Apple unveils AirPods 5 with improved open-ear ANC, Siri AI

• Courtesy of Apple

Apple has introduced the AirPods 5, bringing stronger Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), redesigned acoustics, Apple Intelligence-powered features and Live Translation to its latest open-ear wireless earbuds.

The company said AirPods 5 can remove up to 50 percent more external noise compared with AirPods 4 with ANC, which Apple attributes to a new multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms.

Despite retaining an open-ear design, the earbuds offer ANC alongside an improved Transparency mode designed to let voices and surrounding sounds pass through more naturally.

Adaptive Audio can automatically blend ANC and Transparency mode depending on the user’s surroundings, while Conversation Awareness lowers media volume when it detects that the wearer has started speaking.

Apple also reworked the audio system of the AirPods 5, introducing a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ. The company said the changes are designed to deliver richer and more detailed audio across a wider range of ear shapes.

Personalized Spatial Audio is also supported for a more immersive listening experience.

Beyond audio, Apple is expanding the role of AirPods as a hands-free interface for its artificial intelligence features.

When paired with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone, AirPods 5 can access Siri AI, which Apple said can understand personal context across messages, emails and photos while also drawing on broader world knowledge.

Users could, for example, ask Siri to play a song previously recommended by a friend in a message or retrieve information about a dinner reservation from an email.

Siri Interactions also allow users to respond to certain prompts by nodding their head for yes or shaking it for no.

AirPods 5 also support Live Translation, allowing users to hear conversations translated into their preferred language when paired with a compatible Apple device.

The feature can be activated through the Translate app, by pressing both AirPods stems simultaneously, asking Siri to start Live Translation, or using the Action button on an iPhone.

Apple said Live Translation uses Apple Intelligence, ANC and computational audio to help users communicate across supported languages.

For users opting for the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, Apple has added on-stem volume controls. Users can swipe up or down on the stem to adjust the volume, a first for Apple’s open-ear AirPods design.

The higher-tier model offers up to five hours of listening with ANC enabled on a single charge, an hour more than the AirPods 4 with ANC. With the charging case, Apple said total listening time with ANC can reach up to 22 hours.

Its wireless charging case works with Apple Watch chargers and Qi-compatible chargers, while also supporting USB-C.

Apple said the AirPods 5 also feature improved resistance to dust, sweat and water compared with previous models.

The standard AirPods 5 are priced at $129 in the United States, while the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149.

Pre-orders have opened in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions, with in-store availability scheduled to begin Sept. 18.