Apple has unveiled the AirPods 5, and the biggest new feature is easy to explain: For the first time, the most affordable AirPods come with active noise cancellation, even though they sit openly in the ear and don’t seal it off like the AirPods Pro. According to Apple, they filter out up to 50 percent more ambient noise than the AirPods 4. Pre-orders are already open, and the earbuds will be available in stores in more than 65 countries starting September 18, 2026.
What’s New with the AirPods 5
Until now, active noise cancellation has been exclusive to the AirPods Pro, which seal the ear canals with ear tips. With the AirPods 5, Apple is relying on a new multi-port acoustic architecture designed to significantly reduce ambient noise even without a seal. In addition, there’s a redesigned adaptive EQ that adjusts the sound to the shape of each ear, as well as an improved Transparency Mode for moments when you want to consciously hear your surroundings.
Adaptive Audio automatically switches between ANC and Transparency Mode depending on the situation. The so-called Conversation Detection feature also lowers the volume and activates Transparency Mode as soon as you start speaking. For those who deal with foreign languages, live translation via Apple Intelligence is also played directly into the earbuds.
Two Models, Two Prices
Apple sells the AirPods 5 in two versions. The standard model costs 149 euros; for 169 euros, you also get a wireless charging case. This case features a pressure sensor on the charging case that allows you to adjust the volume with a swipe gesture—a detail previously found mainly on the more expensive AirPods Pro.
Apple states that the battery life is up to 5 hours per charge with noise cancellation enabled; with the charging case, the earbuds last up to 22 hours. By comparison, on-ear headphones with larger batteries, such as the Marshall Milton A.N.C., can last over 80 hours—though in a completely different form factor.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Model | Price | Battery Life (ANC) | Charging Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 5 | €149 | up to 5 hours / 22 hours with case | Wired |
| AirPods 5 with wireless charging case | €169 | Up to 5 hours / 22 hours with case | Wireless, with pressure sensor |
Siri via head gestures and more control
Another new feature is head gesture control: If you nod when making a Siri request, you confirm it; if you shake your head, you decline—all without touching the earbuds. Combined with volume control via a swipe gesture on the case, this shifts a bit more control away from the stems, without Apple changing the Force Sensor controls on the stems themselves—a feature familiar from the AirPods Pro.
Sustainability as a Selling Point
Apple also cites a few sustainability figures for the AirPods 5: The charging case is made of 70 percent recycled plastic, the battery contains fully recycled cobalt, and when all materials are taken into account, Apple reports a recycling rate of 40 percent. Production is expected to run on 35 percent renewable energy, and the packaging is made entirely of fiber instead of plastic.
Analysis: Is this enough to beat the competition?
It’s hard to say whether 50 percent better noise cancellation is actually noticeable in everyday use without testing it yourself, especially since Apple doesn’t break down the figure in more detail. Our colleagues at Engadget in the U.S. are already calling this update “moderate”: major new features like Adaptive Audio and conversation detection were already available on the AirPods 4; now ANC has simply been added. For anyone who has opted for the more expensive AirPods Pro up until now due to the lack of noise cancellation, the more affordable version will now be much more appealing—especially for those who aren’t comfortable with the Pro models’ ear tips anyway.
For those who have to choose between the AirPods 5 and the AirPods Pro: If you want active noise cancellation and prefer open-ear earbuds over sealed ear tips, the AirPods 5 now offer both for the first time—and save you a significant amount of money compared to the Pro models.
Sources: Apple Newsroom
