# AirPods 5 preorders are live

> Apple put noise cancellation in the $129 AirPods, and both versions ship September 18th.
- Title: AirPods 5 preorders are live · The Verge | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: apple, airpods, preorders, headphones, gadgets, technology, culture, live, The Verge
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/gadgets/993637/apple-airpods-5-anc-wireless-charging-preorder-buy
- Author: Brad Bourque
- Published: 2026-09-11T15:31:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: apple, airpods, preorders, headphones, gadgets, technology, culture
## 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.
## Key takeaway

ANC is now standard on the base AirPods 5, so the $20 upgrade is really about wireless charging, battery, and stem volume controls.