In context: The AirPods line has quietly become one of Apple's most important accessory businesses. Every new AirPods 5 model now ships with ANC as standard, starting at $129, alongside deeper hooks in Apple's rebuilt Siri AI. It's a smaller announcement than the iPhone 18 Pro, but for the millions of people who buy the base AirPods every year, it may be the more consequential one.
At this week's Surprise and Shine event in Cupertino, Apple announced two new AirPods 5 models featuring an open-ear design and Active Noise Cancellation. The event also saw the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, as well as the iPhone Duo.
Both AirPods 5 models feature several upgrades over the AirPods 4, including a new multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational algorithms that Apple claims eliminate up to 50% more external noise than the ANC-equipped predecessors.
They also offer an improved transparency mode and Apple's next-generation Adaptive EQ that the company says delivers "richer, more detailed sound" than the older models.
AirPods 5 come with additional features for Apple Intelligence-supported iPhones, too. They support Siri AI, offering "personal context understanding" across messages, emails, photos, and other apps.
Siri can now also take natural language commands from users to play a song recommended by a friend in a message, navigate to a dinner reservation confirmed in an email, and complete other complex actions.
Another notable upgrade is better protection against water and dust, with both new models rated IP57, compared to the AirPods 4's IP54 rating.
AirPods 5 also support all existing AI-powered features already available in AirPods 4, such as the ability to text a friend using third-party apps like WhatsApp or play an e-book on Audible. Users can also use physical gestures to discreetly respond to Siri AI.
Another notable feature carried over from the older models is Conversation Awareness, which lowers the user's media volume when they start speaking, helping them more easily talk to someone nearby.
AI-powered Live Translation is also carried over, allowing users to translate supported languages in real time by simply pressing both stems simultaneously and saying "Siri, start live translation."
As for differences, they are few and far between. For starters, the base model is paired with a case that supports only wired charging, while the more premium model comes with a wireless charging case that incorporates a speaker that works with Find My.
In terms of battery life, the base AirPods 5 model offers four-hour of usage on its own and 20 hours with the charging case, while the more expensive model delivers a five-hour battery life on its own and 22 hours with the case.
Another differentiator is a volume control mechanism on the stem of the premium model, something that wasn't available with either version of the AirPods 4.
The base AirPods 5 model is priced at $129, while the more expensive model costs $149. Both are already up for pre-order in the US and 65 other countries, with in-store availability beginning Friday, September 18.