Apple unveiled two new AirPods 5 models during its “Surprise and Shine” keynote event on Wednesday. The latest iteration marks a significant departure from the AirPods 4, which launched two years prior. Most notably, both new models now include active noise cancellation as a standard feature, a shift that represents a major change from the previous generation’s varied specifications.
The pricing structure for the AirPods 5 offers notable value to consumers. The base model, priced at $129, includes active noise cancellation alongside updated adaptive EQ for enhanced spatial audio capabilities. The premium version, available for $149, adds a wireless charging case and volume control functionality on the earbud stem. Remarkably, these prices represent reductions compared to earlier models, bucking the trend of rising costs across Apple’s product lineup. Both variants boast 50% stronger noise cancellation performance than their predecessors and feature an improved transparency mode.
Additional enhancements to the AirPods 5 include extended battery performance, with the higher-end model delivering five hours of playback per charge when active noise cancellation is enabled. The premium model’s charging case supports multiple power sources including Apple Watch chargers and Qi-compatible devices. A new capability called live translation has also been incorporated into the latest earbuds. Preorders for both AirPods 5 variants are currently available, with official availability beginning September 18.
Originally reported by Mashable →
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