Apple Unveils AirPods 5 Headphones
Apple introduced AirPods 5 with active noise cancellation in the base version for $129. The company claims a 50% more effective ANC compared to AirPods 4 with ANC, while the version priced at $149 additionally features extended battery life, a wireless charging case, and volume control via swipe on the stem.
Design and sound
AirPods 5 retained an open design without silicone ear tips. At the same time, Apple redesigned the internal acoustic system: it uses a new multi-port architecture developed with insights from AirPods Pro 3 and the next generation of Adaptive EQ.
According to the company, the changes are designed to deliver richer and more detailed sound across different ear shapes. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is also supported.
Apple did not specify the model of the AirPods 5 audio chip in its announcement.
Active noise cancellation
The main change compared to the previous generation is that active noise cancellation is now supported by both versions of AirPods 5. With AirPods 4 ANC, it was available only in the more expensive configuration.
Apple claims the new system removes up to 50% more external noise compared to AirPods 4 with ANC. The improvement is delivered by a new acoustic architecture and updated computational audio processing algorithms.
Additionally, the company calls AirPods 5 open-style earbuds with the best active noise cancellation among open-type models. This claim is based on Apple’s own testing conducted in July 2026 according to IEC 60268-24 standard compared to the best-selling open-style wireless earbuds at that time.
Transparency mode has also been redesigned to make voices and ambient sounds sound more natural. Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts the balance between ANC and transparency mode based on the surrounding environment, while Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of played content when the user starts speaking.
Siri AI and gesture control
When connected to an iPhone with Apple Intelligence support, AirPods 5 enable use of the new Siri AI without holding a smartphone. The assistant can consider the user’s personal context, including messages, emails, and photos, perform actions in apps, and answer general questions.
With Siri Interactions, the assistant can be answered with head movements: a nod means yes, and shaking your head side to side means no. This feature was already available on some previous AirPods models.
Siri AI will be included in iOS 27 starting September 14, initially as a beta version in English. Support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish will arrive in October. On iPhone and iPad, the feature will initially be unavailable in European Union countries.
Conversation translation
AirPods 5 support Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence. After setting up the feature in the Translate app and downloading the required languages, users will be able to hear their conversation partner’s speech translated directly through the headphones.
Launch Live Translation by simultaneously pressing the stems of both earbuds, using a Siri voice command, or tapping the Action button on a compatible iPhone.
Live Translation is not an exclusive feature of AirPods 5. Apple has extended it to other compatible AirPods models. To use it, you need a compatible device, Apple Intelligence, the latest operating system version, and the most recent firmware for your headphones. Availability depends on language and region.
What are the differences between the two versions of AirPods 5?
Both models support ANC, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio, Siri AI, head gestures, and Live Translation. The main differences relate to controls, the charging case, and battery life.
| Specification | AirPods 5 | AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case |
|---|---|---|
| Price in the US | $129 | $149 |
| Active noise cancellation | There is | There is |
| Volume adjustment by swiping the stem. | No | There is |
| Wireless charging for the case | No | Qi and Apple Watch charger |
| USB-C | There is | There is |
| Battery life with ANC | Up to 4 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Battery life with case and ANC | Until 8 PM | Until 10 PM |
Thus, for an additional $20, the user receives not improved noise cancellation or different sound, but a larger battery, wireless charging for the case, and the ability to adjust volume by swiping on the stem. Apple calls this last control method the first for its open-type AirPods.
Battery life and charging
The base AirPods 5 are designed to last up to 4 hours with ANC enabled and up to 20 hours with the charging case.
The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case use a redesigned battery. They last up to 5 hours with active noise cancellation enabled, which is one hour more than the AirPods 4 with ANC. With the case, listening time with ANC reaches 22 hours.
The Wireless Charging Case can be charged via USB-C, Qi-compatible chargers, and the Apple Watch charger.
Water and dust protection
Apple states that AirPods 5 offer improved protection against dust, sweat, and water compared to the previous generation. However, the company did not specify a concrete IP rating for the new generation in materials published at the time of the announcement.
Therefore, it is currently incorrect to transfer the IP54 rating from AirPods 4 to AirPods 5.
Price and release date
Preorders for AirPods 5 opened on September 9 in the United States and more than 65 other countries and regions. Both versions will be available in stores on September 18.
- AirPods 5 – $129
- AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case – $149
For comparison, AirPods 4 launched at the same $129, but this version did not support ANC. AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation cost $179, so the new AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case ended up being $30 cheaper than its direct predecessor.
