Apple has officially introduced the fifth generation of its wireless earbuds, the AirPods 5. The new model features enhanced active noise cancellation, which the company claims reduces background noise by 50% more effectively than the previous version. The device is powered by the H2 chip, enabling hands-free Siri integration and support for Apple Intelligence features.
The updated Siri, scheduled for beta release with iOS 27, will utilize personal context from emails, messages, and photos to provide more relevant responses. Hardware improvements include volume control on the stem, previously exclusive to the Pro line, and an upgraded Transparency mode. The earbuds also feature Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness for automatic sound management.
Battery performance is rated at up to five hours of listening time with active noise cancellation enabled on a single charge. The included charging case extends total usage to 22 hours. The base model is priced at $129, while the version with a wireless charging case costs $149.
Pre-orders for the AirPods 5 opened on September 9, 2026, with the official retail launch scheduled for September 18. CEO John Ternus noted that active noise cancellation is now a standard feature across the entire AirPods product lineup.
