Active noise cancellation is usually associated with earbuds that use silicone tips to seal the ear canal. AirPods 5 takes a different approach by improving noise control while keeping the open-ear fit preferred by users who do not like the plugged-in feeling of traditional in-ear earbuds.
Apple AirPods 5 promises to remove up to 50% more outside noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. The improvement comes from a new multiport acoustic design and updated computational audio algorithms.
This addresses one of the biggest challenges of open-ear earbuds. Without a tight seal, more outside sound can reach the listener. Noise-canceling technology must therefore work harder to reduce sounds from aircraft cabins, offices, restaurants, and other busy places.
AirPods 5 also offers an improved Transparency mode, which allows nearby voices and sounds to pass through more naturally. It is intended for situations in which users need to hear traffic, announcements, or people speaking around them without removing the earbuds.
Adaptive Audio automatically blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode based on the surrounding environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of music or other media when the wearer begins speaking.
The new multiport acoustic architecture also improves sound quality across a wider range of ear shapes. It works with the next-generation Adaptive EQ, which adjusts the sound based on how the earbuds fit each user. Apple said the combination produces richer and more detailed audio, along with a more immersive Personalized Spatial Audio experience.
The regular AirPods 5 costs $129 in the United States. A $149 version adds a wireless charging case, volume controls on the stem, and longer battery life.
The upgraded model provides up to five hours of listening with Active Noise Cancellation enabled and up to 22 hours with the charging case. The case can be charged through USB-C, a Qi-compatible charger, or an Apple Watch charger.