Noise-cancelling open earbuds debut at ₹14,900

The Takeaway

• The standard AirPods 5 secure active noise cancellation within an unsealed design.
• Opting for the higher tier adds a wireless charging case alongside exclusive volume swipe gestures.
• Pre-orders for both variants are currently live across more than 65 countries.

Apple introduces a major update to its standard audio lineup today. The AirPods 5 directly iterate on their predecessor by sliding advanced acoustic hardware down to a much lower price bracket. General availability kicks off globally and locally in a matter of days.

The base variant keeps the familiar unsealed shape but adds an entirely new internal multiport acoustic layout. This setup dynamically adjusts audio using a next-generation adaptive equaliser to fit different ear geometries. They also carry improved resistance against dust alongside better sweat and water protection. Then there is the premium tier. Shelling out for the upgraded AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case unlocks a redesigned battery offering up to five hours of continuous listening with isolation turned on. That total extends to 22 hours through the case. You’ll also get a force sensor on the stem for volume swipe controls, marking a first for this open format. The case itself accepts power from standard USB-C cables. It also supports Apple Watch chargers and Qi-compatible pads. Both versions are built using 40 per cent recycled materials overall, housing completely recycled cobalt inside the batteries.

The primary differentiator sits in how these handle background sound. Apple claims this revised acoustic setup removes up to 50 per cent more ambient noise than the older AirPods 4 with ANC. It automatically blends your music with outside sounds based on your current surroundings. The earbuds even drop your media volume the second you start talking to someone nearby. You can actually respond to Siri prompts completely hands-free. Just nod or shake your head.

AirPods 5 price and specifications

This pricing structure fundamentally changes the entry point for premium audio features locally. For ₹14,900, these earbuds make noisy local trains much more tolerable. The internal software also supports live translation across languages. You just need to download them directly to the device first. It’s a genuinely brilliant addition for travelling across different states, which you trigger by pressing both stems simultaneously. These artificial intelligence functions begin rolling out via a beta programme on September 14. They are initially limited to English. Support for Spanish and French alongside other languages follows in October. This software release timing aligns perfectly with the upcoming Foldable iPhone Duo and 18 Pro series debut with 2nm silicon. Buyers wanting extended protection can also pick up AppleCare One to cover multiple devices under a single plan.

The Unboxed Truth

We at Unbox Daily HQ view this as a highly aggressive audio strategy. You get core silence-inducing features without losing the comfortable unsealed shape. The ₹17,900 premium tier feels slightly frustrating because basic volume swipe controls really should be a standard inclusion. Still, dropping ₹14,900 for the base AirPods 5 gives you a massive functional upgrade over older versions for roughly the cost of a budget smartphone. The added conversation awareness feature alone makes them ideal for an open office environment.

Best for: Commuters wanting active noise reduction without silicone ear tips.

Who Is This For: 18 to 40 years.

Courtesy: Apple