Apple has introduced AirPods 5, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to its most affordable AirPods alongside improved sound quality, Live Translation, Siri AI support and a choice of two charging cases.
The fifth-generation AirPods retain Apple’s open-ear approach rather than using silicone ear tips, but Apple says its redesigned acoustic architecture and computational audio deliver significantly stronger noise cancellation than the previous generation.
Here is everything you need to know about AirPods 5, including Active Noise Cancellation, sound quality, battery life, Siri AI, Live Translation, the differences between the two versions, price and release date.
What’s new with AirPods 5?
The biggest change is Active Noise Cancellation across the AirPods 5 lineup. Apple has also redesigned the acoustic architecture, upgraded Adaptive EQ and Transparency mode, improved durability and expanded the intelligence features available when AirPods are paired with an iPhone.
Image: Apple
A more expensive version with a Wireless Charging Case adds longer battery life and on-stem volume controls.
AirPods 5 Active Noise Cancellation
Apple says AirPods 5 deliver its best Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design. The earbuds can remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
That is notable because AirPods 5 do not rely on the sealed silicone ear tips found on AirPods Pro. Instead, Apple uses a new multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms to reduce surrounding sound.
Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio
Transparency mode has also been improved to reproduce nearby voices and environmental sounds more naturally. Adaptive Audio can automatically blend Transparency and Active Noise Cancellation depending on the user’s surroundings.
Conversation Awareness remains available and can automatically lower media volume when the wearer starts talking to somebody nearby.
AirPods 5 sound quality
Apple has introduced an all-new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ. The system continually adjusts sound based on how the earbuds fit and what the user is listening to, with Apple positioning AirPods 5 as its best audio experience yet in this open-ear form factor.
Siri AI on AirPods 5
When paired with a compatible iPhone, AirPods 5 can provide hands-free access to Siri AI. That means users can ask questions that draw on their personal context as well as broader knowledge without taking their iPhone out of their pocket.
AirPods also continue to support head gestures, allowing users to respond to Siri by moving their head.
Live Translation
AirPods 5 support Live Translation, allowing conversations across supported languages to be translated with the help of a paired iPhone and Apple Intelligence.
The feature is designed to make spoken conversations easier when two people do not share the same language, with translated audio delivered through the AirPods.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
Apple is selling two versions of AirPods 5. The standard $129 model provides the core AirPods 5 experience, including Active Noise Cancellation.
The $149 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case adds a case that can charge using an Apple Watch charger, Qi-compatible wireless charger or USB-C. This version also adds on-stem volume control and longer battery life.
Volume controls on AirPods 5
On AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, Apple has added a force sensor with volume swipe. Users can swipe up or down on the stem to adjust volume without reaching for their iPhone or asking Siri.
This is the first time Apple has offered this style of direct volume adjustment on its open-ear AirPods.
AirPods 5 battery life
The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case offer up to five hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled on a single charge. That is one hour longer than AirPods 4 with ANC.
With the charging case, total listening time reaches up to 22 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. Battery life varies depending on usage and settings.
How does the AirPods 5 Wireless Charging Case charge?
The upgraded case supports USB-C as well as wireless charging using compatible Qi chargers and Apple Watch charging pucks, giving users several ways to recharge without carrying a dedicated AirPods cable.
Dust, sweat and water resistance
Apple says AirPods 5 offer improved resistance to dust, sweat and water, making the fifth-generation model more durable for workouts and everyday use.
How much do AirPods 5 cost?
AirPods 5 cost $129 in the United States. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149.
The relatively small price difference means buyers choosing the more expensive model gain wireless charging, longer battery life and the volume swipe control in addition to the core AirPods 5 features.
When can you pre-order AirPods 5?
AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case are available to pre-order now in the United States and more than 65 other countries and regions.
When are AirPods 5 released?
AirPods 5 will be released on Friday, September 18, when orders begin arriving and the earbuds become available in stores.
