Active Noise Cancellation on a $129 pair of AirPods. That’s the headline, and honestly, it’s a good one. Apple announced AirPods 5 today, and the biggest deal here is that ANC, previously locked behind pricier models, is now the entry point. And not watered-down ANC either. Apple says these remove up to 50 percent more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a new multiport acoustic architecture and updated computational audio. That’s a real jump.
What’s actually new
The sound has been reworked too, with next-generation Adaptive EQ inspired by AirPods Pro 3. Apple says it works across a wider range of ear shapes, which makes Personalized Spatial Audio more effective. Transparency mode is also improved, letting in voices more naturally. So you get a better version of everything that made the last generation worth buying.
- ANC removes up to 50% more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC
- New multiport acoustic architecture for richer sound
- Live Translation via simultaneous stem press or Siri command
- Hands-free Siri AI with head gesture responses
- 40% recycled materials overall
Two models, one clear upgrade pick
The base model is $129. But for $149, you get the Wireless Charging Case model, which adds stem volume control and bumps ANC playback to five hours, one full hour more than before. That extra $20 is worth it for most people. Pre-orders open today, with in-store availability September 18.
Why this matters
ANC used to be a premium tax. At $129, that argument is gone. And with Live Translation and Siri AI baked in, these aren’t just earbuds. They’re becoming the hands-free interface for your iPhone. That’s a shift worth paying attention to.