Apple unveils AirPods 5 with improved active noise cancellation and Siri AI features

Apple's latest base AirPods are here, and it's all good news - you're getting better sound, more powerful noise cancellation, and the price is lower, spec-for-spec. Before we continue, let's get one thing out of the way - this is the non-Pro earbud, with the open-ear design. AirPods 5 comes in two versions - one with the regular USB-C case, and one with a wireless charging case and stem touch controls. Both models have ANC this time, and Apple claims the AirPods 5 have the the best active noise cancellation for an open-ear design on the market. Elaborating further, Apple says the...

The AirPods 5 support better noise cancellation, Siri AI, and offer volume controls on the stem.

The AirPods 5 support better noise cancellation, Siri AI, and offer volume controls on the stem.

Apple has launched the AirPods 5 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series, iPhone Duo, the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 at its September event. The new earbuds bring a redesigned multiport acoustic architecture, Personalised Spatial Audio, and up to 50 percent more noise reduction than the AirPods 4. Other additions include an Adaptive mode that automatically switches between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, hands-free access to Siri AI, built-in Live Translation, and improved resistance to dust and rain.AirPods 5: Price, availability and colour optionsThe AirPods 5 are priced at $129 for the standard model and $149 for the version with a Wireless Charging Case, according to Apple. Both versions come in a single white finish, consistent with earlier AirPods generations. Pre-orders opened on September 9, with retail availability beginning Friday, September 18. AirPods 5 specifications and featuresAccording to Apple, the AirPods 5 are built around a new multiport acoustic architecture paired with next-generation Adaptive EQ, designed to deliver richer sound across a wider range of ear shapes and improve Personalised Spatial Audio. The open-ear Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 50 percent more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC, aided by improved computational audio algorithms, while an upgraded Transparency mode lets in outside voices and sounds more naturally. Adaptive Audio automatically blends ANC and Transparency mode based on the user's surroundings, and Conversation Awareness lowers media volume when the wearer starts speaking to someone nearby. Paired with a compatible iPhone, the AirPods 5 offer hands-free access to Siri AI, Apple's more conversational assistant that draws on personal context from messages, emails and photos, works across roughly 300,000 third-party apps, and supports expressive, customisable voices along with more accurate Dictation. Users can also respond to Siri using head gestures. Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, can be triggered by pressing both stems simultaneously, via a Siri voice command, or through the Action button on iPhone. The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case add a force sensor for on-stem volume swiping, a first for this open-ear form factor, along with up to five hours of ANC playback on a single charge, extending to 22 hours with the case. The wireless charging case supports Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers and USB-C. Apple also lists dust, sweat and water resistance as improved on this generation compared with the AirPods 4. On sustainability, Apple says the AirPods 5 use 40 percent recycled material overall, including 70 percent recycled plastic in the wireless charging case and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery, and are manufactured using 35 percent renewable energy across the supply chain.

Like their AirPods 4, the AirPods 5 come in two versions, but both now feature active noise-canceling — and it’s 50% more effective.