Apple introduced AirPods 5 with improved noise cancellation
Apple announced AirPods 5 — open-ear headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC). According to Apple, ANC removes up to 50% more external noise compared to AirPods 4 with ANC. This is achieved through a new multi-port acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms.
AirPods 5 also received an improved transparency mode that more accurately conveys voices and ambient sounds. Adaptive Audio dynamically blends transparency and noise cancellation depending on the environment, and Conversation Awareness lowers the volume when the user starts speaking.
To improve sound quality, an architecture inspired by AirPods Pro 3 and a next-generation adaptive equalizer are used. Personalized spatial audio is supported.
AirPods 5 support Siri AI, which appears in beta in iOS 27. Users can respond to Siri with a nod or shake of the head, and use Live Translation.
The base AirPods 5 model costs $129, the version with a wireless charging case is $149. The wireless charging option adds volume control by swiping on the stem and increased battery life: up to 5 hours of playback with ANC and up to 22 hours including the case.
Pre-orders start on September 9, 2026, and the headphones will appear in stores from September 18. AirPods 5 are made with 40% recycled materials, including 100% recycled cobalt in the battery.
Primary source: www.apple.com ↗