During Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” special event on Wednesday, Apple introduced AirPods 5 with better battery life, richer sound, and the same cost as last year’s model, but with ANC. Here’s what we know so far.
Apple Brings Improved ANC, Improved Audio, and Better Battery Life for $129
“AirPods 5 feature an all-new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ for even more immersive sound. Their breakthrough open-ear ANC removes up to 50 percent more external noise compared to AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, alongside a more natural Transparency mode. Combined with Siri AI and iPhone, AirPods enable users to draw on their personal context and get answers with broad world knowledge, entirely hands-free,” says Apple in an official press release.
Here are all the features you need to know about:
- 50% Increased Noise Cancellation versus AirPods 4
- Improved Spatial Audio
- Apple Intelligence Integration
- Redesigned Internals
- 20 Hours Of Battery Life
- On-Stem Controls with Higher-end model
Apple’s improved ANC support with AirPods 5 “removes up to 50 percent more noise compared to AirPods 4 with ANC thanks to a new multi-port acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms.” The new acoustic architecture also contributes to improved audio thanks to Adaptive EQ, bringing richer sound that’s deeper and more immersive.
Live Translation
Harnessing the power of ANC and Apple Intelligence, Live Translation will also allow users to listen to conversations in their native language. “AirPods users can access the feature by simultaneously pressing both stems, by saying “Siri, start Live Translation,” or by using the Action button on iPhone,” says Apple.
Improved Battery Life
Apple says AirPods 5 with ANC on will last an hour longer than AirPods 4, around five hours, thanks to a new battery design. The case will provide up to an additional 22 hours of battery life.
Apple Intelligence
If you have an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone, Apple says “AirPods 5 allow users to tap into helpful intelligent features hands-free and on the go. Siri AI, which is rolling out in beta in iOS 27, is a profoundly more capable and conversational assistant, offering personal context understanding across messages, emails, photos, and more, as well as app actions and broad world knowledge.”
If you’re familiar with the beta of iOS 27, the AirPods 5 will feature a more natural-sounding Siri thanks to Siri AI and improved Apple Intelligence. “Users can ask Siri to play the song a friend recommended in a message or navigate to a dinner reservation based on the confirmation buried in an email. Siri AI sounds more natural than ever, with expressive voices that a user can customize so it’s just right for them. And Dictation now captures what users say with greater precision,” says Apple.
Pricing and Availability
AirPods 5 is available for pre-order today and will be available on September 18th. AirPods 5 comes in two versions: the first is $129 and the other is $149. The $129 model features ANC support, but the $149 model includes a wireless charger and, for the first-time on the open-ear model, gesture support on the stems of the device.
