Apple AirPods 5 launched - Features, price, availability; how it's different from AirPods 4 | ANC, Adaptive Tech, more

Apple on Wednesday announced the AirPods 5, featuring an open-ear design and a revamped acoustic architecture aimed at delivering an enhanced listening experience.

It was launched during the event titled “Surprise and shine” that began at 10:30 pm IST on September 9.

Dave Pakula, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering, said, "We’re thrilled that with AirPods 5, we’re able to bring Active Noise Cancellation — one of our most beloved features — to our most affordable AirPods."

He added, "Both AirPods 5 models deliver a world-class listening experience and enable features like Live Translation for even more people. Paired with Siri AI, AirPods are a game changer for unlocking powerful hands-free capabilities.”

Apple AirPods 5 launched: What are its key features?

The new earbuds also come with Adaptive EQ and personalised Spatial Audio for more immersive sound.

The upgraded Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is claimed to reduce surrounding noise by 50% more than the previous-generation model. AirPods 5 also offer ANC, Transparency Mode and Adaptive Audio, with these features automatically adjusting based on the surrounding environment.

The AirPods 5 come with live translation, hands-free access to Siri AI and improved resistance to rain, sweat and dust.

AirPods 5 with the Wireless Charging Case bring several upgrades to the AirPods experience. For the first time in the open-ear AirPods design, a force sensor with swipe-based volume controls lets users adjust the volume by swiping up or down on the stem.

Battery life has also been extended, with up to five hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled on a single charge — one hour more than the AirPods 4 with ANC. Apple attributes the improvement to a redesigned battery. With the charging case, listening time with ANC can reach up to 22 hours.

The wireless charging case is compatible with Apple Watch chargers, Qi-certified charging pads and USB-C.

Apple AirPods 5 Price

The standard model is priced at $129, while the $149 variant adds stem-based volume controls, up to five hours of ANC listening and a wireless charging case. Both versions are now available for pre-order, with sales set to begin on September 18.

Apple AirPods India Price

The standard AirPods 5 are priced at ₹14,900, while the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost ₹17,900. The latter includes a force sensor with swipe-based volume controls and offers longer battery life. Both models are available with monthly payments starting at ₹2,317 and ₹2,817, respectively, along with instant cashback and No Cost EMI options.

AirPods 5 launched: How it's different from AirPods 4

AirPods 5 focuses on recycled materials and renewable energy

The new AirPods 5 have been designed with environmental considerations in mind as Apple works towards its goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its entire footprint by 2030.

The earbuds are made using 40% recycled materials overall, including 70% recycled plastic in the wireless charging case and 100% recycled cobalt in the battery. Apple said 35% of the energy used across the AirPods 5 supply chain comes from renewable sources such as wind and solar power.

The AirPods 5 also meet Apple’s energy-efficiency and safe-chemistry standards. Their paper packaging is entirely fibre-based and can be recycled at home.