Apple is bringing Active Noise Cancellation to its most affordable wireless earbuds with the new AirPods 5. The new open-ear model promises up to 50% more noise reduction than AirPods 4 with ANC while adding improved sound quality, Siri AI and Live Translation. And these features are in the $129 version.
Today’s launch means you should take a hard look at your current AirPods. If they are three years old or more, it could be time for replacements.
AirPods are great… while they last
AirPods last roughly 2 to 4 years before the batteries become noticeably worn out. The earbuds themselves probably still work well, but the tiny batteries inside are what determines their useful lifespan. Batteries wear out from use — it’s inevitable.
After 2 or 3 years, battery life often starts becoming noticeably shorter. You may find yourself having to charge the AirPods more frequently. At the four-year point, many pairs become frustrating. An AirPod that once lasted 5–6 hours might only manage 2–3 hours, sometimes less.
And don’t overlook that the charging case battery can also wear out, and because the case repeatedly charges the earbuds, it gets a lot of charge cycles.
If you’re a daily user of AirPods 3 or older, you should take a serious look at the new features of the AirPods 5. They have a lot to offer.
Better audio in many ways
Screenshot: Apple
Apple says its new earbuds feature an all-new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ for richer, more detailed audio across a wider range of ear shapes.
And the iPhone maker’s newest earbuds also feature an improved Transparency mode designed to make voices and nearby sounds feel more natural.
AirPods 5: Active Noise Cancellation all around
But the headline feature of AirPods 5 is Active Noise Cancellation, which is in the $129 version as well as the $149 one. Apple says the accessory removes up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC.
Unlike the AirPods Pro line, these basic models use an open-ear design without soft silicone ear tips that seal off the ear canal. That means AirPods 5 do not physically block outside noise — an extra challenge for ANC.
We’ll have to wait for reviews to see how much real-world improvement there is. AirPods 4 do… OK.
Plus Siri AI and Live Translation
AirPods 5 tap into Apple’s expanding AI capabilities. The new AI-enabled version of Siri can pull personal context from messages, emails and photos, as well as perform actions in apps and answer questions using broad world knowledge. Pair AirPods 5 with a recent iPhone model and chat with Siri.
Unlike earlier versions, AirPods 5 also support Live Translation, allowing users to hear conversations translated into their preferred language.
Two new AirPods 5 options
AirPods 4 came in two versions, one with ANC and one without. AirPods 5 do it differently. ANC, Live Translation and many other features are included in the $129 version.
The $149 version adds a wireless charging case, as well as a force sensor to the earbuds with volume swipe, allowing users to adjust volume by swiping up or down on the stem. It also delivers up to five hours of playback with ANC enabled, or up to 22 hours with the charging case.
Both versions are available to preorder now, with in-store availability beginning September 18. AirPods 5 are being offered in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions.
Screengrab: Apple.
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 26 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh SE/30 (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer.
That’s because he’s a “tablet first” type of guy. Rather than use a Macbook, he connects a keyboard case to the iPad. And instead of a desktop Mac, he connects his tablet to a 27-inch display and full-size keyboard. (So don’t try to tell him that everyone has to use a Mac to be productive.)
Before coming to Cult of Mac, Ed wrote for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
