AirPods 5 Announced With Improved Noise Cancellation, Audio Quality, and More
Apple today introduced AirPods 5, offering Active Noise Cancellation with its entry-level wireless earbuds at a starting price of $129.

Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. They also boast a redesigned acoustic architecture and updated Adaptive EQ also promise richer, more detailed sound, and an improved Transparency mode that makes nearby voices and sounds more natural.
Both models include Adaptive Audio, which automatically blends noise cancellation and Transparency mode, as well as Conversation Awareness, which lowers playback volume when the wearer starts speaking. Live Translation is also supported when paired with a compatible iPhone with Apple Intelligence enabled.
A $149 version with a Wireless Charging Case adds swipe-based volume controls on the stems and longer battery life. Apple says this model delivers up to five hours of listening with noise cancellation enabled, or up to 22 hours with the case, which supports Apple Watch and Qi chargers alongside USB-C.
AirPods 5 are available to preorder today, with availability beginning Friday, September 18.
Popular Stories
Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware has a build number of 9B5042a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers.
There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases.
When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad,...
Apple today released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 5, and AirPods Max 2. The firmware has a build number of 9B5043a and is rolling out for developers and public beta testers.
There's no word on what's included in the firmware update because Apple doesn't offer notes for AirPods beta releases.
When the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad,...
Repair site iFixit today took apart Apple's AirPods 5 for one of its traditional teardown videos. It turns out the new AirPods are slightly more repairable than prior models, but it's still not a simple home fix.
The AirPods 5 use pronged batteries that Apple previously used in the AirPods 3, but not the AirPods 4. The battery can be removed with a "nifty pair of tongs," and iFixit says the...