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Apple debuts $129 AirPods 5 with better noise cancellation and transparency mode

Apple is accepting pre-orders for AirPods 5 starting at $129 via Amazon and Apple. The earbuds introduce active noise cancellation and transparency mode to an open-ear design, targeting users who dislike eartips. Two models exist, with wireless charging restricted to the more expensive version. Shipping starts September 18. The launch coincides with the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch updates. Some retailers offer trade-in pricing as low as $64, while Amazon provides discounts on older models including AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2.

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What changed

Retailers have begun offering discounts on previous generation AirPods models following the AirPods 5 announcement.

Live updates

  1. Apple launches AirPods 5 with open-ear noise cancellation

    Apple is accepting pre-orders for AirPods 5 starting at $129 via Amazon and Apple. The earbuds introduce active noise cancellation and transparency mode to an open-ear design, targeting users who dislike eartips. Two models exist, with wireless charging restricted to the more expensive version. Shipping starts September 18. The launch coincides with the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch updates. Some retailers offer trade-in pricing as low as $64, while Amazon provides discounts on older models including AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2.

    Why it matters

    These earbuds bridge the gap between standard AirPods and the Pro line by adding ANC to a non-sealed fit. This move allows Apple to compete on value while maintaining a tiered product strategy. The release follows the September 9 Surprise and Shine event.

    What is confirmed

    • AirPods 5 start at $129.00.
    • The AirPods 5 feature an open-ear design with active noise cancellation and transparency mode.
    • Apple released the AirPods 5 in two different models.
    • Shipping for the new earbuds begins September 18.

    What to watch next

    • Arrival of first shipping batches on September 18
    • Performance benchmarks comparing AirPods 5 ANC to AirPods Pro 3
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. mashable.com — Apple AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3: Which should you buy?
    2. www.macrumors.com — AirPods 5 Pre-Orders Go Live, While Older Models Reach Up to $100 Off This Weekend
    3. www.cnet.com — Apple AirPods 5 Review: A Better Upgrade Than I Expected
    4. www.techrepublic.com — AirPods 5 vs AirPods Pro 3: Is Open-Ear ANC Good Enough to Save $100?
    confidence 100%

  2. Apple opens AirPods 5 pre-orders starting at $129

    Apple is now accepting pre-orders for AirPods 5 via Amazon and Apple following the Surprise and Shine event on September 9. The earbuds feature an open-ear design with standard active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Two models are available, though wireless charging is limited to a higher-priced variant. Shipping begins September 18. While the base price is $129, some retailers offer pricing from $64 with a trade-in. The product launch coincided with the release of the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, and Apple Watch Ultra 4.

    Why it matters

    These earbuds replace previous models by making active noise cancellation a standard feature across the line. The shift in pricing and feature distribution separates the base model from the wireless charging version. This rollout is part of a broader hardware refresh for the Apple ecosystem.

    What is confirmed

    • Apple announced AirPods 5 at the Surprise and Shine event on September 9.
    • Pre-orders for AirPods 5 are available at Amazon and Apple.
    • AirPods 5 feature standard active noise cancellation.
    • Two different models of AirPods 5 are available.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The AirPods 5 retail box does not include a charging cable.
    • AirPods 5 are available from $64 with a trade-in.

    What to watch next

    • Shipping commencement on September 18
    • Customer reviews regarding sound and comfort improvements
    • Official confirmation of box contents from Apple
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. www.macrumors.com — AirPods 5
    2. gizmodo.com — AirPods 5 Hands-On: Better Than ANC AirPods 4 in Every Way and Now $30 Cheaper
    3. 9to5mac.com — Deals: AirPods 5 from $64 w/ trade, AirPods Pro 3, Studio Display XDR $330 off, Ceramic Apple Watch, more
    4. www.mactrast.com — PSA: A Charging Cable Is NOT Included in the AirPods 5 Box
    5. mashable.com — The new AirPods 5 are available for pre-order at Amazon and Apple
    confidence 95%

  3. Apple launches AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation starting at $129

    Apple has introduced AirPods 5, featuring an open-ear design with Active Noise Cancellation and transparency mode starting at $129. Announced at the Surprise and Shine event in Cupertino, the earbuds now include ANC as a standard feature. Pre-orders are currently live on Amazon, with shipping scheduled to begin September 18. While the base model includes noise cancellation, Apple is now restricting wireless charging to a more expensive variant. The launch occurred alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, and Apple Watch Ultra 4.

    Why it matters

    The addition of ANC to the base model matches the price of the previous AirPods 4 version that lacked the feature. This shift changes how Apple tiers its audio hardware by moving wireless charging to a premium tier.

    What is confirmed

    • AirPods 5 start at $129.
    • The earbuds feature an open-ear design with Active Noise Cancellation and transparency mode.
    • Pre-orders are live with shipping starting September 18.
    • Apple launched the AirPods 5 alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4.

    Still unconfirmed

    • AirPods 5 include Siri AI.
    • Wireless charging is restricted to a pricier variant.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of the pricing for the wireless charging variant
    • Official release of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo in global markets
    Sources used for this update (10)
    1. Ars Technica — Apple debuts $129 AirPods 5 with better noise cancellation and transparency mode
    2. Apple — Apple introduces AirPods 5 with best-in-class open-ear Active Noise Cancellation
    3. MacRumors — AirPods 5 Include ANC as Standard, Pricier Variant Now Gatekeeps Wireless Charging Instead
    4. Hypebeast — Apple Officially Unveils AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, and the Ultra 4. And We Got Early Details.
    5. Mashable — Apple AirPods 5 announced: Price, new features, release date
    6. www.techspot.com — Apple's new AirPods 5 get Active Noise Cancellation and Siri AI, starting at $129
    7. gizmodo.com — Apple AirPods 5 With ANC Are Now Up for Pre-Order at the Same $129 Price as AirPods 4 Without It
    8. www.ign.com — Apple AirPods 5 Are Up for Preorder
    9. www.forbesindia.com — Apple debuts foldable phone, iPhone Duo, priced at Rs299,000 in India
    10. www.mymobileindia.com — Apple Watch Series 12, Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 Launched Alongside iPhone 18 Pro
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