Apple Brings ANC to All AirPods With Fifth-Gen Launch at $129

Apple has standardized active noise cancellation across its entire earbud family, introducing the fifth-generation standard AirPods at a media event on Wednesday. The new entry-level wireless audio lineup now includes advanced acoustic engineering and tactile stem controls that were previously exclusive to the high-end Pro tier. Underpinning the hardware refresh is Apple’s proprietary H2 audio processor, the same silicon that power-managed the company’s second-generation AirPods Pro. The transition to the H2 chip enables the AirPods 5 to deliver what Apple describes as the industry’s premier active noise cancellation for open-ear designs, claiming a 50% reduction in ambient background noise compared to the previous standard model.

Preorders for both models open today, with retail availability and shipping scheduled to begin on September 18. The new AirPods 5 will be offered in two distinct tiers: a base model priced at $129, and an upgraded version featuring a wireless charging case for $149. Image Credits:Apple

“We’re thrilled that with AirPods 5, active noise cancelation is now standard across our entire AirPods lineup,” said Apple executive John Ternus during the presentation. “AirPods 5 are a great example of how we take the innovations from our most advanced products and bring them to the rest of the lineup, making them accessible to even more people.” The move marks a highly competitive play for the mid-range true wireless stereo (TWS) market, where manufacturers have increasingly integrated noise-canceling technology into sub-$150 devices. By consolidating these capabilities into its core consumer tier, Apple aims to solidify its dominance in a category it has led since the debut of the original AirPods in late 2016.

On the software side, the AirPods 5 are engineered to serve as a primary hardware node for Apple Intelligence, the company’s broader generative artificial intelligence push. Apple stated that a more sophisticated, context-aware iteration of Siri will roll out in beta alongside iOS 27. This updated assistant is designed to index personal context across native applications like Mail, Messages, and Photos, allowing it to complete complex, cross-app requests—such as locating a specific restaurant address mentioned in an archived email thread or queueing up a track recommended by a contact in a text message. The earbuds support hands-free “Siri” interactions, allowing users to query the virtual assistant, manage system functions, and receive turn-by-turn navigation without physical device interaction.

In addition to ANC, Apple has redesigned the physical interface of the earbud stems. Users can now swipe vertically along the touch-sensitive stems to adjust volume directly, resolving a long-standing consumer pain point that previously required users to adjust volume via a connected iPhone, Apple Watch, or voice commands. The integration of the H2 chip also brings a suite of adaptive software features designed to automatically adjust to the user’s immediate environment. This includes an upgraded Transparency mode, which allows external sounds to pass through naturally, and Adaptive Audio, a hybrid state that dynamically balances ANC and Transparency modes depending on real-world ambient noise levels. Furthermore, a built-in Conversation Awareness feature automatically lowers media playback volume and enhances forward-facing voices the moment the wearer begins speaking.

From a hardware and battery standpoint, the power efficiency of the H2 chip allows the AirPods 5 to achieve up to five hours of continuous listening on a single charge with ANC enabled. When paired with the redesigned charging case, the system provides up to 22 hours of total playback time before requiring a plug-in or wireless charge. The event, held at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, was titled “Surprise and Shine.”