Unreleased AirPods 5 Models Referenced in macOS 26.7 - MacRumors
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Unreleased AirPods 5 Models Referenced in macOS 26.7

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airpods 4 darkIn a notable addition to the unreleased Apple products referenced in yesterday's macOS Tahoe 26.7 software update, AirPods 5 models have also been spotted. Internally codenamed B868M and B868E, the models almost certainly refer to AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation. Current AirPods 4 models, launched in September 2024, have the codenames B768M and B768E.

While next-generation features are unknown, AirPods 5 could get an updated H3 chip with improved sound quality and lower latency. Launch timing however remains unclear. On a side note, macOS 26.7 also contains a reference to an unreleased Beats Solo Buds model.

Related Roundup: AirPods 5
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

M
MacRazySwe
4 weeks ago

No, probably just the fifth gen of regular AirPods, both with and without ANC.

By the way, question for those with AirPods 4, is it worth the ANC model? Is it noticeable? Can be disabled?
Well if you want the ANC, it's worth it. You can switch it off by holding the earphone stem (i.e. toggling to transparency mode). They also automatically switch off the ANC and/or media when you start talking to someone.

I find them really good. Not quite as good as the Pro's obviously, but I hate silicone plugs with a passion. The Pro's constantly fall out of my ears and they also have a cracking noise (out of warranty unfortunately). No such problems with the regular 4s. The charging case is also extremely compact, which is another bonus.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
MacMan988
4 weeks ago
The code that references the latest AirPods

if (model != AirPods5) {
soundQuality = soundQuality * 0.5;
}
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
Sanmi
4 weeks ago
WTF
We dont need new earphones
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
V
Volk.JP
4 weeks ago

By the way, question for those with AirPods 4, is it worth the ANC model? Is it noticeable? Can be disabled?
IMO, it is worth it but not because of the noise-cancellation. ANC barely block out any sound and its effect is unpleasant on the ears. But I still bought them for the case with a built-in speaker, the "Find My" support, the wireless charging and got ANC as a bonus. I only use it in extreme cases when I really need to block out at least some noise.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
jmitch720
4 weeks ago

No, probably just the fifth gen of regular AirPods, both with and without ANC.

By the way, question for those with AirPods 4, is it worth the ANC model? Is it noticeable? Can be disabled?
For me it’s worth it for two reasons. One, I commute to work by subway which is a great time to use the noise cancellation. Second, I often have one AirPod in while doing chores to listen to a podcast which helps with my adhd. The transparency feature helps me hear when people want to get my attention. Both of these features can be turned off at any time.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
svish
4 weeks ago
Not expecting any new features. New chip and better audio quality is expected.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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