Apple unveiled the AirPods 5, an update to its entry-level earbuds line featuring a redesigned acoustic architecture that delivers 50 percent better noise reduction than the AirPods 4. The lineup keeps the same two-tier pricing structure: $129 without a wireless charging case and $149 with one, both arriving September 18.
Apple has released a new generation of AirPods that improves active noise cancellation but leaves out the camera-equipped design that had been rumored ahead of launch. The earbuds focus on incremental audio and performance upgrades rather than new hardware features like built-in cameras.
Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, both built around a redesigned health-tracking system that checks heart rate every five seconds and HRV every five minutes, which Apple calls its most accurate wearable heart sensor yet. The watches also debut Audio Intelligence, featuring sound recognition, a 15-second 'live rewind' transcription tool, and Siri-generated meeting recaps, all powered by Apple's new S11 chip.
Apple introduced the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 at its September event, keeping familiar designs but adding faster processors, upgraded health sensors, and the new watchOS 27 software. The sensor update allows continuous heart rate readings every five seconds, and both devices ship alongside watchOS 27's redesigned interface and smarter Siri.
Apple confirmed during its 'Surprise and shine' hardware event that visionOS 27, the next major software update for Vision Pro, will launch on Monday, September 14. The release coincides with other major OS updates including iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate.
Apple confirmed at its fall iPhone event that iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 will roll out on September 14, bringing the public debut of Siri AI, its revamped assistant built with training help from Google's Gemini models. The update also refreshes the Liquid Glass design, adds child safety tools, and promises broad performance gains.
Apple unveiled AirPods 5, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to its entry-level earbuds for the first time, cutting up to 50% more outside noise than the prior AirPods 4 ANC model. The buds also gain a new acoustic design, upgraded Adaptive EQ, hands-free Siri AI access, head-gesture responses, and Live Translation support. Pre-orders open today at $129, with a $149 version adding wireless charging and on-stem volume control, both arriving in stores September 18.
Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro, featuring a variable aperture camera system that gives users more manual control over photos instead of relying solely on computational photography. The device is powered by the new A20 Pro chip, Apple's first 2nm processor, which includes a 6-core CPU, a 7-core GPU with up to 40 percent better performance, and a dual Neural Engine design. Apple also detailed upcoming Siri AI features, powered by large language models, set to launch in October.
At its 'Surprise and Shine' event, Apple introduced the A20 Pro chip, built on 2nm technology, which will power the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The chip features a six-core CPU with faster supercores, a seven-core GPU offering up to 40% better performance, and a 32-core Neural Engine with double the compute capability. Apple also boosted memory bandwidth by 50% and redesigned chip packaging to improve cooling, borrowing techniques from its M-series processors.
At Apple's Surprise and Shine event, new CEO John Ternus argued that the iPhone already fulfills the role of an ideal AI device, citing its processing power, connectivity, cameras, display and battery life. Rather than announcing new AI-specific hardware, Ternus positioned the existing iPhone as Apple's answer to competitors building standalone AI gadgets.
Apple announced at its fall iPhone event that the overhauled Siri AI, currently available in English through iOS 27 and related betas, will add support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish next month. The English version rolls out publicly on September 14, while broader language support follows in October. Apple also confirmed daily limits on cloud-based AI prompts, with iCloud+ subscribers getting higher usage caps.
Apple introduced AirPods 5 alongside its iPhone 18 Pro event, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to both versions of the earbuds for the first time. The base model starts at $129 with up to 20 hours of battery life with the case, while a $149 higher-end version adds on-stem volume controls and a wireless charging case. Apple says the new earbuds deliver 50% more noise reduction than AirPods 4, along with redesigned internals and improved Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio.