From The Verge · Brad Bourque · · 1m 10s
AirPods 5 preorders are live
Apple put noise cancellation in the $129 AirPods, and both versions ship September 18th.
In brief
Apple put noise cancellation in the $129 AirPods, and both versions ship September 18th. ANC is now standard on the base AirPods 5, so the $20 upgrade is really about wireless charging, battery, and stem volume controls. Originally reported by The Verge.
Preorders open now
Apple's AirPods 5 are up for preorder at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Apple ahead of the September 18th release.
“The Apple AirPods 5 will hit shelves on September 18th, but you can line up your purchase ahead of time.”
Same day as the iPhones
They land alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, plus the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, all on September 18th.
Noise cancelling at $129
The standard model costs $129 and includes active noise cancellation. Last generation, that feature cost $179 with the AirPods 4 with ANC.
“The Apple AirPods 5 are bringing active noise cancellation to the masses”
What $149 buys you
The upgraded model adds a wireless charging case, longer battery life, and touch controls on the stem for volume without reaching for your phone.
Two versions, one choice
Both tiers carry ANC, so the only question is whether wireless charging, extra battery, and stem volume are worth an extra $20.
The review is still coming
The Verge has not published impressions yet. If you preorder now, you are buying before anyone has tested them.
“We're working on our review of the new AirPods 5.”
The essence
ANC is now standard on the base AirPods 5, so the $20 upgrade is really about wireless charging, battery, and stem volume controls.
