Apple's new AirPods 5 get major upgrades without the usual price hike
Apple’s unveiling a new generation of its popular wireless earbuds, the AirPods 5, and there is a lot more going on than a simple refresh.
The AirPods 5 bring improved sound, Active Noise Cancellation and a collection of new intelligent features to Apple’s open-ear design.
They can even translate conversations and let users interact with Siri AI without reaching for their iPhone.
But the biggest surprise may be Apple’s pricing.
AirPods 5 are bringing major audio and AI upgrades
The biggest change in this beloved gadget is the addition of Active Noise Cancellation to Apple’s most affordable AirPods, with Apple claiming the new model can remove up to 50 percent more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC.
That is a pretty substantial improvement, especially since the AirPods 5 retain their open-ear design rather than using silicone ear tips.
Apple has also introduced a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ, which are designed to deliver richer and more detailed sound.
The earbuds get an improved Transparency mode, while Adaptive Audio can automatically blend ANC and Transparency mode depending on the user’s surroundings.
Conversation Awareness also lowers the volume when the wearer starts speaking, making it easier to have a conversation without taking the earbuds out.
And Apple is giving the AirPods some serious AI abilities.
When paired with a compatible iPhone, users can access Siri AI hands-free, with the option to respond using simple head gestures.
Live Translation is another major addition, allowing users to hear conversations translated into their preferred language through the AirPods.
The feature is powered by Apple Intelligence and requires compatible Apple hardware and software.
Apple didn’t increase the price
There are two versions of the AirPods 5, with the standard model priced at $129 in the US.
For $149, buyers can get the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, which adds longer battery life and a new volume control that works by swiping up or down on the stem.
The upgraded version offers up to five hours of listening with ANC enabled on a single charge, which is one hour longer than the AirPods 4 with ANC.
The case extends that to up to 22 hours with ANC and can be charged using an Apple Watch charger, a Qi-compatible charger or USB-C.
Both models also get improved resistance to dust, sweat and water, while Apple says the new earbuds are made with 40 percent recycled material overall.
Pre-orders are available now, with the AirPods 5 arriving in stores on September 18, and this is where things get particularly interesting.
The standard AirPods 5 cost the same $129 as the AirPods 4 did at launch, despite adding ANC and a host of other upgrades.
This means that Apple has essentially packed more features into the same price point, rather than using the new generation as an excuse to make its cheapest AirPods more expensive.
That makes the AirPods 5 one of the more interesting upgrades in Apple’s latest lineup – especially for anyone who wants ANC or live translation without moving up to the AirPods Pro range.