News in Short

• Apple has launched AirPods 5, its latest open-ear earbuds.
• The new earbuds offer up to 50% more noise reduction than AirPods 4 with ANC.
• AirPods 5 get a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ.
• Siri AI brings hands-free access to personal context and information.
• Users can interact with Siri using head gestures.
• Live Translation is now available across the AirPods lineup.
• AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case add volume swipe controls on the stem.
• The Wireless Charging Case model offers up to 5 hours of ANC playback per charge.

Apple has introduced the AirPods 5, bringing several upgrades to its open-ear AirPods lineup.

The biggest change is clear from the start: Apple is bringing its strongest Active Noise Cancellation experience yet to this design. The company says AirPods 5 can block up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC.

But ANC is only one part of the upgrade. Apple has also redesigned the acoustic system, added new hands-free AI features, improved battery life on the Wireless Charging Case model and introduced volume controls directly on the stem.

Here are the biggest things that are new.

1. ANC gets a major upgrade

The headline feature of AirPods 5 is Active Noise Cancellation.

Apple says the new earbuds remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. The improvement comes from a new multiport acoustic architecture and updated computational audio algorithms.

This should make AirPods 5 more useful in noisy environments such as flights, offices and public transport.

Transparency mode has also been improved. Apple says voices and surrounding sounds should sound more natural when users want to stay aware of their environment.

Adaptive Audio can automatically balance ANC and Transparency mode based on the surroundings. Conversation Awareness can also lower media volume when the wearer starts speaking.

2. A completely new acoustic architecture

Apple has reworked the way AirPods 5 handle sound.

The earbuds feature a new multiport acoustic architecture combined with next-generation Adaptive EQ.

The goal is to deliver richer and more detailed audio across a wider range of ear shapes.

Personalized Spatial Audio also gets a boost, creating a more immersive listening experience.

For buyers moving from an older generation, this could be one of the more noticeable upgrades during everyday listening.

3. Siri AI becomes hands-free

AirPods 5 are also getting deeper integration with Siri AI.

When paired with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone, users can access Siri AI without reaching for their phone.

Siri can use personal context across messages, emails and photos. That means users can ask it to perform tasks based on information already available on their iPhone.

Apple also says Siri AI can work with apps, making the earbuds more useful as a hands-free assistant.

4. You can respond to Siri with your head

Apple is adding another hands-free feature with Siri Interactions.

Instead of speaking, users can discreetly respond by nodding their head for yes or shaking their head for no.

It is a small addition, but it could be useful when taking out the phone or speaking aloud isn’t convenient.

5. Live Translation comes to AirPods

One of the more interesting additions is Live Translation.

Powered by Apple Intelligence, the feature allows AirPods users to hear conversations translated into their preferred language.

Users can start Live Translation by pressing both AirPods stems, saying “Siri, start Live Translation,” or using the Action button on a compatible iPhone.

Apple says the feature is now available across the AirPods lineup.

For travellers and people communicating across languages, this could become one of the most useful additions to the AirPods experience.

6. AirPods 5 finally get volume swipe

There are two AirPods 5 versions.

The more expensive AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case introduces a new force sensor with volume swipe.

Users can swipe up or down on the stem to adjust volume directly from the earbuds.

Apple says this is a first for its open-ear AirPods design.

7. Battery life improves on the Wireless Charging Case model

The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case can deliver up to five hours of playback with ANC enabled on a single charge.

That’s one hour more than AirPods 4 with ANC, according to Apple.

With the charging case, total ANC listening time reaches up to 22 hours.

The case supports Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible wireless chargers and USB-C.

8. Better durability

Apple has also improved durability.

AirPods 5 feature improved resistance to dust, sweat and water compared with the previous models.

That makes them better suited to workouts and everyday outdoor use.

AirPods 5 price and availability

Apple has positioned AirPods 5 as its more affordable way to access features such as ANC, Siri AI and Live Translation.

The standard AirPods 5 cost $129, while AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149.

Pre-orders are available now, with store availability beginning September 18.

AirPods 5: Should you upgrade?

The biggest reason to consider AirPods 5 is the combination of open-ear comfort and stronger ANC.

Apple is also bringing features such as Siri AI and Live Translation deeper into the AirPods experience.

For users who already own AirPods 4 with ANC, the upgrade may depend on how much they value the improved noise cancellation, new acoustic architecture and AI features.

However, for buyers looking for an affordable entry point into Apple’s newer AirPods features, the $129 starting price makes the AirPods 5 particularly interesting.