AirPods 5: open-ear ANC from $129, preorder now for September 18
Apple introduced AirPods 5 on September 9, 2026 with open-ear Active Noise Cancellation from $129, plus a $149 Wireless Charging Case model with stem volume swipe. Preorder now; stores September 18.
Michael Narehood
Apple’s accessory headline from Surprise and Shine is AirPods 5. Announced September 9, 2026, the pitch is straightforward: open-ear Active Noise Cancellation at a lower price tier, better sound, and optional stem volume controls on the higher configuration.
This is an easy home buy if your current earbuds are tired. Phone and watch decisions are covered in the event overview.
Pricing and availability (Apple)
| Model | U.S. price | Preorder | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 5 | $129 | Now (Sep 9) | Friday, Sep 18 |
| AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case | $149 | Now (Sep 9) | Friday, Sep 18 |
Apple says customers in the U.S. and more than 65 other countries and regions can preorder now. Full feature behavior wants a compatible Apple device on current OS software.
What you get for $129 vs $149
Shared story (Apple):
- Open-ear design with what Apple calls best-in-class / industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation for this style
- ANC that removes up to 50 percent more external noise than the previous generation (Apple’s comparison)
- Transparency mode for voices and nearby sound
- New multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ
- Hands-free access to Siri AI (rolling out as a beta with iOS 27 on September 14 for supported configurations)
- Live Translation features when Apple Intelligence is on and you use compatible devices/firmware (availability limits apply)
Wireless Charging Case model ($149) adds:
- Force sensor with volume swipe on the stem for quick volume changes
- Improved battery claim: up to five hours of playback with ANC on a single charge (Apple; battery life varies by use)
- Wireless Charging Case (Apple’s launch materials also describe this higher configuration as the path for the nicer charging/case experience versus the base $129 option)
If you change volume constantly while walking or commuting, the $149 stem controls are the meaningful upgrade. If you mostly use phone volume or a watch crown, $129 may be enough.
How this fits a household audio drawer
Good fit
- Replacing older open-ear AirPods and wanting ANC without jumping to a higher Pro price
- Wanting a September 18 accessory while you wait on phone decisions
- Preferring Apple’s ecosystem features (Siri AI, translation, seamless device switching) on Apple phones and tablets
Maybe wait or buy something else
- You need maximum isolation sealed in-ear buds for airplanes or loud workshops (evaluate AirPods Pro-class options, which are a different product family)
- You are mid-repair on buds that still work and have no travel plans
- You refuse beta assistant features and expected Live Translation polish on day one
Order and setup checklist
- Preorder the $129 or $149 configuration on Apple’s site or the Apple Store app.
- Update your iPhone/iPad to iOS 27 on September 14 when available so Siri AI and related features are ready.
- When the buds arrive September 18, pair them, run through ANC and Transparency once each, and test stem volume if you bought the $149 model.
- Recycle or trade old buds after you confirm fit and battery behavior for a few days.
Bottom line
AirPods 5 put open-ear ANC at $129, with a $149 Wireless Charging Case version that adds stem volume swipe and a stronger single-charge claim (up to five hours with ANC on, per Apple). Preorder now for September 18. For most people replacing aging AirPods, this is the simple Surprise and Shine accessory win.
Image: Apple Newsroom press photo (AirPods 5).
