Overview
- Apple unveiled the AirPods 5 at its September 9 event and has added Active Noise Cancellation to the standard AirPods tier for the first time.
- Preorders are live at Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart with shipments and in-store availability scheduled for September 18.
- The line includes a $129 base model that charges via USB-C and a $149 model that adds a wireless charging case, swipe volume controls on the stem and longer battery life.
- Best Buy’s trade-in program for AirPods 4 can cut the effective price dramatically, with reported deals that can lower the base AirPods 5 to about $64.
- Apple publishes claims for up to 50 percent better ANC versus AirPods 4 and up to five hours of listening with ANC on, independent testing is still needed and no USB-C cable or charger is included in the box.