Apple AirPods 5 Full Specs Bring ANC And Translation To $129

Apple has now shared the full AirPods 5 details, and the biggest change is that active noise cancellation is no longer reserved for the Pro-style sealed earbuds. The mainstream AirPods line now gets open-ear ANC, better sound and a stronger Apple Intelligence role.

Apple’s AirPods 5 store page lists AirPods 5 at $129, while AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case cost $149. Both models are available from September 18, and Apple says active noise cancellation is included on both.

Apple says AirPods 5 deliver up to 1.5 times more active noise cancellation than the previous generation, with a redesigned acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ for richer and more detailed sound. The open-ear design remains, which is important for users who dislike the pressure or seal of in-ear silicone tips.

The $149 wireless charging version adds a force sensor with volume swipe, longer battery life, a USB-C wireless charging case that works with Apple Watch and Qi chargers, and a built-in speaker for Find My. Apple lists up to five hours of listening time on one charge with ANC enabled and up to 22 hours with the wireless charging case.

The AI feature is Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence. Apple says it supports Chinese Mandarin in Simplified and Traditional forms, English for the UK and US, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese for Brazil and Spanish for Spain, when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later.

That makes AirPods 5 part of Apple’s broader AI device strategy. The company is not only putting intelligence on the iPhone. It is spreading it across the devices people already wear and use without thinking. Translation in the ear is a clearer everyday AI use case than many chatbot demos.

AirPods 5 also support Siri AI, Voice Isolation, Hey Siri and Siri Interactions. Apple says Siri AI is rolling out in English, with some usage limits applying. That wording is worth noting because Apple is still pacing the rollout of its AI features carefully rather than promising everything everywhere on day one.

The wider product lineup also shows how Apple is separating users. AirPods 5 now handle the mainstream open-ear buyer, AirPods Pro 3 remain the higher-end in-ear option with heart-rate sensing during workouts and stronger ANC, while AirPods Max 2 stays as the over-ear option.

The bigger point is that AirPods are becoming a personal AI interface. The iPhone may remain the main computer, but the ear is where translation, voice commands and quick context can feel most natural. AirPods 5 make that shift cheaper and more mainstream.