Apple unveils AirPods 5 with active noise cancellation and hands-free AI access

Apple has released the AirPods 5, their latest version of the popular open-ear earphones in two variants. One has stem touch volume control and a wireless charging case with an MSRP of $149, while the other does not for an MSRP of $129. Both will be available for preorder from Apple on September 18, 2026.

The AirPods 5 are designed to fit ears better. Inside, adaptive sound equalization along with audio ports and channel shapes that have been optimized provide a more immersive sound experience, with personalized spatial sound reproduction.

The earphones come with active noise cancellation that has also been improved, with the ability to reduce exterior noises up to 50% better than the AirPods 4 ANC reviewed by Notebookcheck (sold here on Amazon). For convenience, the AirPods 5 have the ability to automatically shift between ANC and transparency mode, enabling wearers to hear important announcements without needing to manually change modes or turn the volume down.

The AirPods 5 allows users to ask Apple Siri AI questions and receive answers hands-free on-the-go. During conversations, the AI can provide live audio translations, too. Siri AI will be released with iOS 27 starting September 14, 2026.

The earbuds have IP57 dust and water resistance and have been designed to be more durable than the prior generation. The battery remains small, with a rated 4-hour runtime with ANC for the entry model, and a 5-hour runtime with ANC for the stem control model.

The included charging case can be used to extend total runtime to around 20 hours of total runtime, depending on model and ANC usage. Only the case that comes with the $149 model can be wirelessly recharged; all cases support USB-C charging.

Misplaced earphones can be located using the Apple Find My app on linked iPhones, such as the Apple iPhone 18.