AirPods 5 Arrive with Live Translation and Affordable Active Noise Cancellation
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Apple has just unveiled its AirPods 5 wireless earbuds, which the company says offer best-in-class open-ear Active Noise Cancellation. The new earbuds boast an open-ear design, improved sound quality, Live Translation and hands-free access to Siri AI.
Apple says AirPods 5 offer an all-new multiport acoustic architecture, which combines with next-generation Adaptive EQ to provide even more immersive sound. Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 50% more external noise compared to AirPods 4 with ANC, while delivering a more natural Transparency mode.
When using Siri AI on their iPhone, users can also respond to Siri using head gestures, or use Live Translation to help connect across languages.
“We’re thrilled that with AirPods 5, we’re able to bring Active Noise Cancellation — one of our most beloved features — to our most affordable AirPods,” said Dave Pakula, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering. “Both AirPods 5 models deliver a world-class listening experience and enable features like Live Translation for even more people. Paired with Siri AI, AirPods are a game changer for unlocking powerful hands-free capabilities.”
AirPods 5 will be available for $129. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case are also available, adding longer battery life and on-stem volume control for $149. Both are available for pre-order starting today, and will hit stores on Friday, September 18.
Active Noise Cancellation
AirPods 5 remove up to 50% more noise compared to AirPods 4 with ANC, due to a new multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms. Meanwhile, users can stay connected to their surroundings, thanks to AirPods 5’s improved Transparency mode that more naturally represents voices and nearby sounds. An Adaptive Audio feature dynamically blends Transparency mode and ANC based on the conditions of a user’s environment. Last but not least, the Conversation Awareness feature automatically lowers a user’s media volume when they start speaking, allowing them to more easily talk to someone nearby.
Sound Quality
Apple says a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ deliver richer, more detailed sound across an even wider range of ear sizes and shapes, making Personalized Spatial Audio more immersive and dynamic.
Siri AI
AirPods 5 allow users with Apple Intelligence-capable iPhones to tap into Siri AI on the go. Users can ask Siri to play the song a friend recommended in a message or ask for directions to a dinner reservation based on a confirmation in an email. Siri AI’s voice is more natural than ever, with user-customizable, more expressive voices.
Siri Interactions on AirPods allow users to respond to Siri AI by simply nodding their head for yes or shaking their head for no.
Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, allows users to hear a conversation in their preferred language by simultaneously pressing both stems, by saying “Siri, start Live Translation,” or by using the Action button on iPhone.
Pricing and Availability
- Customers in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions can pre-order AirPods 5 today for $129, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.
- Customers in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions can pre-order AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case today for $149, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.
