AirPods Cumulative Revenue to Cross $100 Billion in 2026
- According to Counterpoint Research’s Apple 360 Forecast, revenue from AirPods will grow 2.4% YoY in 2026 to cross the cumulative $100-billion mark.
- Portfolio diversification with a more affordable option, aligning with growing iPhone buyers across emerging markets and other consumer segments will help drive growth.
- Long-term Apple Intelligence enhancements and feature evolution across niche categories will help drive upgrades and stickiness.
Seoul, Beijing, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Fort Collins, Hong Kong, London, New Delhi, Taipei, Tokyo – July 7, 2025
Apple’s revenue from AirPods is projected to grow 2.4% YoY in 2026, surpassing the cumulative revenue of $100 billion, driven by portfolio diversification and continuous product enhancements, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest Apple 360 Tracker and Forecast report.
Apple has been expanding its AirPods portfolio. In 2024, it launched an affordable, ANC-less version of the AirPods 4, thus setting a new entry point for the device. This strategic move enables Apple to reach a wider price-sensitive customer base, like consumers in emerging markets and students. Emerging markets have been a major growth driver for iPhones, and as iPhone demand grows, AirPods will also see an increase in demand.
Furthermore, Apple has consistently improved the user experience with features like noise cancellation, along with seamless integration with iOS, instant pairing, and device switching. Apple is also transforming TWS devices by integrating health-tracking capabilities. The launch of the FDA-approved, clinical-grade hearing aid feature in the AirPods Pro 2 further expands the product’s use case to a new consumer base.
AirPods Cumulative Revenue Forecast (2016 – 2026F) with Key Feature Highlights
Source: Counterpoint Research
Revenue values in USD
The evolution will continue in newer launches. Newer AirPods will introduce features like heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing, which will further solidify AirPods’ positioning as a healthcare device. Apple Intelligence will also be introduced with use cases such as real-time translation and enhanced gesture controls.
Apple is on a path to make AirPods more versatile –not only by improving the listening experience and call quality, but also by expanding their use to areas like content creation and advanced health tracking. This, coupled with Apple Intelligence and broader portfolio availability, is expected to boost AirPods revenue.
About Counterpoint Research
Counterpoint Research is a global market research firm specializing in products across the technology ecosystem. We advise a diverse range of clients – from smartphone OEMs to chipmakers and channel players to Big Tech – through our offices located in the world's major innovation hubs, manufacturing clusters and commercial centers. Our analyst team, led by seasoned experts, engages with stakeholders across the enterprise – from the C-suite to professionals in strategy, analyst relations (AR), market intelligence (MI), business intelligence (BI), product and marketing – to deliver services spanning market data, industry thought leadership and consulting. Our core areas of coverage include AI, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Displays, eSIM, IoT, Location Platforms, Macroeconomics, Manufacturing, Networks and Infrastructure, Semiconductors, Smartphones and Wearables. Visit our Insights page to explore our publicly available market data, insights and thought leadership, and to understand our focus, meet our analysts and start a conversation.
Follow Counterpoint Research
Receive our insightful weekly newsletter and stay ahead of the competition.
Author
Team Counterpoint
Counterpoint Research is a global industry and market research firm providing market data, intelligence, thought leadership and consulting across the technology ecosystem. We advise a diverse range of global clients spanning the supply chain – from chipmakers, component suppliers, manufacturers and software and application developers to service providers, channel players and investors. Our veteran team of analysts serve these clients through our offices located across the key innovation hubs, manufacturing clusters and commercial centers globally. Our analysts consistently engage with C-suite through to strategy, market intelligence, supply chain, R&D, product management, marketing, sales and others across the organization. Counterpoint’s key coverage areas: AI, Automotive, Cloud, Connectivity, Consumer Electronics, Displays, eSIM, IoT, Location Platforms, Macroeconomics, Manufacturing, Networks & Infra, Semiconductors, Smartphones and Wearables.