Apple has finally launched an affordable AirPods model, the AirPods 5. Replacing the camera-equipped AirPods Ultra that were postponed to next year, the AirPods 5 is now standard with ANC, alongside a few key upgrades to Adaptive Sound and volume controls.
AirPods 5 Specifications and Features
Starting with the design, the AirPods 5 are identical to the AirPods 4 ANC. Both the case and earbuds are unchanged, incorporating the same white colourway with the tried-and-tested semi-in-ear fit.
Both models introduce a multiport acoustic architecture paired with next-generation Adaptive EQ. This optimises the frequency response across different ear shapes.
However, the headline upgrade is an improved open-ear ANC system that eliminates up to 50% of noise compared to the previous generation. This is paired with an updated Transparency mode, dynamic Adaptive Audio blending, and Conversation Awareness, all in a more durable, sweat- and IP54-water-resistant shell.
The higher-tier variant introduces on-stem volume controls, a first for an open-ear Apple earbud, allowing users to raise or lower playback levels by swiping the stem force sensor.
This model also supports Qi wireless charging and USB-C. Battery endurance has been bumped to 5 hours of playback with ANC enabled (22 hours total when factoring in the case).
Tapping into Apple Intelligence and the Siri AI capabilities debuting in iOS 27, the earbuds gain conversational context. Users can interact hands-free by nodding or shaking their heads to respond to alerts, or utilise real-time Live Translation across languages by simultaneously pressing both earbud stems.
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AirPods 5 Price in India and Availability
AirPods 5 pre-orders have opened in India, with in-store availability scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026. The AirPods 5 price in India starts at Rs 14,900, while the wireless charging variant is priced at Rs 17,900.
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