Apple announced AirPods 5 on September 9, 2026, featuring what the company describes as industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design. According to Apple, the new model removes up to 50 percent more external noise compared to AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, achieved through a new multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms.
The base AirPods 5 model is priced at $129, while AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149. Customers can pre-order starting immediately, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, in more than 65 countries and regions. The wireless charging case is compatible with Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers, and USB-C.
According to Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering Dave Pakula, “With AirPods 5, we’re able to bring Active Noise Cancellation — one of our most beloved features — to our most affordable AirPods.” The earbuds feature improved dust, sweat, and water resistance, and include an enhanced Transparency mode that the company says more naturally represents voices and nearby sounds.
AirPods 5 incorporate a redesigned multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ for improved sound quality across a wider range of ear geometries. The Adaptive Audio feature dynamically blends Transparency mode and ANC based on environmental conditions, while Conversation Awareness lowers media volume when users start speaking.
For users with Apple Intelligence-supported iPhones, AirPods 5 provide hands-free access to Siri AI, which Apple describes as “profoundly more capable and conversational.” The feature allows users to respond using head gestures and supports Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, enabling communication across supported languages. Live Translation is now available across the entire AirPods lineup.
The wireless charging case variant adds on-stem volume control via force sensor with volume swipe—described as a first for open-ear AirPods. Battery life with ANC reaches up to five hours on a single charge, one hour longer than AirPods 4 with ANC, extending to 22 hours with the charging case.
According to Apple, AirPods 5 are made with 40 percent recycled material overall, including 70 percent recycled plastic in the wireless charging case and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. Apple Intelligence will be available with iOS 27 starting September 14 for supported devices.
Key facts
- AirPods 5 remove up to 50% more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC through new multiport acoustic architecture
- Base model priced at $129; with Wireless Charging Case at $149
- Battery life reaches five hours with ANC on single charge, 22 hours with charging case
- Includes Siri AI, Live Translation, and head gesture controls for responding to Siri
- Force sensor volume control available on Wireless Charging Case model only
- Made with 40% recycled material overall, including 70% recycled plastic in case
- Available for pre-order immediately; in-store availability begins September 18, 2026