Apple introduces AirPods 5 with standard noise cancellation starting at $129

Hardware updates and pricing structure

Apple presented the fifth-generation AirPods on 9 September 2026 during its autumn product keynote. The base AirPods 5 model sells for $129 in the United States and 149 euros in European markets, keeping the introductory price of the standard fourth-generation model released in September 2024. The step-up version featuring a wireless charging case is priced at $149 (169 euros in Europe), representing a $30 price decrease compared to the $179 launch price of the AirPods 4 model with active noise cancellation. Following the keynote, third-party retailers such as Amazon discounted existing AirPods 4 inventory to $99 for the entry variant and $149 for the noise-cancelling version to clear stock.

Acoustic architecture and noise suppression

Both configurations of the AirPods 5 now incorporate active noise cancellation directly into Apple's open-ear design. Apple states that the updated open-fit system eliminates up to 50% more ambient noise, or approximately 1.5 times more suppression, compared to the active noise cancellation found on the AirPods 4. The sound processing is powered by a multiport acoustic architecture and updated computational audio algorithms. Sound features include next-generation Adaptive EQ calibrated to the shape of the user's ear, an enhanced Transparency mode, and Adaptive Audio that dynamically adjusts between pass-through and cancellation. A Conversation Awareness feature automatically lowers media playback volume when the user starts speaking.

Software integration and battery capacity

The AirPods 5 add Live Translation capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence. Users configure translation languages through Apple's Translate app and activate the tool by pressing both earbud stems at once, issuing a voice command to Siri, or using the Action button on connected iPhone models. Voice isolation algorithms filter background interference during phone calls. On the hardware side, the $149 wireless charging model includes touch-based volume swipe controls on its stems. Battery runtimes differ between the two options: the base $129 model delivers up to four hours of listening on a single charge and 20 hours when combined with its wired case, whereas the $149 model delivers up to five hours in the earbuds and 22 hours total with the wireless charging case.

Availability and broader hardware lineup

Preorders for both AirPods 5 models opened on 9 September 2026, with retail delivery and store availability starting on Friday, 18 September 2026. The earbuds appeared alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and Apple's first foldable device, the iPhone Duo. The folding phone incorporates a 5.9-inch outer screen, a 7.6-inch inner display, an A20 Pro chip, a C2 modem, and an IP68 water resistance rating. iPhone Duo storage options range from 256 gigabytes to 2 terabytes in star white and night sky colorways, starting at $1,999. Preorders for the iPhone Duo begin on 16 October 2026 ahead of its official retail release on 23 October 2026.