PRESS RELEASE
10 September 2026
Apple introduces AirPods 5, featuring best-in-class open‑ear Active Noise Cancellation
With industry-leading ANC in an open-ear design and improved sound quality, AirPods 5 deliver the best audio experience Apple has ever offered in this style of AirPods, at an incredible price
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced AirPods 5, delivering the industry’s best Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in an open-ear design and even better sound quality, at an outstanding value.1 AirPods 5 feature an all-new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ for even more immersive sound. Their breakthrough open-ear ANC removes up to 50 percent more external noise compared to AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, alongside a more natural Transparency mode. Users can also respond to Siri using head gestures.
AirPods 5 offer the most affordable way to experience some of the most powerful AirPods features — along with greater durability with improved dust, sweat, and water resistance — at RM599. For users who want even more, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case add longer battery life and on-stem volume control for RM699.3 Customers can pre-order starting Friday, September 11, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.
“We’re thrilled that with AirPods 5, we’re able to bring Active Noise Cancellation — one of our most beloved features — to our most affordable AirPods,” said Dave Pakula, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering. “Both AirPods 5 models deliver a world-class listening experience, with a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ for extraordinary immersive sound.”
Best-in-Class Active Noise Cancellation
Customers love to use ANC to quiet the world around them so they can rest on a noisy flight, get lost in their favourite music, or stay focused on work. AirPods 5 remove up to 50 percent more noise compared to AirPods 4 with ANC thanks to a new multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational audio algorithms. Along with the benefits of ANC, AirPods 5 feature an improved Transparency mode that more naturally represents voices and nearby sounds, helping users stay connected to their surroundings. Providing the best of both worlds, Adaptive Audio dynamically blends Transparency mode and ANC based on the conditions of a user’s environment. And Conversation Awareness lowers the user’s media volume when they start speaking, helping them more easily talk to someone nearby.
Breakthrough Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 50 percent more noise compared to the previous generation, while Transparency mode lets in voices and sounds around the user.
Re-Engineered Sound Quality
Inspired by AirPods Pro 3 and re-engineered for AirPods 5, a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ deliver richer, more detailed sound across an even wider range of ear geometries. This makes Personalised Spatial Audio more immersive and dynamic, so the user feels like they’re surrounded by whatever they are listening to.3
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
For users who want even more, AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case deliver great improvements to the AirPods experience. Force sensor with volume swipe arrives on AirPods 5, a first for the open-ear form factor, adding the ability to quickly adjust volume by swiping up or down on the stem.
Battery life is also improved, with up to five hours of playback with ANC on a single charge — one hour longer than AirPods 4 with ANC, thanks to a redesigned battery. This extends up to 22 hours with the charging case when listening with ANC. The wireless charging case supports Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers, and USB-C.
AirPods 5 and the Environment
The new AirPods 5 were built with the environment in mind and drive progress toward Apple’s ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030. They are made with 40 percent recycled material overall,4 including 70 percent recycled plastic in the wireless charging case and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. AirPods 5 are manufactured with 35 percent renewable energy, like wind and solar, across the supply chain, and meet Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. Like all Apple products, their paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based5 and can be easily recycled at home.
Pricing and Availability
- Customers in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries, including Malaysia, and regions can pre-order AirPods 5 beginning Friday, September 11, for RM599, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.
- Customers in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries, including Malaysia, and regions can pre-order AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case beginning Friday, September 11, for RM699, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 18.
- For full feature functionality, use AirPods 5 paired with an Apple device running the latest operating system software.
- AppleCare delivers exceptional service and support, with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new AirPods 5 or, in available markets, AppleCare One to protect multiple products in one simple plan. Both plans include coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and priority support from Apple Experts. For more information, visit apple.com/applecare.
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- Testing conducted by Apple in July 2026 using AirPods 5 paired with iPhone 17 with prerelease AirPods firmware and iOS 27. Noise reduction was tested in accordance with IEC 60268-24. Comparison made against the bestselling wireless open-ear headphones commercially available at the time of testing. Performance depends on device settings, environment, and many other factors.
- Battery life varies by use. See apple.com/batteries for details.
- Personalised Spatial Audio works with compatible content in supported apps. iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create personalised profile, which will sync across compatible Apple devices. Personalised Spatial Audio is not available when using other devices.
- Product recycled or renewable content is the mass of certified recycled material relative to the overall mass of the device, not including packaging or in-box accessories.
- Breakdown of U.S. retail packaging by weight. Adhesives, inks, and coatings are excluded from calculations of plastic content and packaging weight.