Apple has launched the AirPods 5, featuring the first open-ear design with elite active noise cancellation and new audio enhancements, signalling a significant upgrade in personal audio technology.
Apple has unveiled AirPods 5, positioning the new model as the first open-ear AirPods with what it describes as best-in-class active noise cancellation. According to Apple, the earbuds went on pre-order on 9 September and will reach shops on 18 September. The standard version is priced at $129 in the US, while a version bundled with a wireless charging case costs $149. The Japanese article gives local pricing of ¥23,800 and ¥27,800 respectively.
The company says the improved noise suppression comes from a new multi-port acoustic design and updated computational audio processing. Apple claims the system removes up to 50% more background noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, while also refining transparency mode and adaptive audio so the earbuds can balance outside sound and cancellation more naturally. Conversation Awareness is also included, lowering media volume when the wearer starts speaking.
Apple has also redesigned the sound architecture, saying it was inspired by AirPods Pro 3. The aim is to deliver fuller and more detailed audio across a wider range of ear shapes, with updated adaptive equalisation and more immersive personalised spatial audio. On the software side, the earbuds are designed to work with Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhones for hands-free features, including Siri interactions and live translation. The Japanese report says live translation is available across the AirPods range, while Siri AI is due in beta on iOS 27.
The wireless charging case model adds a swipe control on the stem for quick volume adjustment, which Apple says is a first for an open-ear design. Battery life is quoted at up to five hours with ANC on, rising to 22 hours with the charging case. Apple also says the product uses 40% recycled materials, including recycled cobalt in the battery and recycled plastic in the case, and is manufactured with 35% renewable energy.
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