Apple's AirPods 5 Bring Noise Cancellation to Every Model, Starting at $129

Apple has added another pair of AirPods to its lineup, but this one comes with a change that many users have been waiting for. The new AirPods 5 now come with Active Noise Cancellation as standard. That means buyers do not have to choose a more expensive version just to get ANC. The price also makes the launch interesting. The AirPods 5 start at $129, which is the same starting price as the AirPods 4. Along with noise cancellation, Apple has added a few other features that make these earbuds feel more modern.

The regular AirPods 5 cost $129. Apple is also offering another version for $149 that comes with a Wireless Charging Case. Pre-orders started on September 9, 2026. The new AirPods will be available in stores from September 18 in the US and more than 65 other countries and regions. So, people who were already planning to buy new AirPods will not have to wait too long.

The biggest talking point is Active Noise Cancellation. With the earlier AirPods 4, users had to spend extra money if they wanted ANC. Apple has now changed that with the AirPods 5. Apple says the new earbuds can reduce up to 50 percent more outside noise compared with the AirPods 4 model that had ANC. The company has used a new acoustic design and improved audio processing to achieve this. The earbuds also have Transparency mode, which lets users hear what is happening around them. Adaptive Audio can switch between ANC and Transparency mode based on the surroundings.

Apple has not only focused on blocking outside noise. The company has also made changes to the way the AirPods 5 sound. The new earbuds use an updated acoustic design and Adaptive EQ. Apple says this helps deliver clearer and richer audio. Personalized Spatial Audio is also supported. For compatible content, this can make music, movies and other audio feel more immersive. For people who use AirPods every day, these changes could matter more than they first appear.

The AirPods 5 are also getting some new AI-related features. With a supported iPhone, users can interact with Siri without needing to hold their phone. Siri Interactions can also let users respond with a simple nod or shake of the head in supported situations. Live Translation is another interesting addition. It can help translate conversations into a user's preferred language in real time through the Translate app. It is the kind of feature that could be useful while travelling or talking to someone who speaks another language.

The $149 version comes with a Wireless Charging Case and adds a few useful features. One of them is a Force sensor with swipe controls on the stem. Users can swipe to adjust the volume without reaching for their phone. Apple says this version can offer up to five hours of listening with ANC turned on. With the charging case, total listening time can go up to 22 hours with ANC enabled. The case can also be charged using USB-C, a Qi-compatible charger or an Apple Watch charger.

Apple has also focused on the materials used in the AirPods 5. The company says the earbuds use 40 percent recycled material overall. The Wireless Charging Case uses recycled plastic, while recycled cobalt is used in the battery. Apple has also used fibre-based packaging and says renewable energy is being used across part of the manufacturing process.

The AirPods 5 do not look like a huge change at first glance, but Apple has made some useful upgrades underneath. The biggest one is clearly ANC. Making noise cancellation available from $129 changes what buyers can expect from Apple's regular AirPods. Better sound, Adaptive Audio, Siri features and Live Translation add even more to the package. The AirPods 5 may not replace the Pro models for everyone, but they could become a much more attractive choice for people who want premium features without spending as much.

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