Apple makes ANC standard on every new AirPod, slashes prices to $129

Apple Inc. has debuted the AirPods 5, making Active Noise Cancellation a standard feature across its entire entry-level lineup while aggressively lowering retail prices. The baseline AirPods 5 model is priced at $129, matching the launch price of the non-ANC version of the AirPods 4. By introducing high-demand features like ANC and AI-driven translation tools at lower price thresholds, Apple is positioning the AirPods 5 to capture budget-conscious consumers who might otherwise turn to mid-range offerings from competitors like Samsung, Google, or Sony.

The step-up version of the AirPods 5, which features a wireless charging case and integrated stem-based volume controls, is priced at $149—making it $30 less expensive than the ANC-equipped AirPods 4 model at its launch. Historically, Apple reserved advanced noise-suppression features for its high-end AirPods Pro or charged a significant premium for them in its standard earbud line. With the AirPods 5, the company has eliminated non-ANC options from its newest generation, offering two distinct models that both feature active noise reduction.

Unlike the AirPods Pro, which use silicone ear tips to create a physical seal in the ear canal, the standard AirPods rely on an open-ear fit. To counteract the lack of passive physical isolation, Apple leverages upgraded acoustic architecture and computational audio to achieve what it claims is the best ANC performance available on open-ear headphones, delivering up to a 50% improvement in noise suppression compared to the previous-generation AirPods 4. This hardware update addresses a persistent engineering challenge in the personal audio industry: delivering effective noise cancellation in an open-ear design.

In European markets, a similar aggressive pricing structure has been implemented. The standard AirPods 5 will retail for €149, while the premium charging variant will cost €169. This marks a notable reduction from the previous generation’s ANC tier, which debuted in Europe at €199. Other shared audio technologies integrated into the new lineup include Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and a next-generation Adaptive Equalizer designed to tune audio output dynamically based on the shape of the user’s ear.

Beyond noise cancellation, Apple has tied the AirPods 5 closely to its ongoing artificial intelligence push. Both versions of the earbuds feature hands-free access to Siri AI, allowing users to execute system commands without physical interaction. Additionally, the earbuds support a Live Translations feature, which processes and translates foreign languages in real time during active conversations. The standard AirPods 5 offers up to 4 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled on a single charge, and combined with the standard USB-C charging case, the total battery life reaches up to 20 hours.

The premium AirPods 5 delivers up to 5 hours of continuous runtime with ANC activated. This model adds touch-sensitive volume controls directly onto the earbud stems and includes a case compatible with wireless chargers. The launch of the AirPods 5 comes as Apple’s Wearables, Home, and Accessories division continues to serve as a critical driver of non-iPhone revenue. The segment, which includes the Apple Watch and Apple’s entire audio portfolio, has historically generated tens of billions of dollars annually.

The move signals a concerted effort by the consumer electronics giant to consolidate its dominance in the global hearables market by lowering the financial barrier to premium audio technology. Pre-orders for both models of the AirPods 5 begin immediately through Apple’s online retail channels, with shipments and in-store availability scheduled to commence on September 18.