Apple has launched the AirPods 5, bringing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to its open-ear AirPods design along with improved sound quality, hands-free Siri AI and Live Translation. The new wireless earbuds are positioned as Apple’s most affordable AirPods with ANC and come with several upgrades over the previous generation.
The AirPods 5 feature a redesigned acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ, while Apple claims the new open-ear ANC can remove up to 50 per cent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC.
AirPods 5 price in India
The AirPods 5 are priced at ₹14,900 in India, while the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost ₹17,900. Pre-orders have started, with the earbuds set to become available from September 18.
For comparison, Apple has priced the standard AirPods 5 at $129 in the US, while the Wireless Charging Case variant costs $149.
AirPods 5 get Active Noise Cancellation
The biggest upgrade on AirPods 5 is Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design.
Apple says the new earbuds can block up to 50 per cent more external noise compared with AirPods 4 with ANC. The company has combined the new acoustic architecture with computational audio algorithms to improve noise cancellation while retaining the benefits of an open-ear design.
The earbuds also feature an improved Transparency mode, which is designed to make surrounding voices and sounds feel more natural.
Adaptive Audio automatically combines ANC and Transparency mode based on the user’s surroundings. Meanwhile, Conversation Awareness detects when the wearer starts speaking and automatically lowers media volume before restoring it once the conversation ends.
Improved sound quality
AirPods 5 feature a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ.
Apple says the redesigned system delivers richer and more detailed audio across a wider range of ear shapes. The earbuds also support Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, offering a more immersive listening experience.
Siri AI comes to AirPods 5
AirPods 5 also bring hands-free access to Apple’s new Siri AI when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone.
Siri AI can use personal context from messages, emails and photos, answer questions and perform actions across supported apps. Users can also interact with Siri using head gestures, including nodding for yes or shaking their head for no.
Apple says Siri AI will roll out in beta with iOS 27 from September 14, although availability of individual features may vary depending on language and region.
Live Translation feature
Another major addition is Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence.
The feature allows users to hear translated conversations in their preferred language through compatible AirPods. Users can activate Live Translation by pressing both AirPods stems, using the command “Siri, start Live Translation” or through the Action button on a compatible iPhone.
Apple notes that Live Translation is subject to device, language and regional availability.
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
Apple is also offering AirPods 5 with a Wireless Charging Case for users who want additional features.
The model introduces volume swipe controls on the stem, allowing users to increase or decrease the volume by swiping up or down. Apple says this is a first for its open-ear AirPods design.
Battery life has also been improved. AirPods 5 with the Wireless Charging Case provide up to five hours of listening with ANC enabled on a single charge, while the charging case extends total listening time to up to 22 hours with ANC.
The charging case can be charged using USB-C, Apple Watch chargers and Qi-compatible wireless chargers.
Improved durability
AirPods 5 also come with improved resistance to dust, sweat and water. Apple says the earbuds are made using 40 per cent recycled material overall, including recycled plastic in the Wireless Charging Case and recycled cobalt in the battery.
AirPods 5 price and availability in India
- AirPods 5: ₹14,900
- AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case: ₹17,900
- Pre-orders: Started
- Availability: September 18
- ANC: Yes
- Siri AI: Yes, with compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled devices
- Live Translation: Yes, subject to language and regional availability
- Charging: USB-C; Wireless Charging Case also supports Apple Watch and Qi-compatible chargers
With ANC, improved audio, Siri AI, Live Translation and longer battery life, AirPods 5 mark a significant upgrade to Apple’s open-ear AirPods lineup, while making features such as Active Noise Cancellation available at a lower price point than Apple’s Pro models.