GoKawiilApple launches AirPods 5 at $129 with stronger noise cancellation
Apple unveiled the AirPods 5, priced at $129 and available in stores from September 18, with preorders already open. A version bundled with a wireless charging case, offering extended battery life and on-stem volume controls, costs $149. Apple says the earbuds cut up to 50 percent more background noise than the AirPods 4, thanks to a new multiport acoustic design and upgraded computational audio.
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By folding active noise cancellation into the base $129 price, Apple undercuts the previous generation's $179 ANC tier, making premium audio features more accessible to mainstream buyers. The adaptive audio system, which automatically toggles between noise cancellation and transparency mode, signals Apple's push toward smarter, context-aware wearables ahead of its broader hardware event.
- AirPods 5 start at $129, with a $149 option adding wireless charging and volume controls.
- Noise cancellation is up to 50% stronger than AirPods 4 due to new acoustic architecture.
- Adaptive audio automatically switches between noise cancellation and transparency modes.
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — If you don't want to wait, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation deliver the open-ear fit, adaptive audio and seamless Apple device switching the article describes. They're a great pick for anyone wanting noise cancellation without silicone tips.
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.Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-09-09
Published there as: “Apple debuts $129 AirPods 5 with better noise cancellation and transparency mode”
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