Apple announced AirPods 5 on September 9, 2026, adding Active Noise Cancellation to the open design, along with audio improvements and features powered by Apple Intelligence. The base model starts at $129, while AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case costs $149. Preorders began in the United States and more than 65 other countries and regions, with in-store sales starting Friday, September 18.
Apple says the Active Noise Cancellation system in AirPods 5 removes up to 50% more external noise than the ANC-equipped AirPods 4. The company attributes this improvement to a new multi-port acoustic architecture and updated computational-audio algorithms. This result remains an Apple testing claim; the company conducted the tests in July 2026 using an iPhone 17 and pre-release software, according to the IEC 60268-24 standard, while noting that performance is affected by device settings, the environment, and other factors.
Noise Cancellation While Keeping the Surroundings Audible
The earbuds offer a Transparency mode that Apple says presents nearby sounds and people’s voices more naturally. Adaptive Audio mode can also dynamically blend Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode based on the environment, while Conversation Awareness lowers the volume when the user starts speaking.
AirPods 5 use a multi-port acoustic architecture and a next-generation adaptive EQ to improve audio detail across a wider range of ear shapes. Apple also says this makes Personalized Spatial Audio more immersive and dynamic, noting that Personalized Spatial Audio requires compatible devices, content, and apps, and that creating a profile requires an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera.
Smart Features Powered by iPhone
With an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, AirPods 5 provide hands-free access to Siri AI, which Apple is introducing experimentally with iOS 27. The company describes Siri AI as more capable of understanding personal context in messages, email, and photos, performing actions within apps, and answering general knowledge questions. Users can also respond with a head nod to agree or a head shake to decline through Siri Interactions.
The earbuds support Live Translation after it is set up in the Translate app and the required languages are downloaded. It can be activated by pressing both earbud stems together, saying “Siri, start Live Translation,” or using the Action button on iPhone. However, availability depends on the region, language, and compatible devices. Siri AI starts in English, with support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish coming in October, and it is initially unavailable in the European Union with iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS.
The Difference Between the Two Models
The base AirPods 5 model provides up to five hours of listening with ANC enabled, while the wireless charging case version adds volume control by swiping on the earbud stem—the first time this function has been available in Apple’s open design. The version provides up to 22 hours of listening with the case when using ANC and supports charging through Apple Watch chargers, Qi chargers, and USB-C.
Apple points to improved resistance to dust, sweat, and water. In terms of materials, the earbuds contain 40% recycled materials overall, while the wireless charging case contains 70% recycled plastic and uses 100% recycled cobalt in its battery. The company also says manufacturing relies on 35% renewable energy across the supply chain.
What Changes in Practice?
AirPods 5 bring Active Noise Cancellation and smart features to the lower-priced tier of the AirPods family, but fully benefiting from Siri AI and Live Translation does not depend on the earbuds alone; it is tied to Apple Intelligence support, the operating-system version, the language, the region, and the iPhone model or Apple device being used. Buyers will therefore need to check their device’s compatibility and the features available in their market before choosing a model.