AirPods 5 Are Now Available

Apple’s new AirPods 5 are officially available in stores worldwide, bringing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), improved audio quality, Siri AI integration, and Live Translation to Apple’s open-ear AirPods lineup.

Apple began selling AirPods 5 on Friday, September 18, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Customers can purchase AirPods 5 through Apple Stores, Apple’s online store, and the Apple Store app.

AirPods 5 Bring Active Noise Cancellation to the Open-Ear Design

One of the biggest upgrades with AirPods 5 is Active Noise Cancellation.

Apple says AirPods 5 can remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a new multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational audio. The earbuds also feature an updated Transparency mode designed to make nearby voices and sounds feel more natural.

AirPods 5 also support Adaptive Audio, which automatically combines ANC and Transparency mode depending on the user's surroundings. Conversation Awareness can lower media volume when the wearer begins speaking.

Improved Sound Quality

Apple has redesigned the acoustic system inside AirPods 5 with a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ.

The company says the changes deliver richer and more detailed sound across a wider range of ear shapes. Personalized Spatial Audio is also supported, providing a more immersive listening experience for compatible content.

Siri AI and Hands-Free Features

AirPods 5 are also designed to work with Apple's latest AI features.

When paired with a compatible iPhone supporting Apple Intelligence, users can access Siri AI hands-free. Apple says Siri AI can understand personal context and perform actions across apps and information on the iPhone.

AirPods 5 also support Siri Interactions, allowing users to respond to Siri by nodding or shaking their head instead of speaking.

Live Translation Comes to AirPods 5

Another major feature is Live Translation.

With compatible Apple devices and Apple Intelligence enabled, AirPods 5 can help users communicate across languages. Apple says users can activate Live Translation through AirPods or their iPhone, allowing translated conversations to be heard through the earbuds. Availability varies by language and region.

Two AirPods 5 Models Available

Apple offers AirPods 5 in two configurations.

The standard AirPods 5 are priced at $129 in the U.S., while AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149. The Wireless Charging Case version adds longer battery life and introduces on-stem volume control, allowing users to swipe up or down on the stem to adjust volume.

In Australia, Apple lists the standard AirPods 5 at A$219, while AirPods 5 with the Wireless Charging Case are A$249, including GST.

AirPods 5 Are Now Available

With their September 18 launch, AirPods 5 are now part of Apple's latest hardware lineup. The earbuds combine the familiar open-ear design with ANC, improved audio, Siri AI features, and Live Translation.

For shoppers who prefer an open-ear AirPods design but want features previously associated with Apple's more advanced models, AirPods 5 introduce a significantly broader feature set while remaining below the price of AirPods Pro models.

AirPods 5 Key Features

• Open-ear design

• Active Noise Cancellation

• Up to 50 percent more noise reduction than AirPods 4 with ANC, according to Apple

• Adaptive Audio

• Improved Transparency mode

• Conversation Awareness

• New multiport acoustic architecture

• Next-generation Adaptive EQ

• Personalized Spatial Audio

• Siri AI integration

• Siri Interactions with head gestures

• Live Translation

• Improved dust, sweat, and water resistance

• Wireless Charging Case option with stem-based volume control

Apple says AirPods 5 are available now through Apple Store locations worldwide, Apple’s online store, and the Apple Store app.