Apple has officially opened pre-orders for the new AirPods 5, months ahead of the units shipping on September 18. Alongside that launch, Amazon is running a major sale on previous-generation AirPods, with steep discounts on multiple models this weekend. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade or just want solid value, now’s the time.
AirPods 5 Details & Pricing
The freshly revealed AirPods 5 are available to pre-order on Amazon in two variants: the standard pair priced at $129 and the version with a wireless charging case at $149. Both will ship beginning September 18. At first, no additional discounts or bundles are available for either version.
How Much You Can Save on Older Models
While the AirPods 5 grab headlines, more affordable deals are live now for AirPods Max 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4. The over-ear AirPods Max 2 drop to $449—$100 off their list price—and are available in all five colors. Prime members in select areas can get same-day delivery, while others will see delivery around September 15.
The in-ear AirPods Pro 3, launched in September 2025, are discounted by $50, now selling for $199. This version brings upgraded Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), improved audio, a revised fit designed for stability and comfort, plus extras like Live Translation and built-in heart rate sensing.
Meanwhile, the entry-level AirPods 4 are going for $99—a $30 saving from their original $129. These do not include ANC and are positioned as the base AirPods experience under the current product lineup.
What’s New with AirPods Pro 3?
The AirPods Pro 3 upgraded several features over Pro 2, including a significantly enhanced Active Noise Cancellation system and more refined sound quality. A new fit aims to help with stability and comfort, especially for those who use them during workouts or movement. The model also introduces Live Translation for face-to-face conversations and a sensor for heart rate measurements, pushing beyond audio into wellness.
Bottom line: The arrival of AirPods 5 signals Apple’s continued expansion of its headphone lineup, while the simultaneous markdowns on AirPods Max 2, Pro 3, and 4 offer strong value—especially for those who don’t need the very newest features.
What this means: Apple’s pricing strategy here reflects its approach for keeping all customer segments engaged. The team behind these launches wants early adopter attention with AirPods 5, but there’s still obvious incentive built in for more price-sensitive buyers. Going forward, it will be important to compare features like noise cancellation, fit, and health features—not just price. Watch for performance comparisons, accessory bundles, and how the wireless case version of AirPods 5 stacks up in real-world use.
