Apple's entry-level earbuds just got the feature that used to cost extra. The AirPods 5, announced at the September 9 event, include Active Noise Cancellation on both models. The $129 version comes with a USB-C charging case, while the $149 version adds a wireless charging case, swipe volume control on the stem and longer battery life with ANC on. Both go on sale September 18.
Better sound, better silence
Apple says the AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more outside noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a new multiport acoustic architecture and a next-generation Adaptive EQ. Transparency mode is described as more natural. The feature list borrows heavily from the Pro line:
- Adaptive Audio, which blends noise cancellation and Transparency automatically
- Conversation Awareness, which lowers volume when you start talking
- Live Translation when paired with an iPhone running Apple Intelligence
MacRumors notes the pricing shift is significant: last year the more expensive AirPods 4 model was the one that unlocked ANC. This year the higher tier only gates the wireless case and a few conveniences.
What about AirPods Pro with cameras?
For months, leaks pointed to a new AirPods Pro with infrared cameras arriving alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. That did not happen. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in late August that only the AirPods 5 would launch in September, with the camera-equipped Pro model pushed to 2027. More recent reporting cited by MacRumors suggests the timeline slid to late 2027 in part because of Apple Intelligence and Siri delays.
Software extras
iOS 27 adds a custom EQ for compatible AirPods, and the AirPods 5 support Siri AI voice interactions when the assistant's beta rolls out with the new operating systems on September 14.
Source: Apple Newsroom, MacRumors
Photo: Apple (source)
