AirPods 5 Pre-Orders Launch as Amazon Deepens Discounts on Older Apple Audio Models

Key points

• AirPods 5 pre-orders are live at $129 for the standard model and $149 for the wireless charging case, with a September 18 launch date.
• Amazon is offering $100 off the AirPods Max 2, reducing the price to $449, which is the lowest since June.
• The AirPods Pro 3 are discounted by $50 to $199, while the base AirPods 4 are available for $99, saving $30.
• Lifehacker notes that these audio discounts are part of a wider Labor Day sale event that includes up to $500 off select MacBook Pros and $100 off various iPads.
• 9to5Mac highlights that Best Buy offers enhanced trade-in deals for the new AirPods 5, potentially reducing the cost to $65.

Background

This release follows Apple’s recent September event, which introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and raised prices on older iPhone models by $100. Pre-orders for the AirPods 5 and Apple Watch Series 12 began earlier this week, with Amazon already offering initial discounts on the watches. The current sales event aligns with the Labor Day weekend, a period traditionally used by retailers to clear inventory before the holiday.

How outlets are covering it

MacRumors focuses primarily on the immediate pre-order availability and the specific price drops for the AirPods Max 2 and Pro 3, noting that the Max 2 price is the best since June. Lifehacker contextualizes these audio deals within a broader Labor Day sale, emphasizing that while the discounts are significant, they are part of a larger ecosystem-wide promotion that includes substantial cuts on MacBooks and iPads. 9to5Mac provides a more comprehensive view of the Apple deal landscape, pointing out that while Amazon offers cash discounts, Best Buy provides enhanced trade-in options that can make the new AirPods 5 significantly cheaper for those with old devices to trade in. All sources agree on the core pricing for the new and discounted models but differ in their emphasis on the broader market context versus the specific audio hardware.

Why it matters

The launch of the AirPods 5 marks a significant update to Apple’s flagship earbuds, while the simultaneous discounts on previous generations provide an opportunity for consumers to acquire high-end audio hardware at lower prices. The timing with Labor Day sales makes this a critical window for buyers looking to upgrade or purchase accessories before the holiday weekend, as prices are unlikely to drop further until major sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday.

What to watch

The AirPods 5 will officially launch on September 18. Consumers should monitor prices in the coming days, as Labor Day sales often see further adjustments. Additionally, the release of iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate on September 14 may introduce new features that could influence the decision to upgrade to the latest hardware.