Apple AirPods 5 launched: Here are all the upgrades and features it gets over AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3
Apple has launched AirPods 5, bringing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to its open-ear AirPods design at a lower price than the previous AirPods 4 with ANC. The new earbuds feature an updated acoustic architecture, improved Adaptive EQ, better dust, sweat and water resistance, and hands-free access to Siri AI and Live Translation.
Apple is also offering a higher-end AirPods 5 variant with a Wireless Charging Case , which adds longer battery life and on-stem volume controls. With the AirPods 5 now joining the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 in Apple’s lineup, here’s the price of the variants as well as a look at what has changed and what each model offers.
AirPods 5 price and availability in India
AirPods 5 are priced at Rs 14,900 in India, while the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost Rs 17,900.
Both models are now available to pre-order, with sales beginning September 18.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: ANC gets an upgrade
The biggest change with AirPods 5 is the addition of Active Noise Cancellation to the open-ear design. Apple says the new model removes up to 50 per cent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a new multi-port acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms.
AirPods 5 also get an updated Transparency mode that is designed to make voices and nearby sounds feel more natural. Adaptive Audio automatically balances ANC and Transparency mode based on the surrounding environment, while Conversation Awareness lowers media volume when the user starts speaking.
AirPods 5 get improved sound quality
Apple has redesigned the acoustic system for AirPods 5 with a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ. The company says the system delivers richer, more detailed sound across different ear shapes.
The earbuds also support Personalized Spatial Audio, which uses a personalised profile to make supported content feel more immersive.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: ANC remains the key difference
While AirPods 5 bring ANC to Apple's open-ear design, AirPods Pro 3 continue to offer stronger noise cancellation. AirPods 5 do not use interchangeable ear tips and instead sit outside the ear canal, similar to the AirPods 4.
This design may suit users who prefer not to use the in-ear fit of AirPods Pro models. However, the AirPods Pro 3 remains the option for users who prioritise stronger noise cancellation and a more secure in-ear fit.
AirPods 5 add Siri AI and Live Translation
AirPods 5 can provide hands-free access to Siri AI when paired with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone. Siri AI can use personal context from messages, emails and photos, as well as answer questions and perform actions in supported apps.
Users can also respond to Siri using head gestures, such as nodding or shaking their head. Dictation has also been updated to capture spoken words more precisely.
Another addition is Live Translation, which allows users to hear conversations translated into their preferred language. The feature requires compatible Apple devices, supported AirPods and Apple Intelligence.
AirPods 5 get new durability improvements
Apple has improved the dust, sweat and water resistance of AirPods 5 compared with the previous generation. The earbuds are designed for everyday use and come in the same open-ear form factor as AirPods 4.
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case gets extra features
Apple is offering two versions of the new earbuds. The standard AirPods 5 come with a regular charging case, while the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case add a few additional features.
The higher-end version adds force sensor controls with volume swipe, letting users adjust volume by swiping up or down on the stem. This is the first time Apple has added this feature to its open-ear AirPods design.
The Wireless Charging Case also supports Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers and USB-C.
AirPods 5 battery life vs AirPods 4
AirPods 5 with the Wireless Charging Case offer up to five hours of playback with ANC enabled on a single charge, one hour more than AirPods 4 with ANC. With the charging case, users get up to 22 hours of playback with ANC.
The standard AirPods 5 offer up to four hours of listening time with ANC on a single charge and up to 20 hours with the charging case.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 3: Key differences
For users who want the open-ear design with ANC, AirPods 5 add several features previously associated with Apple's higher-end models. The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case also add volume controls and longer ANC battery life, while AirPods Pro 3 remain the option for users looking for an in-ear design and stronger noise cancellation.
Apple is also offering a higher-end AirPods 5 variant with a Wireless Charging Case , which adds longer battery life and on-stem volume controls. With the AirPods 5 now joining the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 in Apple’s lineup, here’s the price of the variants as well as a look at what has changed and what each model offers.
AirPods 5 price and availability in India
AirPods 5 are priced at Rs 14,900 in India, while the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost Rs 17,900.
Both models are now available to pre-order, with sales beginning September 18.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4: ANC gets an upgrade
The biggest change with AirPods 5 is the addition of Active Noise Cancellation to the open-ear design. Apple says the new model removes up to 50 per cent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a new multi-port acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms.
AirPods 5 also get an updated Transparency mode that is designed to make voices and nearby sounds feel more natural. Adaptive Audio automatically balances ANC and Transparency mode based on the surrounding environment, while Conversation Awareness lowers media volume when the user starts speaking.
AirPods 5 get improved sound quality
Apple has redesigned the acoustic system for AirPods 5 with a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ. The company says the system delivers richer, more detailed sound across different ear shapes.
The earbuds also support Personalized Spatial Audio, which uses a personalised profile to make supported content feel more immersive.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: ANC remains the key difference
While AirPods 5 bring ANC to Apple's open-ear design, AirPods Pro 3 continue to offer stronger noise cancellation. AirPods 5 do not use interchangeable ear tips and instead sit outside the ear canal, similar to the AirPods 4.
This design may suit users who prefer not to use the in-ear fit of AirPods Pro models. However, the AirPods Pro 3 remains the option for users who prioritise stronger noise cancellation and a more secure in-ear fit.
AirPods 5 add Siri AI and Live Translation
AirPods 5 can provide hands-free access to Siri AI when paired with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone. Siri AI can use personal context from messages, emails and photos, as well as answer questions and perform actions in supported apps.
Users can also respond to Siri using head gestures, such as nodding or shaking their head. Dictation has also been updated to capture spoken words more precisely.
Another addition is Live Translation, which allows users to hear conversations translated into their preferred language. The feature requires compatible Apple devices, supported AirPods and Apple Intelligence.
AirPods 5 get new durability improvements
Apple has improved the dust, sweat and water resistance of AirPods 5 compared with the previous generation. The earbuds are designed for everyday use and come in the same open-ear form factor as AirPods 4.
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case gets extra features
Apple is offering two versions of the new earbuds. The standard AirPods 5 come with a regular charging case, while the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case add a few additional features.
The higher-end version adds force sensor controls with volume swipe, letting users adjust volume by swiping up or down on the stem. This is the first time Apple has added this feature to its open-ear AirPods design.
The Wireless Charging Case also supports Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers and USB-C.
AirPods 5 battery life vs AirPods 4
AirPods 5 with the Wireless Charging Case offer up to five hours of playback with ANC enabled on a single charge, one hour more than AirPods 4 with ANC. With the charging case, users get up to 22 hours of playback with ANC.
The standard AirPods 5 offer up to four hours of listening time with ANC on a single charge and up to 20 hours with the charging case.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 3: Key differences
For users who want the open-ear design with ANC, AirPods 5 add several features previously associated with Apple's higher-end models. The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case also add volume controls and longer ANC battery life, while AirPods Pro 3 remain the option for users looking for an in-ear design and stronger noise cancellation.
Next Story