Apple's folding iPhone Ultra could have one fatal flaw for creatives

According to a reliable report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is set to launch two new AirPods 5 models in September, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro event and other devices like the iPhone 18, Apple Watch 12, and the folding iPhone Ultra. The two models are expected to be a standard version and one with active noise cancellation (ANC). A cheaper, potentially less feature-rich AirPods 5 model and a pricier ANC-equipped version are on the cards.

Apple seems to be following a similar pattern to the AirPods 4 launch, which included a standard version and one with ANC. The standard AirPods have received mixed reviews, and Apple could make some adjustments to enhance their value. The report suggests that Apple should either lower the price of the AirPods 5 (which is unlikely) or add more features to justify a higher price point compared to other budget earbuds in the market.

The report also highlights fit reliability as an area that needs improvement for semi-open buds like AirPods. Users often complain about the earbuds not staying in place during physical activities, leading to frequent loss of buds. Apple has made some design improvements in the past, but the report calls for further enhancements in this aspect.

Additionally, the report proposes that Apple could focus on improving battery life, as the previous generation earbuds outperformed Apple's claimed figures. Sonic performance is another area where Apple could make significant changes. While the report acknowledges that it's unlikely for Apple to make its AirPods compatible with Android devices, it suggests that this move could help make the AirPods 5 more accessible and appealing to a broader user base.