AppleImage unavailable
DesignOpen-ear form factor; improved dust, sweat, and water resistance (no IP rating published)
Case / ChargingWireless charging (Apple Watch chargers, Qi, USB-C)
Case / ControlsForce sensor with volume swipe (Wireless Charging Case version)
Case / Materials70% recycled plastic
Verdict
Apple's first open-ear earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation, alongside a redesigned Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness.
Specifications
| Design | Open-ear form factor; improved dust, sweat, and water resistance (no IP rating published) |
|---|---|
| Case / Charging | Wireless charging (Apple Watch chargers, Qi, USB-C) |
| Case / Controls | Force sensor with volume swipe (Wireless Charging Case version) |
| Case / Materials | 70% recycled plastic |
| Battery / With ANC | Up to 4 hours per charge (vs 3 hours on AirPods 4) |
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design; removes up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 |
| Audio / Adaptive EQ | Next-generation Adaptive EQ |
| Audio / Architecture | New multiport acoustic architecture |
| Siri / Head Gestures | Nod or shake your head to respond to Siri |
| Audio / Spatial Audio | Personalized Spatial Audio (requires iPhone with TrueDepth camera) |
| Audio / Adaptive Audio | Blends Transparency and ANC dynamically |
| Audio / Transparency Mode | Improved Transparency mode |
| Audio / Conversation Awareness | Auto-lowers volume when you start speaking |
| Battery / With Wireless Charging Case + ANC | Up to 22 hours total |
Editorial note
Starts at $129 (standard charging case) or $149 (wireless charging case). Pre-orders began September 9, 2026; retail availability September 18, 2026. Apple does not publish a specific IP rating for AirPods 5 despite claiming improved dust/sweat/water resistance — treat that claim as unverified until Apple states a number. No independent ANC/sound measurements exist yet; Apple's own "up to 50% more noise removed" and battery figures are manufacturer-stated. Source: Apple Newsroom, September 2026, read 2026-09-27.
Alternatives to consider
See all alternatives →Further reading
Featured badge
Building this product? Add the badge to your site to show it’s in the index.
<a href="https://fathomlayer.com/ecosystem/premium-audio/apple-airpods-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://fathomlayer.com/fathom-badge.svg" alt="Featured on Fathom Layer" width="250" height="54" /></a>