doesn’t work with an open design. As I said in my review, while the AirPods 4’s ANC isn’t that great compared with what you get with the AirPods Pro 3 and other top noise-canceling earbuds from Bose and Sony, that it works at all and is reasonably effective is kind of wild. Apple has had two years to make the ANC even more effective, so I’d expect the AirPods 5 to see some gains on that front, which would be impressive.
Read more: Best Wireless Earbuds of 2026
Beats 360 headphones teases and leaks
Ahead of the World Cup in June, Spain’s star winger Lamine Yamal teased unreleased Beats headphones in an Instagram post. Since then, there’s been a steady trickle of leaks about the new Beats headphones, which are apparently called the Beats 360 and loosely share some design similarities with Apple’s AirPods Max headphones, though they look cheaper. Last week, MacOS Rumors reported that multiple Reddit users “found signs of the Beats 360 on UK websites like Amazon, though those listings have now been removed.”
The Beats 360 have a sporty slant and are apparently sweat- and water-resistant, with an IPX4 rating. Also, their headband and earcups are replaceable with interchangeable cushion options. MacOs Rumors says the headphones will ship with Performance Knit cushions, but an UltraPlush option will also be available, and the headphones will come in pink, black, sky and cloud, with volt and navy cushion options available (it’s unclear if the headphones will also come in those colors). They are expected to cost around $300 in the US.
As I said, the Amazon listing for the headphones was removed, but a Reddit user did grab a screenshot of the product’s highlights. Notably missing is any mention of Apple’s H2 chip powering the headphones, which likely means they’ll have a custom Beats chip similar to the one found in the Beats Studio Pro headphones, only more powerful (Beats is touting “up to 1.75x more noise cancellation than Beats Studio Pro”).
From the Amazon listing:
- The Beats 360 have interchangeable cushion options for both ear cups and headband, so you can have a fresh set ready after your workout or a new color just to switch up your look. These over-ear noise-canceling headphones are built for active lifestyles and all-day comfort.
- Active Noise Canceling (ANC) blocks out unwanted noise to help you focus, after adapting to your environment and unique fit — with up to 1.75x more noise cancellation than Beats Studio Pro.
- The bespoke, high-fidelity acoustic platform delivers powerful bass and pinpoint precision across the tonal range with ultralow distortion for the ultimate listening experience. Personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking delivers immersive surround sound.
- Ear cushions are built from acoustically engineered memory foam and shaped to fit comfortably over your ears, forming an optimal seal for incredible sound.
- Exceptional call quality powered by an advanced AI-trained algorithm and beam-forming mic system that filters out background noise.
- Our first-ever sweat- and water-resistant over-ear headphones, with an IPX4 rating to ensure they’re built to go everywhere you do.
- All-day battery life for extended playback even with ANC on.
- Compatible with both Apple and Android for one-touch pairing and more. Easy-to-use controls are positioned on the back of each earcup, including a volume rocker, a multifunction button to control music and calls, a power button and a listening mode button.
- Fold-flat design for extra comfort and convenience. Woven ripstop fabric case included.
- What’s in the box: Beats 360 true wireless over-ear headphones with interchangeable performance knit cushions, woven ripstop fabric carrying case, warranty card and Quick Start Guide. Additional Beats 360 cushion kits, USB-C charging cable and power adapter sold separately.
The odds of the Beats 360 being released in the next few weeks seem close to 100%, and I always thought the AirPods 5 were likely to arrive this year, as Apple tends to have its AirPods models on a two-year refresh cycle. I don’t know quite what to believe as far as the camera-equipped AirPods Pro go, but either way, we should know soon enough.
David Carnoy
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