Listeners no longer need to reach for a phone to change playback levels, because Apple has added a swipe gesture to the AirPods 5 stems that adjusts volume on the earbuds themselves. The company introduced the new model at its Surprise and Shine event, pitching it as a way to bring higher-end audio features and Apple Intelligence to a wider set of customers.
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Apple said the AirPods 5 cut background noise by 50% compared with the previous generation and called the result the industry’s best active noise cancellation. John Ternus, Apple’s CEO, framed the launch as a broadening of premium features, saying, "We're thrilled that with AirPods 5, active noise cancellation is now standard across our entire AirPods lineup. AirPods 5 are a great example of how we take the innovations from our most advanced products and bring them to the rest of the lineup, making them accessible to even more people."
The buds run on Apple’s H2 platform and inherit hands-free Siri and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities. Apple said the updated assistant will roll out in beta with iOS 27 and be able to draw on messages, emails, photos and other apps for more context when answering questions or completing tasks, such as finding a restaurant mentioned in an email or playing a track referenced in a message.
On the listening side, Transparency mode has been refined to present nearby voices and ambient sounds more naturally. Adaptive Audio will switch between noise suppression and full awareness based on surroundings, and Conversation Awareness can reduce media volume when the wearer begins speaking.
Battery life increases modestly: Apple lists up to five hours of listening with active noise cancellation enabled on a single charge, and the charging case raises total listening time to 22 hours while ANC remains active. Pricing starts at $129, with a Wireless Charging Case option at $149. Preorders open today and deliveries begin on September 18, putting buying decisions on a tight timetable for interested customers.
