Apple has brought active noise cancellation and Apple Intelligence to more customers with the launch of the AirPods 5.
Apple is standardising ANC across the entire AirPods family while redesigning the open-ear experience around computational audio, adaptive controls and AI-powered features.
The result will appeal to a wider range of consumers who want to enjoy the features of the AirPods Pro but don’t want the sealed in-ear design – or the higher price.
AirPods 5 are also priced at $219, the same price as last year’s AirPods 4 without ANC. AirPods 4 with ANC was $299 so Apple is offering a better product at a cheaper price.
AirPods 5 has a redesigned multi-port acoustic architecture, next-generation Adaptive EQ, improved Transparency mode, and adaptive switching between listening modes.
Apple says the new architecture delivers 50 per cent more noise reduction than the previous open-ear generation.
Apple is also using AirPods as another delivery mechanism for Apple Intelligence.
Hands-free Siri enables users to interact with Apple’s AI capabilities without reaching for their iPhone.
Live Translation is also possible through the AirPods 5.
Adaptive Audio is also onboard and it can automatically decide when to use ANC or Transparency mode.
AirPods 5 can dynamically respond to the surrounding environment.
AirPods 5 have been reengineered for greater resistance to rain, sweat, and dust.
Users can enjoy up to four hours of listening with ANC and up to 20 hours with the compact charging case.
Apple has also released a second AirPods 5 with on-stem swipe controls for volume, up to five hours of ANC listening and a wireless charging case compatible with Apple Watch and Qi charging. It is priced at $249.
The new AirPods 5 will go on sale on September 18.
