Apple AirPods 5 Launched: Both Models Now Feature Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation
- Apple has announced the AirPods 5, bringing open-ear Active Noise Cancellation to its base earbuds alongside a starting price of $129, according to a September 9, 2026 press...
- According to Apple's press release, the entry-level AirPods 5 cost $129 and come with a standard charging case.
- The AirPods 5 introduce an all-new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ designed to deliver richer sound across diverse ear geometries, according to Apple.
Apple has announced the AirPods 5, bringing open-ear Active Noise Cancellation to its base earbuds alongside a starting price of $129, according to a September 9, 2026 press release from Apple. The new release arrives with two distinct versions, improved acoustic architecture, and deeper integration with Apple Intelligence features like Siri AI and Live Translation.
Pricing and Hardware Lineup for AirPods 5
According to Apple’s press release, the entry-level AirPods 5 cost $129 and come with a standard charging case. A second model priced at $149 adds a wireless charging case, longer battery life, and on-stem volume controls, which let users swipe up or down on the stem rather than reaching for a phone. Both versions feature upgraded durability with improved dust, sweat, and water resistance. Pre-orders open on September 9, 2026, with retail availability scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026.
Upgraded Active Noise Cancellation and Acoustics
The AirPods 5 introduce an all-new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ designed to deliver richer sound across diverse ear geometries, according to Apple. The open-ear Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 50 percent more external noise than the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Battery life reaches up to five hours with ANC enabled on the more expensive model and four hours on the cheaper version, with total listening time stretching to 22 and 20 hours respectively using their charging cases.
Intelligent Features and Siri AI Integration
When paired with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone running iOS 27 beta, the AirPods 5 support hands-free access to Siri AI for personal context across messages, emails, and photos, according to Apple. Users can respond to Siri via head gestures, such as nodding or shaking the head, and utilize Live Translation to hear conversations in another language directly through the earbuds. Adaptive Audio dynamically blends Transparency mode and ANC based on environmental conditions, while Conversation Awareness automatically lowers media volume when the user starts speaking.