Apple has launched AirPods 5, bringing Active Noise Cancellation to its entry-level wireless earbuds starting at $129 and adding a more capable $149 tier with swipe-based volume controls and extended battery life.
The new earbuds feature a redesigned acoustic architecture that Apple says removes up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
Updated Adaptive EQ promises richer, more detailed audio, and a revised Transparency mode is intended to make voices and ambient sounds feel more natural.
Both price tiers include Adaptive Audio, which automatically blends noise cancellation and Transparency mode, along with Conversation Awareness, which dips playback volume when the wearer starts talking.
Two Models, One Key Difference
The $149 model adds swipe-based volume controls on the stems, a feature that has been available on AirPods Pro but absent from the standard line.
Apple says that version delivers up to five hours of listening with noise cancellation active, extending to 22 hours total with its wireless charging case.
The case supports Apple Watch chargers, Qi pads, and USB-C, giving users more options for topping up on the go.
The base $129 model represents a more direct upgrade path from AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancellation, now folding that feature in at the same price range where it previously required stepping up.
Apple Intelligence Integration
Both models support Live Translation when paired with a compatible iPhone running Apple Intelligence, allowing real-time spoken language translation through the earbuds.
That capability depends on having Apple Intelligence enabled on the connected device, which limits it to supported iPhone models running current software.
The announcement came during Apple’s September 9 “Surprise and Shine” event at Apple Park, where the company also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and other new hardware. AirPods 5 are available to preorder now, with in-store availability beginning September 18.
