Originally published at: AirPods 5 Improve Noise Cancellation, Gain More AirPods Pro Features - TidBITS
At its “Surprise and Shine” event, Apple introduced the AirPods 5, the latest iteration of the company’s open-ear wireless earbuds, with improved Active Noise Cancellation and a handful of features cribbed from the more expensive AirPods Pro.
Previously, the AirPods 4 came in two models: the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, which also included a wireless charging case. The AirPods 5 maintain the two-model split but add Active Noise Cancellation and related features to both, including Transparency (which reproduces outside sounds) and Adaptive Audio (which dynamically blends ANC and Transparency to match the audio environment).
Both also include Conversation Awareness (which lowers media volume when you speak), Voice Isolation (which filters background noise from your mic so you sound clearer on calls), Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking (which creates a 3D soundstage tuned to your ear shape that stays anchored as you move your head), and Live Translation (which translates spoken conversation between languages in real time).
Apple implies that iOS 27’s Siri AI is new to the AirPods 5, but in fact it will work on all AirPods since it’s not really any different from the existing Siri from the AirPods perspective.
Four things differentiate the two AirPods 5 models:
- Wireless charging case: As before, the higher-end AirPods 5 have a wireless charging case that can charge via a USB-C cable, an Apple Watch charger, or a Qi charger. It also has a speaker that can play sounds when being located by Find My. It’s also 2.4 grams heavier.
- Longer battery life: The base-level AirPods 5 offer up to 4 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, while the higher-end model offers up to 5 hours. The base-level charging case provides up to 20 hours total, whereas the wireless charging case increases that to 22 hours.
- Force sensor with volume swipe: As on the AirPods Pro, the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case let you adjust volume by swiping up and down on the stems. Personally, I never even remember to try this feature; it’s usually easier and more obvious to adjust volume on the device playing audio.
- More water-resistant: The AirPods 4 were rated IP54 for dust and water resistance, while the AirPods 5 improve that to IP57, meaning they should survive temporary immersion for up to 30 minutes.
Overall, the AirPods 5 are a small evolutionary update that will appeal to anyone buying AirPods for the first time or upgrading from an earlier model other than the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. With that model, an upgrade is mostly worth considering if you want better ANC, although Apple also claims “a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ deliver richer, more detailed sound across an even wider range of ear geometries.”
Apple maintained the base model’s $129 price and dropped the higher-end model from $179 to $149, suggesting either that the chips involved aren’t particularly sensitive to RAMaggeddon, or that Apple had room in the profit margin to absorb higher component costs. You can pre-order the AirPods 5 today, with delivery starting 18 September 2026.