Apple has presented the next generation of its wireless earbuds, launching the AirPods 5 on September 9 with built-in active noise cancellation.
The flagship feature of the new model is the addition of active noise cancellation inside an open-ear design. According to Apple, the headphones block up to 50 percent more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC, while an updated transparency mode delivers clearer transmission of surrounding voices and ambient sounds.
Active noise cancellation uses outward microphones to sample environmental sound waves and generate opposing anti-noise frequencies to mute background noise. Implementing ANC in open-style earbuds, which sit outside the ear canal without silicone tips, presents unique engineering challenges compared to traditional sealed in-ear headphones. Transparency mode passes external audio into the ear so wearers can hear their surroundings clearly without removing the earbuds.
Acoustics and Audio Upgrades
Apple has also overhauled the internal acoustics of the wireless earbuds. The AirPods 5 feature a new multi-port architecture alongside a next-generation Adaptive EQ system, which Apple said is designed to enhance audio detail and richness. The model also includes support for personalized spatial audio.
Multi-port acoustic architecture uses specialized internal vents and air pressure channels within the headphone housing to optimize soundwave movement, preventing pressure buildup inside the ear while enriching bass resonance. Adaptive Equalization automatically adjusts sound frequencies in real time according to the acoustic shape of an individual ear canal, maintaining consistent tonal balance during playback.
Spatial audio provides surround-sound style directional audio processing, utilizing head tracking to anchor sound effects relative to a connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac screen.
In addition to physical acoustic improvements, the earbuds incorporate new artificial intelligence functions powered by Apple Intelligence. The AirPods 5 support Siri AI with hands-free controls, allowing users to respond to the virtual assistant by nodding or shaking their head. The headphones also work with Live Translation, enabling users to hear real-time spoken translation of conversations in other languages.
Smart Features and Battery Performance
Apple Intelligence represents the technology firm's proprietary suite of AI capabilities, designed to process language, automate tasks, and enhance system interaction across Apple devices. Siri, Apple's built-in voice assistant introduced in 2011, uses onboard machine learning algorithms to interpret user voice requests and handle hands-free commands.
The standard edition of the AirPods 5 carries a starting price of $129, while a premium version equipped with a Wireless Charging Case costs $149. The $149 model introduces swipe gestures on the earbud stem for volume adjustment, and offers an increased battery operating time of up to five hours with active noise cancellation turned on.
Wireless charging cases enable earbud battery compartments to replenish power when placed on Qi-certified inductive charging mats or magnetic charging docks without requiring cable plugins. Apple originally launched the first AirPods generation in 2016, establishing the global market for true wireless stereo earbuds.
The announcement also highlighted related updates across Apple's hardware lineup. The flagship iPhone 18 Pro charges up to 50 percent capacity in 15 minutes and features an updated camera system.
