Apple has officially launched the AirPods 5, its latest open-ear wireless earbuds. The new AirPods bring active noise cancellation, improved audio, Live Translation, Siri AI features and better water resistance.
The AirPods 5 keep the open-ear design that Apple has used on its standard AirPods. This makes them a good option for people who do not like the silicone ear tips of the AirPods Pro.
One of the biggest upgrades is ANC. Apple says the AirPods 5 can remove up to 50% more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC. This is possible because of improved computational audio algorithms.
The AirPods 5 also feature a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ. Apple says the new setup delivers richer and more detailed sound across a wider range of ear shapes.
The earbuds also get an improved Transparency mode that makes it easier to hear voices and sounds around you. There is also Adaptive Audio, which automatically combines ANC and Transparency mode depending on your surroundings.
Conversation Awareness is another useful feature. It automatically lowers the media volume when you start speaking, so you do not have to manually pause your music.
The AirPods 5 also support Personalized Spatial Audio and come with improved resistance to dust, sweat and water.
Apple is also bringing some of its newer AI features to the AirPods 5. On supported iPhones with Apple Intelligence, users can access Siri AI hands-free.
Siri can use information from messages, emails, photos and other content to answer questions or perform actions. For example, you can ask Siri to play a song recommended by a friend in a message or help you get directions to a restaurant mentioned in an email.
Siri also gets more expressive voices, improved Dictation and support for apps such as WhatsApp and Audible. Users can also interact with Siri using head gestures. You can nod to say yes or shake your head to say no.
Another major feature is Live Translation. It uses Apple Intelligence, the Translate app and computational audio to translate conversations between supported languages.
Users can start Live Translation by pressing both AirPods stems at the same time, saying “Siri, start Live Translation,” or using the Action button on a compatible iPhone.
Apple is also offering the AirPods 5 with a Wireless Charging Case. This model gets an additional force sensor with swipe-based volume control.
Users can swipe up or down on the AirPods stem to increase or decrease the volume. Apple says this is the first time it has offered volume swipe controls on its open-ear AirPods.
The wireless charging model also offers better battery life. It provides up to five hours of playback with ANC enabled on a single charge. That is one hour more than the AirPods 4 with ANC.
With the charging case, users can get up to 22 hours of listening time with ANC. The case can be charged using an Apple Watch charger, a Qi-compatible wireless charger or USB-C.
AirPods 5 pricing
The AirPods 5 start at $129 in the US. The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case are priced at $149.
In India, the AirPods 5 are priced at ₹14,900, while the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost ₹17,900.
Pre-orders are now open in India, the US and more than 65 other countries and regions. The new AirPods will be available from September 18.
Apple has also highlighted the sustainability improvements in the new AirPods. The AirPods 5 use 40% recycled material overall, while the Wireless Charging Case contains 70% recycled plastic. The battery uses 100% recycled cobalt.
Apple says 35% renewable energy is used across its supply chain, including energy from wind and solar sources. The packaging is also made entirely from fiber that can be recycled at home.
Some AirPods 5 features require a compatible Apple device running the latest software. Apple Intelligence features will be available with iOS 27 from September 14 on supported devices and languages.
Siri AI will initially be available as a beta in English, with French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish support coming in October. Live Translation also requires compatible Apple devices, the latest AirPods software and firmware, and Apple Intelligence to be enabled.
