Overview
- Apple launched the AirPods 5 in two models that went on sale on Sept. 18, with both versions now offering active noise cancellation.
- Apple says the new buds use a multiport acoustic architecture borrowed from the AirPods Pro 3 to boost sound and ANC performance.
- List prices fall versus the prior generation, with the base AirPods 5 starting at $129 and the Wireless Charging Case model at $149.
- Retailers moved quickly on release, listing modest launch discounts and pushing short-term AirPods Pro 3 price cuts that narrow the practical price gap.
- Early reviews praise the AirPods 5 as strong value for iPhone users, while independent lab tests of ANC, long-term battery life, and real-world fit are still pending.