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Apple Launches AirPods 5 with Enhanced Noise Cancellation and AI Features

🔄 Updated 2d ago — new reporting from 9to5Mac
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Key points

  • AirPods 5 offer 50% more noise reduction than AirPods 4.
  • Both AirPods 5 models include Active Noise Cancellation.
  • Higher-end model features on-stem controls and longer battery life.
  • Integrates hands-free Siri AI and Live Translation.
  • Base model starts at $129, available September 18th.
  • AirPods 5 include Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio enhancements.
  • Higher-end model costs $149.
  • Higher-end model includes a wireless charging case.
  • Higher-end model offers 5 hours of ANC listening, 22 hours with case.
  • AirPods 5 feature improved Transparency Mode.
  • AirPods 5 are available for preorder.
  • AirPods 5 are cheaper than AirPods 4 with ANC.
  • AirPods 4 with ANC cost $179.
  • Higher-end model includes swipe gestures for volume control.
  • Higher-end model includes MagSafe charging.
  • Apple released a new software update for AirPods this month.
  • The new AirPods firmware build number is 9A350.
  • The update is available for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 5, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning and USB-C), and AirPods Max 2.
  • The update introduces a custom EQ feature.
  • The update allows users to adjust lows, mids, and highs of AirPods sound.
  • The update includes a redesigned interface within the Settings app.
  • AirPods Pro 3 have an in-ear design with ear tips.
  • AirPods 5 have an open-ear design.
  • AirPods Pro 3 include heart rate monitoring.
  • AirPods Pro 3 offer advanced hearing health features.
  • Apple released new beta firmware for AirPods.
  • The new beta firmware build number is 9B5042a.
  • The beta firmware is available for AirPods 4.
  • The beta firmware is available for AirPods Pro 2.
  • The public firmware version for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max 2 is 9A348.
  • The new beta firmware may include groundwork for iOS 27.1 or 27.2.
  • Users can opt into beta updates from the AirPods settings screen on iPhone.

Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation

Apple announced the AirPods 5, which feature a redesigned acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ. The new earbuds deliver 50% more noise reduction compared to the AirPods 4, with Apple stating they offer "best-in-class open‑ear active noise cancellation."

A significant update is the inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in both AirPods 5 models. Previously, ANC was only available in higher-end AirPods models, making it more accessible at the entry-level price point with this release.

New Features and Models

The AirPods 5 come in two versions. The base model is priced at $129. A higher-end model, costing $149, includes on-stem volume controls, a longer battery life of up to five hours of playback (one hour more than AirPods 4 with ANC), and a wireless charging case that supports Apple Watch and Qi chargers.

Both models also offer improved sound quality and Personalized Spatial Audio. The AirPods 5 integrate hands-free Siri AI capabilities, allowing users to interact with Siri using voice commands or head gestures, and include Live Translation features.

Availability and Pricing

The base model AirPods 5 are available for preorder starting today for $129. The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case is priced at $149, which is $30 less than the previous generation's equivalent model. Both models are scheduled to be available on September 18th.

Updates

🕒 2026-09-29 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Apple released new beta firmware for AirPods.
  • The new beta firmware build number is 9B5042a.
  • The beta firmware is available for AirPods 4.
  • The beta firmware is available for AirPods Pro 2.
  • The public firmware version for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max 2 is 9A348.
  • The new beta firmware may include groundwork for iOS 27.1 or 27.2.
  • Users can opt into beta updates from the AirPods settings screen on iPhone.
🕒 2026-09-28 · new reporting from Engadget, 9to5Mac
  • AirPods Pro 3 have an in-ear design with ear tips.
  • AirPods 5 have an open-ear design.
  • AirPods Pro 3 include heart rate monitoring.
  • AirPods Pro 3 offer advanced hearing health features.
🕒 2026-09-25 · new reporting from 9to5Mac
  • Apple released a new software update for AirPods this month.
  • The new AirPods firmware build number is 9A350.
  • The update is available for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 5, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning and USB-C), and AirPods Max 2.
  • The update introduces a custom EQ feature.
  • The update allows users to adjust lows, mids, and highs of AirPods sound.
  • The update includes a redesigned interface within the Settings app.
🕒 2026-09-10 · new reporting from Engadget
  • Higher-end model includes swipe gestures for volume control.
  • Higher-end model includes MagSafe charging.
🕒 2026-09-09 · new reporting from Engadget, Ars Technica, 9to5Mac
  • AirPods 5 include Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio enhancements.
  • Higher-end model costs $149.
  • Higher-end model includes a wireless charging case.
  • Higher-end model offers 5 hours of ANC listening, 22 hours with case.
  • AirPods 5 feature improved Transparency Mode.
  • AirPods 5 are available for preorder.
  • AirPods 5 are cheaper than AirPods 4 with ANC.
  • AirPods 4 with ANC cost $179.

✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →

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How outlets covered it

Apple has released new beta firmware, build number 9B5042a, for several AirPods models, including AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 5, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2. The update's specific changes are unknown, but it may include groundwork for future iOS features or bug fixes and performance improvements.

Apple's new AirPods 5 include Active Noise Cancellation, but the AirPods Pro 3 offer distinct advantages. These include an in-ear design, heart rate monitoring, and advanced hearing health features not present in the standard AirPods 5.

Apple released a new software update for AirPods, introducing a custom EQ feature and a redesigned interface within the Settings app. This update allows users to adjust audio profiles and reorganizes AirPods controls, addressing a long-requested feature for sound customization.

Apple released two AirPods 5 models, both featuring active noise cancellation (ANC) and Live Translation, along with increased water resistance to IP57. The more expensive model, priced $20 higher, includes additional features like wireless charging, audible Find My, swipeable volume controls, and extended battery life. The review suggests the higher-priced model offers significant upgrades for a small cost difference.

Apple released new AirPods 5 models, including a version with a Wireless Charging Case for $149 and a 'regular' version for $129. The article argues that the $20 price difference between the two models is too small given the additional features of the Wireless Charging Case version, such as swipe gestures for volume control, longer battery life, and MagSafe charging.

Apple released AirPods 5, its new entry-level AirPods, starting at $129. The new models include Active Noise Cancellation as a standard feature and offer improved sound quality and durability compared to AirPods 4.

Apple released the new AirPods 5, featuring enhanced active noise cancellation and transparency mode, starting at $129. This model offers improved audio features at a lower entry price point compared to its predecessor, the AirPods 4.

Apple released the AirPods 5, featuring improved active noise cancellation, expanded Siri and Apple Intelligence integration, and new volume controls. This update makes advanced audio and AI capabilities more accessible across Apple's earbud lineup.

Apple has launched the AirPods 5, featuring 50 percent improved noise reduction and a new acoustic architecture for active noise cancellation. The new model comes in two versions, starting at $129, and includes Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio enhancements.

Apple announced AirPods 5, featuring open-ear Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), improved sound quality, and hands-free Siri AI capabilities including Live Translation. This release makes ANC more accessible at a lower price point and integrates advanced AI features into Apple's entry-level AirPods.

Apple announced AirPods 5, featuring 50% more noise reduction than AirPods 4, redesigned internals, and Adaptive EQ. Both new models now include Active Noise Cancellation, making this feature available at the entry-level price point.

Apple introduced the AirPods 5, featuring a redesigned acoustic architecture and 50% better active noise cancellation than the previous model. A second model includes on-stem controls and longer battery life, supporting Apple Watch and Qi chargers.