AirPods 5 are cheaper than the outgoing noise-cancelling AirPods 4, but there is something buyers should know before opening the box: Apple does not include a charging cable.
Both versions use USB-C for wired charging, so anyone buying AirPods 5 will need a USB-C cable they already own or purchase one separately. The good news is that the same type of cable used with recent iPhones, iPads and Macs can charge the AirPods case.
This matters most for customers moving from much older AirPods. Earlier charging cases used Lightning, so an existing Lightning cable will not plug into the new case.
Apple sells two AirPods 5 configurations. The $129 model comes with a USB-C Charging Case, while the $149 model includes a Wireless Charging Case.
The latter can be placed on a compatible Qi charger or Apple Watch charger, meaning owners can potentially avoid plugging the case into USB-C altogether. The upgraded model also includes additional features beyond charging, including swipe volume controls and longer listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled.
Neither model includes the cable in the package. Apple has removed the USB-C cable from the AirPods 5 box, so it is worth checking what you already have before buying another accessory unnecessarily.
Anyone with an iPhone 15 or later is likely to already have a suitable USB-C cable, as are owners of most recent iPads and Macs. A USB-C power adapter is required when charging from a wall outlet, although a computer’s USB-C port can also provide power.
AirPods 5 arrive on September 18. Checking your charging setup beforehand could prevent the slightly frustrating experience of opening new AirPods and discovering that the cable from your previous pair no longer fits.