AirPods 5 Pre-Orders Go Live, While Older Models Reach Up to $100 Off This Weekend
Apple has opened pre‑orders for the AirPods 5 on Amazon, pricing the base model at $129 and the version with a wireless charging case at $149. The launch is slated for September 18, and no promotional pricing accompanies the pre‑order. At the same time, Amazon is slashing prices on three legacy products: the over‑ear AirPods Max 2 now costs $449, a $100 reduction from its $549 list price; the AirPods Pro 3 drops to $199, $50 off its $249 sticker price; and the entry‑level AirPods 4 is offered for $99, $30 less than its usual $129. The Pro 3’s spec sheet highlights twice the active‑noise‑cancellation capability of its predecessor, upgraded audio drivers, a new ergonomic fit, Live Translation for face‑to‑face conversation, and a heart‑rate sensor for fitness tracking.
These discounts arrive as Apple continues to broaden its audio ecosystem, layering a low‑cost true‑wireless option (AirPods 5), a mid‑tier ANC earbud (AirPods 4), a premium ANC earbud (AirPods Pro 3), and a high‑end over‑ear headphone (AirPods Max 2). By pushing the AirPods 5 at a competitive $129 entry price, Apple positions the new model against rivals such as Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Google’s Pixel Buds 2, while the steep markdowns on older models aim to clear inventory ahead of the launch. Amazon’s role as a discount conduit underscores the retailer’s importance in Apple’s pricing strategy, especially for legacy devices that risk stagnating sales without price incentives.
Looking ahead, consumers will likely weigh the modest price gap between the AirPods 5 and the discounted AirPods 4 to decide whether the newer model’s incremental upgrades justify the $30 premium. Apple may monitor pre‑order velocity to gauge demand and could adjust the AirPods 5’s pricing post‑launch if the discount window proves insufficient. Watch for potential supply constraints on the AirPods 5 as launch day approaches, and for any further price cuts on the Max 2 or Pro 3 that could signal a broader inventory clearance as newer generations roll out.
Key Takeaways
Amazon is the exclusive pre‑order channel for the AirPods 5, pricing the base model at $129 and the wireless‑case version at $149.
Legacy AirPods devices receive deep discounts: $100 off the Max 2, $50 off the Pro 3, and $30 off the AirPods 4.
Apple’s tiered audio lineup now spans $99 to $449, targeting budget, mid‑range, and premium segments simultaneously.
The price spread between the new AirPods 5 and the discounted AirPods 4 may drive price‑sensitive buyers to postpone purchasing until after the launch.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by MAC Rumors. Here is a short excerpt for context:
Apple just announced the new AirPods 5, and Amazon has them up for pre-order right now starting at $129.00. If you are looking for deals on other models, Amazon also has great prices on AirPods Max 2 at $100 off, AirPods Pro 3 at $50 off, and AirPods 4 at $30 off. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. AirPods 5 You can pre-order the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case right now on Amazon, available for $129.00 and $149.00, respectively. There are no pre-order deals yet on these devices, and they will officially launch on September 18. PRE-ORDER AirPods 5 for $129.00 PRE-ORDER AirPods 5 w/ Wireless Charging Case for $149.00 AirPods Max 2 $449.00 on Amazon this week, down from $549.00. This sale is available in all five colors of the headphones. $100 OFF AirPods Max 2 for $449.00 Free delivery has the AirPods Max 2 arriving around September 15, but Prime members should see same-day delivery options in many locations. We haven't seen the AirPods Max 2 hit their all-time low price since June, so if you've been waiting for a solid deal, today's your chance to save on the headphones. AirPods Pro 3 $199.00, down from $249.00. This is the best price we've seen on the AirPods Pro 3 since Prime Day in June, coming in around $20 higher when compared to that all-time low price. $50 OFF AirPods Pro 3 for $199.00 This model of the AirPods Pro launched in September 2025 and has 2x better Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, better audio quality, a revised fit that's meant to improve comfort and stability, Live Translation for in-person conversations, and heart rate sensing for workouts. AirPods 4 $99.00, down from $129.00. This is a second-best price on the AirPods 4, which is the base model without Active Noise Cancellation. $30 OFF AirPods 4 for $99.00 Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, "AirPods 5 Pre-Orders Go Live, While Older Models Reach Up to $100 Off This Weekend" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forumsRead the original at MAC Rumors
