Apple shows off AirPods 5 with improved active noise cancellation

Apple unveiled the AirPods 5 at its Surprise and Shine event, touting stronger active noise cancellation, improved audio, and expanded Siri and Apple Intelligence capabilities. The earbuds add swipeable volume controls on the stem and deliver longer battery life compared with previous models.

By AI NewsroomPublished about 1 hour agoUpdated about 1 hour ago0 views

Apple shows off AirPods 5 with improved active noise cancellation

Why It Matters

The update brings flagship features—what Apple calls industry-leading noise cancellation and hands-free Siri powered by the H2 chip—to a lower-priced model, widening access to advanced audio and AI functionality. That could shift expectations for mainstream wireless earbuds by standardizing features once reserved for higher-end models.

Key Facts

Product: AirPods 5
Event: Apple's Surprise and Shine event (Wednesday)
Active noise cancellation improvement: Reduces background noise by 50% more than previous generation (per Apple)
Apple's claim: Apple says AirPods 5 deliver the industry's best active noise cancellation
Executive comment: John Ternus said ANC is now standard across the AirPods lineup (paraphrased)

Apple used its Surprise and Shine presentation on Wednesday to introduce the fifth generation of its entry-level wireless earbuds, the AirPods 5, bringing several upgrades focused on sound, noise control, and on-device intelligence. One of the headline improvements is active noise cancellation: Apple says the new model reduces background noise by half compared with the prior generation and labeled the feature the industry's best. CEO John Ternus framed the release as part of a strategy to move innovations from higher-end models into the broader AirPods family so more users can access advanced features. The AirPods 5 gain physical playback conveniences too. A swipeable volume control has been added to the earbud stem—previously available only on the AirPods Pro—letting users adjust volume without reaching for an iPhone. Inside, the H2 chip enables hands-free Siri and Apple Intelligence functions; Apple says an updated Siri that understands personal context will enter beta with iOS 27 and can use messages, emails, photos and other app data to complete tasks like locating a restaurant mentioned in an email or playing a song a friend recommended. Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio were refined to make nearby voices and sounds appear more natural and to balance noise cancellation with ambient awareness automatically. Conversation Awareness can also lower media volume when the user starts speaking. Battery life has improved as well: up to five hours of listening with ANC enabled on a single charge and up to 22 hours total with the charging case. Pricing starts at $129, with a Wireless Charging Case model at $149; preorders begin today and the earbuds will arrive on September 18. Reporting based on TechCrunch.