Apple Introduces AirPods 5
Recorded: Sept. 9, 2026, 6 p.m.
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Apple introduces AirPods 5 with best-in-class open-ear Active Noise Cancellation - Apple AppleStoreMaciPadiPhoneWatch 0+ Newsroom Open Newsroom navigation Close Newsroom navigation Apple Services Apple Stories Search Newsroom opens in new window PRESS RELEASE
AirPods 5 deliver the industry’s best Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design, an all-new multiport acoustic architecture, and next-generation Adaptive EQ for even more immersive sound. CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced AirPods 5, delivering the industry’s best Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in an open-ear design and even better sound quality, at an outstanding value.1 AirPods 5 feature an all-new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ for even more immersive sound. Their breakthrough open-ear ANC removes up to 50 percent more external noise compared to AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, alongside a more natural Transparency mode. Combined with Siri AI and iPhone, AirPods enable users to draw on their personal context and get answers with broad world knowledge, entirely hands-free.2 Users can also respond to Siri using head gestures, or use Live Translation to help connect across languages. AirPods 5 offer the most affordable way to experience some of the most powerful AirPods features — along with greater durability with improved dust, sweat, and water resistance — at $129. For users who want even more, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case add longer battery life and on-stem volume control for $149.3 Customers can pre-order starting today, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18. “We’re thrilled that with AirPods 5, we’re able to bring Active Noise Cancellation — one of our most beloved features — to our most affordable AirPods,” said Dave Pakula, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering. “Both AirPods 5 models deliver a world-class listening experience and enable features like Live Translation for even more people. Paired with Siri AI, AirPods are a game changer for unlocking powerful hands-free capabilities.” AirPods 5 offer the most affordable way to experience some of the most powerful AirPods features, along with greater durability compared to previous models. Best-in-Class Active Noise Cancellation Customers love to use ANC to quiet the world around them so they can rest on a noisy flight, get lost in their favorite music, or stay focused on work. AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more noise compared to AirPods 4 with ANC thanks to a new multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms. Along with the benefits of ANC, AirPods 5 feature an improved Transparency mode that more naturally represents voices and nearby sounds, helping users stay connected to their surroundings. Providing the best of both worlds, Adaptive Audio dynamically blends Transparency mode and ANC based on the conditions of a user’s environment. And Conversation Awareness lowers the user’s media volume when they start speaking, helping them more easily talk to someone nearby. Breakthrough Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 50 percent more noise compared to the previous generation, while Transparency mode lets in voices and sounds around the user. Re-Engineered Sound Quality Inspired by AirPods Pro 3 and re-engineered for AirPods 5, a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ deliver richer, more detailed sound across an even wider range of ear geometries. This makes Personalized Spatial Audio more immersive and dynamic, so the user feels like they’re surrounded by whatever they are listening to.4 A new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ deliver richer, more detailed sound across an even wider range of ear geometries. Intelligent Features, Hands-Free For users with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone, AirPods 5 allow users to tap into helpful intelligent features hands-free and on the go. Siri AI, which is rolling out in beta in iOS 27, is a profoundly more capable and conversational assistant, offering personal context understanding across messages, emails, photos, and more, as well as app actions and broad world knowledge. For example, users can ask Siri to play the song a friend recommended in a message or navigate to a dinner reservation based on the confirmation buried in an email. Siri AI sounds more natural than ever, with expressive voices that a user can customize so it’s just right for them.5 And Dictation now captures what users say with greater precision. In addition to these new capabilities, Siri already works seamlessly with apps from Apple’s vast ecosystem of developers, so users can continue to take action in the apps they already use, like texting a friend in WhatsApp or playing a book on Audible. With Siri Interactions on AirPods, users can discreetly respond to Siri AI by simply nodding their head yes or shaking their head no. Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, breaks down barriers by letting users communicate across languages. After setting up Live Translation in the Translate app and downloading their desired languages, AirPods users can access the feature by simultaneously pressing both stems, by saying “Siri, start Live Translation,” or by using the Action button on iPhone — allowing them to hear a conversation in their preferred language. Enabled by ANC and computational audio, this capability is now available across the entire AirPods lineup. Powered by Apple Intelligence, Live Translation on AirPods 5 breaks down barriers by letting users communicate across languages. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case For users who want even more, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case deliver great improvements to the AirPods experience. Force sensor with volume swipe arrives on AirPods 5, a first for the open-ear form factor, adding the ability to quickly adjust volume by swiping up or down on the stem. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case feature a force sensor with volume swipe to quickly adjust volume on the stem. Battery life is also improved, with up to five hours of playback with ANC on a single charge — one hour longer than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a redesigned battery. This extends up to 22 hours with the charging case when listening with ANC. The wireless charging case supports Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers, and USB-C. Battery life is improved with AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, delivering up to five hours of playback with ANC on a single charge. AirPods 5 and the Environment The new AirPods 5 were built with the environment in mind and drive progress toward Apple’s ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030. They are made with 40 percent recycled material overall,6 including 70 percent recycled plastic in the wireless charging case and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. AirPods 5 are manufactured with 35 percent renewable energy, like wind and solar, across the supply chain, and meet Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. Like all Apple products, their paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based7 and can be easily recycled at home. Pricing and Availability Customers in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions can pre-order AirPods 5 today for $129 (U.S.), with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18. Customers in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions can pre-order AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case today for $149 (U.S.), with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18. For full feature functionality, use AirPods 5 paired with an Apple device running the latest operating system software. Apple Intelligence will be available with iOS 27 on Monday, September 14, for users with an Apple Intelligence-enabled device set to a supported language. Apple Intelligence is available with support for these languages: English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Japanese, and Korean. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For feature and language availability and system requirements, see apple.com/apple-intelligence. Siri AI is rolling out with iOS 27 as a beta on Monday, September 14, for users with a supported device set to English, with support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish coming in October. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Live Translation is available on compatible Apple devices with the latest operating system software when paired with compatible AirPods with the latest firmware when Apple Intelligence is turned on. This feature is not available in all languages or regions. AppleCare delivers exceptional service and support, with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new AirPods 5 or, in available markets, AppleCare One to protect multiple products in one simple plan. Both plans include coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and priority support from Apple Experts. In the U.S., customers can also choose AppleCare One Family, which extends that same coverage to every eligible device across an Apple Family Sharing group for one fixed monthly price. For more information, visit apple.com/applecare. Share article Media Text of this article September 9, 2026 Customers in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions can pre-order AirPods 5 today for $129 (U.S.), with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18. Customers in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions can pre-order AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case today for $149 (U.S.), with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18. For full feature functionality, use AirPods 5 paired with an Apple device running the latest operating system software. Apple Intelligence will be available with iOS 27 on Monday, September 14, for users with an Apple Intelligence-enabled device set to a supported language. Apple Intelligence is available with support for these languages: English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Japanese, and Korean. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For feature and language availability and system requirements, see apple.com/apple-intelligence. Siri AI is rolling out with iOS 27 as a beta on Monday, September 14, for users with a supported device set to English, with support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish coming in October. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Live Translation is available on compatible Apple devices with the latest operating system software when paired with compatible AirPods with the latest firmware when Apple Intelligence is turned on. This feature is not available in all languages or regions. AppleCare delivers exceptional service and support, with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new AirPods 5 or, in available markets, AppleCare One to protect multiple products in one simple plan. Both plans include coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and priority support from Apple Experts. In the U.S., customers can also choose AppleCare One Family, which extends that same coverage to every eligible device across an Apple Family Sharing group for one fixed monthly price. For more information, visit apple.com/applecare. About Apple Press Contacts Copy text Media in this article Download all media About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it. Testing conducted by Apple in July 2026 using AirPods 5 paired with iPhone 17 with prerelease AirPods firmware and iOS 27. Noise reduction was tested in accordance with IEC 60268-24. Comparison made against the bestselling wireless open-ear headphones commercially available at the time of testing. Performance depends on device settings, environment, and many other factors. Press Contacts Andrea Schubert Apple a_schubert@apple.com Giovanni Bossio gbossio@apple.com Apple Media Helpline media.help@apple.com More from Apple Newsroom PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE Apple Newsroom Stay up to date with the latest articles from Apple Newsroom. Dismiss Get Notifications Apple Footer Newsroom Apple introduces AirPods 5 with best-in-class open-ear Active Noise Cancellation Shop and Learn Shop and Learn Store Apple Wallet Apple Wallet Wallet Account Account Manage Your Apple Account Entertainment Entertainment Apple One Apple Store Apple Store Find a Store For Business For Business Apple and Business For Education For Education Apple and Education For Healthcare For Healthcare Apple and Healthcare For Government For Government Apple and Government Apple Values Apple Values Accessibility About Apple About Apple Newsroom More ways to shop: Find an Apple Store or other retailer near you. Or call 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753). 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Apple announced the introduction of the AirPods 5, positioning them as offering the industry's best Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in an open-ear design, coupled with enhanced sound quality and integration of advanced intelligent features, all presented at an accessible price point. These new AirPods feature a novel multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ, designed to provide a more immersive and dynamic audio experience across a wider range of ear geometries by refining Personalized Spatial Audio. The core acoustic advancements focus on superior noise mitigation and sound fidelity. The AirPods 5 achieve up to 50 percent greater noise removal compared to the previous generation with ANC, attributed to the new acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms. Furthermore, the improved ANC is complemented by an enhanced Transparency mode that more naturally preserves ambient sound, and Adaptive Audio dynamically blends ANC and Transparency based on environmental conditions. This system is further refined by Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers media volume when a user begins speaking, facilitating easier communication with nearby individuals. Beyond noise control, the AirPods 5 integrate sophisticated intelligent features. These include a highly capable Siri AI integrated with the iPhone and the ability for hands-free interaction, enabling users to draw upon personal context for answers across broad world knowledge. This intelligence is enhanced by improved Dictation capabilities and the seamless functionality with Apple’s extended ecosystem, allowing users to perform actions within applications while wearing the AirPods. A significant feature is Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, which enables cross-language communication by allowing users to hear conversations in their preferred language. This capability, enabled by ANC and computational audio, is accessible through gestures or voice commands, further breaking down linguistic barriers. For enhanced physical interaction, the new model includes a force sensor that enables volume adjustment through swiping on the stems, a novel feature for the open-ear form factor. The option of purchasing the AirPods 5 with a Wireless Charging Case provides additional utility, offering up to twenty-two hours of playback with ANC enabled and support for various charging standards. Battery life is also improved, offering up to five hours of playback with ANC on a single charge, an extension over the previous generation. The design and manufacturing process of the AirPods 5 reflect Apple's environmental commitment. The devices incorporate forty percent recycled material overall, including seventy percent recycled plastic in the charging case and one hundred percent recycled cobalt in the battery. Manufacturing incorporates thirty-five percent renewable energy, and the paper packaging is entirely fiber-based and recyclable. The integration of the AirPods 5 is closely tied to the broader Apple Intelligence ecosystem. Features like Siri AI are rolling out in beta with iOS 27, offering more contextual understanding and expressive voices. Live Translation is available when paired with compatible devices and firmware under Apple Intelligence, although feature availability and language support vary across regions. Apple emphasizes that these innovations deliver a world-class listening experience and unlock powerful hands-free capabilities, as noted by Dave Pakula, vice president of Hardware Engineering. The device availability begins with pre-orders starting today, with in-store availability commencing on September 18. |