Apple introduces AirPods 5 with ANC, Live Translation and Siri AI, starts at $129

Apple has introduced AirPods 5, its latest open-ear wireless earbuds, bringing improved audio, active noise cancellation, Live Translation and hands-free access to Apple Intelligence features.

AirPods 5 retain the company’s open-ear design, but have been redesigned internally to deliver an improved audio experience. They feature a new multi-port acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ, which Apple says delivers richer and more detailed sound across a range of ear shapes.

The earbuds also support personalised spatial audio, making music and other content sound more immersive and dynamic.

Active noise cancellation

One of the biggest upgrades is active noise cancellation. Apple says the new acoustic architecture, combined with advanced computational audio, delivers 50% more noise reduction than the previous generation.

This makes AirPods 5 Apple’s open-ear earbuds with its strongest active noise cancellation yet.

AirPods 5 also feature Transparency mode, allowing users to hear voices and sounds around them. Adaptive Audio can automatically adjust between ANC and Transparency mode depending on the surrounding noise.

Siri AI and Live Translation

AirPods 5 are also designed as an extension of Apple Intelligence on iPhone. With the new Siri AI, users can interact with Siri hands-free and use personal context to get answers or perform actions.

For example, users can ask Siri about recommendations mentioned in their messages and then ask for directions, without needing to pick up their iPhone.

AirPods 5 also support Live Translation, allowing conversations to be translated in real time in supported languages. The feature is designed to work with iPhone and AirPods, letting users follow translated conversations while remaining hands-free.

More durable design

Apple has also reengineered AirPods 5 for improved durability. The earbuds are designed to better withstand exposure to rain, sweat and dust, making them more suitable for everyday use and workouts.

Battery life and charging

The standard AirPods 5 offer up to four hours of listening time with ANC enabled. The charging case extends total listening time to up to 20 hours.

Apple is also offering a second AirPods 5 model with additional features. This version provides up to five hours of listening with ANC, thanks to a redesigned battery cell.

It also adds on-stem volume controls, allowing users to swipe up or down on the stem to adjust volume. The model comes with a wireless charging case that supports charging through Apple Watch and Qi-compatible chargers.

Price and availability

Apple has priced AirPods 5 with ANC at $129, the same price as the previous generation without active noise cancellation.

The AirPods 5 model with wireless charging, longer battery life and on-stem volume controls is priced at $149.

Both models are available to pre-order from September 9 and will be available from September 18.

Apple says AirPods 5 bring active noise cancellation across its entire AirPods lineup, while combining open-ear comfort with improved audio, personalised spatial audio, Live Translation and hands-free access to Siri AI.

Customers can pre-order AirPods 5 today for INR14900, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18. Customers can pre-order AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case today for INR17900 with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.