Image:
Apple Newsroom
AirPods 5 were the quiet announcement at yesterday's event, and I think they'll end up being the one most of my customers actually buy. The short version: Active Noise Cancellation now comes on every model, and the starting price has gone down.
Two models
AirPods 5: £119. Active Noise Cancellation included.
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case: £139. Same earbuds, plus a case that charges on a MagSafe or Qi pad, and a new volume control you swipe on the stem.
With AirPods 4, noise cancellation was only on the more expensive model, which was £179. Now it's on the £119 one. That's the headline.
Both are available to pre-order now and in stores on Friday 18 September.
What's new
Better noise cancellation. Apple says AirPods 5 remove up to 50 per cent more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC. Remember these are the open design, the ones without silicone tips, so they'll never seal out the world like AirPods Pro. But for a train, a café or an open-plan office, it's a meaningful improvement.
Adaptive Audio, Transparency and Conversation Awareness. The earbuds switch between blocking noise and letting it through based on what's around you, and drop the volume when you start talking to someone. These were AirPods Pro features not long ago.
Volume on the stem. On the £139 model you swipe up or down the stem to change volume. Apple says it's the first time this has been done on an open-ear design. Small thing, and one you'll use every day.
Battery. Apple quotes up to 5 hours of listening with noise cancellation on, and up to 22 hours with the case, on the wireless charging model. That's an hour more per charge than AirPods 4 with ANC.
Siri and translation. Nod or shake your head to answer Siri without speaking. Live Translation is built in if you have an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence. And iOS 27 adds a Custom EQ so you can adjust the bass and treble yourself.
Apple also says water, sweat and dust resistance has improved, without giving a new rating.
Which one to buy
The £139 model. The wireless case and the volume swipe are worth £20 over the life of a pair of earbuds, and you'll be annoyed every time you reach for a volume control that isn't there.
AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3?
AirPods Pro 3 are £219 and use silicone tips that seal in your ear. If you fly a lot, work somewhere loud, or find the open design falls out, the Pro is the right call. If you find tips uncomfortable, or you like being able to hear a bit of the room, AirPods 5 are the better buy, and now you're not giving up noise cancellation to get them.
Should you upgrade?
From AirPods 2 or 3: yes. Noise cancellation, Adaptive Audio, better battery and a better case. This is a different product.
From AirPods 4 with ANC: no. Better noise cancellation and a volume swipe aren't enough on their own.
From AirPods 4 without ANC: maybe. If you've ever wished yours blocked more noise, this is the cheapest way to get it.
Unsure which AirPods suit you, or struggling to get your current pair to connect properly? Book a session and I'll sort it.
