Apple Launches AirPods 5 with Open-Ear ANC at $129
Original: AirPods 5
Why This Matters
AirPods 5 brings premium ANC and AI features to Apple's most affordable earbuds tier, expanding the addressable market.
Apple announced AirPods 5 on September 9, 2026, featuring industry-best open-ear Active Noise Cancellation that removes up to 50% more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. Priced at $129, pre-orders begin immediately with in-store availability starting September 18.
Apple unveiled AirPods 5 on September 9, 2026, offering what the company calls the industry's best Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design at a starting price of $129. The new model features an all-new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ, delivering up to 50% more noise reduction compared to AirPods 4 with ANC. An improved Transparency mode more naturally reproduces voices and ambient sounds, while Adaptive Audio dynamically blends ANC and Transparency mode based on the user's environment. Conversation Awareness automatically lowers media volume when the user begins speaking. AirPods 5 also support hands-free Siri AI with personal context, head gesture responses, and Live Translation for cross-language communication. A second configuration — AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case — adds longer battery life and on-stem volume control for $149. Both models offer improved dust, sweat, and water resistance compared to previous generations. Dave Pakula, Apple's VP of Hardware Engineering, stated: 'Both AirPods 5 models deliver a world-class listening experience and enable features like Live Translation for even more people.' Pre-orders opened September 9, with retail availability beginning September 18.