apple display New AirPods 5has updated its line of open-back headphones with a new acoustic system, more effective active noise cancellation, and support for real-time translation through Apple Intelligence. The new generation will be available in two versions: the basic model costs 149 euros, while the AirPods 5 for 169 euros can be optioned with a wireless charging case, greater autonomy and volume control directly from the stem. Both products are available for pre-order now and will be available in stores starting September 18th.
New noise cancellation and acoustic architecture
The main change is active noise cancellation: AirPods 5 manage to eliminate it Noise increased by up to 50% Compared with AirPods 4 equipped with ANC, it benefits from a new multi-port acoustic architecture and an updated computational audio algorithm. Transparency mode has also been revamped to make speech and ambient noise more natural, while Adaptive Audio continues to dynamically switch between transparency and noise cancellation based on surrounding conditions.
Conversation detection automatically reduces the volume of the content when the person wearing the headphones starts talking. The same acoustic architecture developed with reference to AirPods Pro 3 works with a new generation of adaptive equalizer for more detailed performance across a wider range of ear shapes. Custom space messages are still available.
AirPods 5 can also be used with Instant translation with Apple Intelligence. After configuring the feature in the Translate app and downloading the necessary languages, you can start translation by pressing two stems simultaneously, asking Siri, or using the action button on your iPhone. From that point on, the headset reproduces the ongoing conversation in the selected language. Apple says active noise cancellation and computational audio are among the elements that enable this feature, which is also available on other compatible AirPods models. To use it, you need to update your Apple device and AirPods to the required software and firmware versions and enable Apple Intelligence; geographic availability and supported languages may vary.
A version with a wireless charging box is also launched Volume control on the stem. The pressure sensor lets you increase or decrease the volume by sliding your finger up or down, a feature Apple has introduced for the first time in its open-ear models. The battery has also changed: the earphones with active noise cancellation can last up to 5 hours of playback on a single charge, which is 1 hour more than the AirPods 4 with ANC, and up to 22 hours in total when using the charging case. The wireless charging case can be charged via Apple Watch charger, Qi certified charger or USB-C.
AirPods 5 also retains head gestures to respond to Siri and gets better protection against dust, sweat, and water. Apple has also done research on the materials used: the headphones contain 40% recycled materialsThe wireless charging box is made of 70% recycled plastic, and the battery is made of 100% recycled cobalt. According to the company, 35% of the energy used in the production chain comes from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy. Paper packaging, on the other hand, is made entirely of fiber.
AirPods 5 pricing and availability
AirPods 5 will be On sale on September 18th for 149 euroswhile AirPods 5 with a wireless charging box is priced at 169 euros. Both models are now available for pre-order in the United States and more than 65 countries and regions. To access all features, you must pair them with an Apple device updated to the latest version of the operating system. Apple Intelligence will be released with iOS 27 on September 14, supporting languages including Italian, and real-time translation requires updated firmware on AirPods and Apple Intelligence compatible devices. AppleCare+ and AppleCare One (in markets where it is available) are still available.