Apple modestly upgrades the AirPods 5 with better noise cancellation

2026-09-09 | original

read original get Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation → more articles

Why This Matters

Apple's fifth-generation AirPods are an incremental refresh centered on a new acoustic architecture that Apple says delivers 50 percent better noise reduction than the AirPods 4, while holding entry-level pricing at $129 (or $149 with a wireless charging case). For consumers, it means stronger ANC in an open-ear design without a price hike, and for the industry it signals Apple is defending the mainstream earbud tier rather than chasing new form factors this cycle.

Key Takeaways

AirPods 5 claim 50% better noise reduction than AirPods 4, via a new acoustic architecture Apple says delivers the best ANC in an open-ear wireless earbud.
Pricing holds at $129 without a wireless charging case and $149 with, available September 18.
No camera-equipped AirPods were announced despite an earlier accidental leak; Bloomberg expects those next year.

Worth a Look

Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — If the new AirPods 5 have you curious about Apple's open-ear ANC approach, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are the model it builds on and they're widely available right now. You get the same comfortable no-tip design, quick pairing across Apple devices, and a compact charging case for everyday listening.

See Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.

Even though the latest iPhone is the star of the Apple event, the company also upgraded its entry-level AirPods with a fifth generation model that features 50 percent improved noise reduction compared to its predecessor. Apple said it designed the latest AirPods with a new acoustic architecture that resulted in the best ANC in an open ear design for wireless earbuds.

Like the AirPods 4, Apple has split the AirPods 5 into two options. The AirPods 5 without a wireless charging case will start at $129, while the model that comes with will start at $149, with both models being available starting September 18.

As the AirPods 5 were the only wireless earbuds Apple announced today, we're still waiting for official news on the rumored AirPods with built-in cameras, which were spotted in an accidental leak earlier this year. Instead, we're expecting Apple's camera-equipped AirPods to launch sometime next year, at least according to Bloomberg.

Developing...

Explore topics: airpods 5 apple noise cancellation wireless earbuds airpods 4