AirPods 5 finally add on-stem volume control, but only on the $149 model

Apple is bringing direct volume adjustment to its standard open-ear AirPods for the first time with AirPods 5, allowing users to change volume by swiping on the earbud stem.

There is a catch: the feature is exclusive to the $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case rather than the $129 entry model.

The more expensive configuration uses a force sensor with volume swipe, allowing a quick upward or downward gesture on the stem to change listening volume without using an iPhone, Apple Watch or Siri.

Apple has paired the extra control with a more capable charging case and longer battery life. The $149 model delivers up to five hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, an hour more than AirPods 4 with ANC.

Total listening time reaches up to 22 hours with the case when ANC is being used. The Wireless Charging Case can be charged over USB-C, with a Qi-compatible charger or using an Apple Watch charger.

Both AirPods 5 configurations still share most of the generation’s major improvements. Active Noise Cancellation is standard, with Apple claiming up to 50 percent greater external noise reduction than AirPods 4 with ANC.

They also include a redesigned multiport acoustic architecture, next-generation Adaptive EQ, improved Transparency mode, Siri AI integration and Live Translation.

The Apple Post reported ahead of the launch that Apple was preparing two AirPods 5 configurations, although the final differences between them are more unusual than expected.

Apple detailed the new volume gesture and battery improvements in its announcement.

AirPods 5 are available to pre-order today, with both configurations launching September 18.