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● TRACKER Updated 41d ago · 19 sources tracked

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

Apple released the AirPods 5 on September 18, featuring active noise cancellation and transparency mode in an open-ear design. The base model starts at $129, while a $149 version includes a wireless charging case, swipe volume controls, and longer battery life. The earbuds are available for purchase through Apple and Amazon. This release coincided with the debut of the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, and Ultra 4. Some third-party retailers have listed the base model at a discounted price of $125.

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  • ✓ AirPods 5 feature active noise cancellation and transparency mode.
  • ✓ The base AirPods 5 model is priced at $129.
  • ✓ Apple and Amazon are selling the new earbuds.
  • ✓ The AirPods 5 launched alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, and Ultra 4.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 19 independent reporting domains (90% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

The AirPods 5 were officially unveiled at the September 9 Surprise and Shine event.

Live updates

  1. Apple launches AirPods 5 with standard active noise cancellation

    Apple released the AirPods 5 on September 18, featuring active noise cancellation and transparency mode in an open-ear design. The base model starts at $129, while a $149 version includes a wireless charging case, swipe volume controls, and longer battery life. The earbuds are available for purchase through Apple and Amazon. This release coincided with the debut of the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, and Ultra 4. Some third-party retailers have listed the base model at a discounted price of $125.

    Why it matters

    The AirPods 5 were announced during the Surprise and Shine event on September 9. This model integrates noise cancellation into the non-silicone tip design, a feature previously reserved for Pro models. It represents the first major update to the standard AirPods line since the AirPods 4.

    What is confirmed

    • AirPods 5 feature active noise cancellation and transparency mode.
    • The base AirPods 5 model is priced at $129.
    • Apple and Amazon are selling the new earbuds.
    • The AirPods 5 launched alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, and Ultra 4.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Some retailers have listed the base model for $125.
    • A $149 premium version adds a wireless charging case, extended battery life, and swipe volume controls.

    What to watch next

    • Performance comparisons between AirPods 4 and AirPods 5
    • Retail price stabilization across third-party vendors
    Sources used for this update (3)
    1. mashable.com — AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Is there any benefit to buying last-gen?
    2. mashable.com — The new AirPods 5 are now available to buy at Amazon and Apple: Shop the best launch deals
    3. www.vice.com — Apple AirPods 5 Are Here—They’ll Help You Both Hear and Not Hear
    confidence 90%

  2. Apple launches AirPods 5 with noise cancellation starting at $129

    Apple is selling the AirPods 5 starting at $129, introducing active noise cancellation and transparency mode to an open-ear design. A $149 premium version adds a wireless charging case, extended battery life, and swipe volume controls. Pre-orders are open via Amazon and Apple, with shipping beginning September 18. Some retailers have listed the base model for $125. These earbuds launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, and Ultra 4.

    Why it matters

    The release marks a shift in Apple's pricing strategy as some other product costs have risen. It expands high-end audio features to a more affordable price point.

    What is confirmed

    • AirPods 5 start at $129 and include active noise cancellation and transparency mode.
    • A $149 model features swipe volume controls, longer battery life, and a wireless charging case.
    • Shipping for pre-orders begins September 18.
    • The earbuds launch with the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Some retailers have listed the base model for $125.
    • Apple may debut a foldable iPhone at its Surprise and Shine event.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of foldable iPhone hardware
    • Retail price stability across third-party vendors
    • First user reviews of open-ear noise cancellation performance
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. www.cnet.com — How to Watch Apple’s ‘Surprise and Shine’ Event in September
    2. macdailynews.com — Apple’s $129 AirPods 5 bring noise cancellation to the cheap seats — and the $149 pair is the one to buy
    confidence 90%

  3. Apple AirPods 5 launch adds ANC and swipe controls to open-ear design

    Apple is selling the AirPods 5 starting at $129, bringing active noise cancellation and transparency mode to an open-ear format. A premium $149 version includes a wireless charging case, longer battery life, and swipe volume controls. Pre-orders are active through Apple and Amazon, with shipping scheduled for September 18. Some retailers have already listed the base model for $125. The release arrives alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models.

    Why it matters

    These earbuds target consumers who prefer open-ear designs over the silicone tips found in Pro models. By adding ANC to this form factor, Apple attempts to bridge the gap between standard and professional audio gear.

    What is confirmed

    • AirPods 5 start at $129.
    • The premium AirPods 5 cost $149 and include a wireless charging case.
    • Shipping for the new earbuds begins September 18.
    • The product line launched alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4.
    • The AirPods 5 feature an open-ear design with active noise cancellation.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Amazon is offering pre-release discounts on the AirPods 5 for $125.
    • The $149 model features swipe volume controls.

    What to watch next

    • September 18 shipping commencement
    • Professional benchmarks of ANC performance against AirPods Pro 3
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. www.macrumors.com — AirPods 5 Hands-On: Better Noise Cancellation, Lower Price
    2. www.theverge.com — The premium AirPods 5 are the best open-ear earbuds Apple has made
    3. 9to5mac.com — New Apple gear gets pre-release discounts, including AirPods 5 for $125 and more
    4. mashable.com — AirPods 5 review: Are these really open earbuds?
    5. gizmodo.com — AirPods 5 Review: A Ridiculously Great Value for ANC Wireless Earbuds
    confidence 95%

  4. 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%

  5. 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%

  6. 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
    confidence 95%
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