Apple AirPods 5: Best-in-Class ANC Comes to Apple’s Most Affordable AirPods
Apple has officially announced the AirPods 5, bringing Active Noise Cancellation, improved sound quality, Siri AI and Live Translation to its most affordable AirPods yet.
The new AirPods 5 are designed for people who want many of Apple's most useful AirPods features without stepping up to the more expensive AirPods Pro range. Apple says the new earbuds deliver its best audio experience yet in this open-ear AirPods design, while also improving durability and introducing new hands-free features.
Even more importantly for Australian buyers, AirPods 5 start at A$219, while a model with a Wireless Charging Case costs A$249.
Pre-orders are available now, with AirPods 5 arriving in stores from Friday, 18 September 2026.
Apple AirPods 5: At a glance
AirPods 5: A$219 inc. GST
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case: A$249 inc. GST
Open-ear design
Active Noise Cancellation
Up to 50% more external noise reduction than AirPods 4 with ANC
Adaptive Audio
Transparency mode
Conversation Awareness
New multiport acoustic architecture
Next-generation Adaptive EQ
Personalised Spatial Audio
Siri AI hands-free capabilities
Siri Interactions using head gestures
Live Translation
Improved dust, sweat and water resistance
Up to 5 hours of playback with ANC on for the Wireless Charging Case model
Up to 22 hours with ANC using the Wireless Charging Case
USB-C, Qi and Apple Watch charger support on the Wireless Charging Case model
Made with 40% recycled material overall
AirPods 5 finally bring ANC to Apple's affordable AirPods
One of the biggest announcements with AirPods 5 is the arrival of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) at this price point.
ANC is designed to reduce unwanted environmental noise, making it easier to listen to music, podcasts or other audio without constantly increasing the volume.
Apple says AirPods 5 can remove up to 50 per cent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to their new multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms.
For the average consumer, that could make a noticeable difference when travelling, working in a busy environment or simply trying to concentrate at home.
Transparency mode keeps you connected
ANC isn't always what you want. If you're walking around town, waiting at an airport or talking to someone, being able to hear what's happening around you is important.
AirPods 5 therefore include an improved Transparency mode, which Apple says provides a more natural representation of voices and nearby sounds.
There's also Adaptive Audio, which automatically blends ANC and Transparency mode depending on your surroundings.
And when you start talking, Conversation Awareness can automatically lower your media volume, making it easier to have a conversation without taking your AirPods out.
Improved sound quality
Apple has also redesigned the acoustic system inside AirPods 5.
The new earbuds feature an all-new multiport acoustic architecture combined with next-generation Adaptive EQ. Apple says this delivers richer and more detailed sound across a wider range of ear shapes and sizes.
For everyday listeners, that should mean a more enjoyable experience whether you're listening to music, watching videos, listening to podcasts or making phone calls.
Personalised Spatial Audio
AirPods 5 also support Personalised Spatial Audio, designed to create a more immersive listening experience.
Rather than simply hearing sound directly from the earbuds, Spatial Audio can make compatible content feel as though it surrounds you.
Apple says the experience is more immersive and dynamic with AirPods 5, helping you feel more surrounded by the content you're listening to.
Personalised Spatial Audio requires a compatible iPhone with a TrueDepth camera to create the personalised profile, which can then sync across compatible Apple devices.
Siri AI makes AirPods 5 more hands-free
Apple is putting a much bigger focus on hands-free interaction with AirPods 5.
When paired with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone, users can access Apple's newer Siri AI capabilities without reaching for their phone.
Apple says Siri AI is designed to understand personal context across things such as messages, emails and photos, while also providing app actions and access to broad world knowledge.
That means you could potentially ask Siri to perform more useful tasks based on information already on your devices.
For example, Apple highlights the ability to ask Siri to play a song a friend recommended in a message or navigate to a dinner reservation based on information contained in an email.
Siri AI also features more natural-sounding, expressive voices that users can customise.
Control Siri with your head
Apple is also making Siri interaction more discreet.
With Siri Interactions, AirPods 5 users can respond to Siri by simply nodding their head for yes or shaking their head for no.
That could be particularly useful when you're out walking, carrying something or simply don't want to speak aloud.
Live Translation comes to AirPods
Another major feature arriving with AirPods 5 is Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence.
The feature is designed to help people communicate across different languages. After setting up Live Translation in Apple's Translate app and downloading the required languages, users can access it by pressing both AirPods stems simultaneously, saying "Siri, start Live Translation", or using the Action button on a compatible iPhone.
The translated conversation can then be heard in the user's preferred language.
This could make AirPods 5 particularly interesting for travellers, international visitors and anyone who regularly communicates with people who speak another language.
Apple says Live Translation is available across the AirPods lineup when paired with compatible Apple devices and requires Apple Intelligence to be enabled. Availability varies by language and region.
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
Apple is offering two versions of AirPods 5.
The standard AirPods 5 cost A$219, while AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost A$249.
For an additional A$30, the Wireless Charging Case version adds several useful features.
Swipe to control volume
For the first time in Apple's open-ear AirPods design, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case feature a force sensor with volume swipe.
This allows you to quickly adjust the volume by swiping up or down on the stem.
For people who regularly adjust volume while listening, this is a welcome improvement because you don't necessarily need to reach for your iPhone.
Longer battery life
The Wireless Charging Case version also gets improved battery life.
Apple rates the AirPods 5 for up to five hours of playback with ANC enabled on a single charge, which is one hour longer than AirPods 4 with ANC.
With the Wireless Charging Case, total listening time increases to up to 22 hours with ANC.
The case can be charged using:
Apple Watch chargers
Qi-compatible wireless chargers
USB-C
For consumers already using wireless charging around the home, office or bedside table, that added flexibility could be particularly useful.
More durable for everyday life
Apple has also improved the durability of AirPods 5.
The company says the new earbuds feature improved dust, sweat and water resistance, making them better suited to everyday use.
That should make AirPods 5 a more practical option for activities such as commuting, walking, exercising or simply wearing them throughout the day.
As always, however, resistance ratings shouldn't be interpreted as making the earbuds completely waterproof.
AirPods 5 and the environment
Apple is also highlighting the environmental credentials of its new AirPods.
AirPods 5 are made with 40 per cent recycled material overall. The Wireless Charging Case includes 70 per cent recycled plastic, while the battery uses 100 per cent recycled cobalt.
Apple also says AirPods 5 are manufactured using 35 per cent renewable energy across the supply chain, including wind and solar power.
The packaging is also 100 per cent fibre-based and designed to be recyclable at home.
Apple AirPods 5 Australian pricing and availability
For Australian consumers, the pricing is particularly interesting.
AirPods 5
RRP: A$219 inc. GST
This is the entry-level model and gives consumers access to ANC, improved audio, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Spatial Audio, Siri AI features and Live Translation.
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
RRP: A$249 inc. GST
For an additional A$30, you get the Wireless Charging Case, longer battery life with ANC, wireless charging support and stem-based volume control.
Apple says pre-orders are available now, with retail availability beginning Friday, 18 September 2026.
What about Siri AI and Apple Intelligence compatibility?
There is an important catch for consumers considering AirPods 5.
While the earbuds themselves provide access to many features, some of the newer intelligent capabilities require compatible Apple hardware and software.
Apple Intelligence is available on supported devices running the latest operating systems, while Siri AI is rolling out as a beta feature with iOS 27. Siri AI initially supports English, with French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish support coming in October.
Apple also notes that some features may not be available in every region or language.
So if you're buying AirPods 5 specifically for Siri AI or Live Translation, it's worth checking that your existing Apple devices support the required features.
Are AirPods 5 worth considering?
For the average consumer, AirPods 5 could be one of the more interesting additions to Apple's AirPods range.
The biggest selling point is simple: Apple is bringing ANC to a much more affordable open-ear AirPods design.
At A$219, the standard AirPods 5 offer a combination of ANC, improved sound quality, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Spatial Audio and Apple's latest intelligent features.
For another A$30, the A$249 AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case add longer battery life, wireless charging and convenient stem-based volume control.
The open-ear design may also appeal to people who don't like the sealed feeling of in-ear earbuds.
The RANT Tech verdict
Apple AirPods 5 look like a significant upgrade for consumers who want the convenience of AirPods without paying AirPods Pro money.
The combination of open-ear ANC, improved sound, Spatial Audio, Siri AI and Live Translation gives AirPods 5 a surprisingly comprehensive feature set for their price.
The A$219 starting price is particularly compelling, while the A$249 Wireless Charging Case model arguably offers the better overall package for just A$30 more.
For existing AirPods 4 owners, the upgrade decision will depend largely on how much you value the improved ANC, sound quality and new intelligent features.
But for someone buying their first pair of AirPods, AirPods 5 could be one of Apple's most compelling entry points into the AirPods ecosystem yet.