Overview
- Apple announced the AirPods 5 in two versions priced at $129 and $149, with the higher tier adding a wireless charging case, on‑stem volume swipe and longer rated battery life.
- Both models include Active Noise Cancellation, Personalized Spatial Audio, Live Translation, an H2 chip, and a redesigned multiport acoustic architecture that Apple says cuts external noise by about 50% versus the prior AirPods 4 with ANC.
- Preorders are open and the new buds ship on September 18, with major retailers listing the models for preorder and Apple and partners set to fulfill first orders.
- Best Buy and other retailers are running enhanced trade‑in programs that can lower out‑of‑pocket costs — Best Buy’s offers can drop the effective price to roughly $64 for some customers — and early discounts on legacy AirPods add more price variety.
- Apple does not include a USB‑C cable or power adapter in the box for either model and reviewers say independent lab and real‑world tests are still needed to verify Apple’s ANC, sound and battery claims before buyers decide whether to upgrade.