Apple AirPods 5 are here with upgraded noise cancelation

AirPods are such ubiquitous buds that they don’t need much introduction, but Apple still sees plenty of room to improve the formula. The company has now announced the AirPods 5, upgrading the ANC and introducing a slightly different two-model lineup.

Apple unveiled the AirPods 5 during its September launch event and in a press release. There are still two versions to choose from, with the pricier model adding a wireless charging case and a few extra features. But this time around, both have ANC.

Apple says the new earbuds offer better Spatial Audio and stronger active noise cancelation — removing up to 50% external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC. Apple has also reworked the earbuds’ acoustics, introducing a new multi-port architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ. Adaptive Audio can automatically adjust the balance between ANC and Transparency modes based on your surroundings.

The pricier AirPods 5 have a couple of other advantages beyond wireless charging. They bring on-stem volume controls to Apple’s open-ear AirPods for the first time, letting you swipe up or down on the stem rather than reaching for your phone. Battery life is also a little better, at up to five hours with ANC enabled, compared to four hours on the cheaper model. With their respective cases, those figures rise to 22 hours and 20 hours. Apple also says the AirPods 5 have improved resistance to dust, sweat, and water.

AirPods 5 also support Live Translation when paired with a compatible Apple Intelligence device, letting you hear conversations in your preferred language through the earbuds. Siri Interactions are supported as well, so you can nod or shake your head to respond to Siri without speaking.

The AirPods 5 start at $129, with the second model priced at $149. You can pre-order now, and Apple will begin selling the new earbuds on September 18.