Apple AirPods 5 Launched With Best in Class Open Ear Active Noise Cancellation
Apple has revealed the AirPods 5 one of the biggest upgrades to the company’s open-ear AirPods lineup. The new wireless earbuds feature an open-ear design, with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), better sound quality, Siri AI, Live Translation and improved durability.
The biggest highlight is the new noise cancellation system. Apple says **AirPods 5 use an open-ear design with industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation**, with up to 1.5x the noise cancellation of AirPods 4 with ANC.
The launch is particularly interesting for Indian buyers as AirPods 5 have been officially listed on Apple’s India website. The standard model starts at **₹14,900** and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case at **₹17,900**. It will go on sale in India from September 18.
But is the new AirPods 5 worth the buy?
What's different from the previous generation? "HOW GOOD IS THE ANC? So which version should Indian users go for?
Let's get a closer look.
Apple AirPods 5: What’s new?
The new AirPods 5 are expected to bring more features, without adopting the in-ear design of AirPods Pro.Rather, Apple has concentrated on improving the traditional open-ear form factor.
The result is a pair of earbuds that fit in the ear without silicone ear tips and still provide Active Noise Cancellation. This is great for people who find traditional in-ear earbuds uncomfortable after a while.
Apple also re-designed the acoustic architecture. The new **multiport acoustic architecture** with next-generation Adaptive EQ and computational audio are designed to deliver a richer, more detailed sound.
In addition, AirPods 5 has a lot of smart features that make them more useful than just listening to music.
They are as follows:
* Active Noise Cancellation
* Adaptive Audio
* Transparency mode
Awareness of conversation
3D spatial audio, personalised
* Siri Intelligence
* Live Translation
H2 chip
* IP57 dust, sweat and water-proof
* Charging via USB-C
* Wireless Charging Case (optional)
AirPods 5 Cost in India
Price will be one of the biggest considerations for Indian customers, of course.
Apple has listed two variants of AirPods 5 in India.
AirPods 5 — Rs 14,900
The regular AirPods 5 was priced at **₹14,900** in India.
The latter also brings Active Noise Cancellation and a USB-C charging case. Apple says you can get up to four hours of listening time on a single charge, with ANC on.
AirPods 5 (Wireless Charging Case) – Rs 17,900
The second option will set you back ** ₹ 17,900.
For an extra ₹3,000 you get a Wireless Charging Case, more battery life, and stem-based volume controls. The case also works with a compatible Apple Watch charger and Qi-certified chargers.
The second version may be more convenient for Indian buyers already in Apple’s ecosystem.
Airpods 5 Active Noise Cancellation How Does It Work
Active Noise Cancellation is unquestionably the biggest reason to buy AirPods 5.
Traditional open-ear earbuds have one limitation. Unlike in-ear earbuds, they don’t seal off the ear canal, so outside noise is hard to block out.
Apple’s trying to change that with the AirPods 5.
The company claims that the redesigned acoustic architecture and enhanced computational audio algorithms allow the new model to cancel **up to 50% more outside noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
That makes the AirPods 5 especially interesting for people who don’t like silicone ear tips but want noise cancellation.
Why Open-Ear ANC Matters
An open-ear design helps users feel more naturally connected to their surroundings.
You can listen to music and still feel less alone than if you used fully sealed earbuds.
This can be helpful in your daily activities such as commuting, working, walking or relaxing at home.
However, users should be aware of how open-ear ANC differs from the noise isolation you get from sealed in-ear headphones.
The Transparency Mode is more natural
The AirPods 5 are not just made for blocking sound.
Apple has also enhanced Transparency mode.
When Transparency mode is turned on, outside sounds and voices can be heard. Apple says the new mode makes nearby sounds more naturally represented.
Good for when you want to listen to someone without taking your earbuds out.
If you are in an office and someone starts talking to you, you can still be aware of the conversation.
Likewise, commuters can become more aware of their surroundings.
Adaptive Audio: Noise Control That Adjusts Automatically
Another handy feature is Adaptive Audio.
Instead of having to switch manually between ANC and Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio blends the two depending on the surrounding environment.
Simply put, AirPods 5 will be able to manage how much of the outside world you hear as you move between environments.
This can make everyday listening more convenient as you don’t have to manually change modes each time your environment changes.
What’s The Talk About?
AirPods 5 also come with Conversation Awareness.
It knows when you start talking and automatically lowers the volume on your media.
After the conversation is finished, the volume of the audio can be restored to its previous level.
This is a small feature, but it can be very handy.
Imagine working in a café, listening to music? If a colleague asks you something, you don’t need to physically take your AirPods out or manually pause the music.
The earbuds can help make that interaction more seamless.”
AirPods 5 Audio Performance
Apple has redesigned the acoustic system for the AirPods 5.
The new multiport acoustic architecture works with next-gen Adaptive EQ to produce richer, more detailed sound.
That’s where Adaptive EQ comes in. It’s particularly helpful because it automatically adjusts the sound depending on how the earbuds fit and how you’re listening.
Therefore, for the average user, the AirPods 5 are tuned to deliver a well-rounded listening experience for all types of content.
You may use them to:
Music
* Podcast
* YouTube clips
* Virtual meetings
* Calls
* Audio Books
Gaming
*streaming content
So the AirPods 5 is being pitched as a generalist pair of wireless earbuds, not a product for music lovers only.
AirPods 5 Will Have H2 Chip
Apple has loaded AirPods 5 with its H2 chip.
The chip powers a few of the earbuds' smart features like advanced audio processing, noise cancelling and Siri interactions. Voice Isolation, Hey Siri, Siri Interactions, are among the features listed on Apple's India product page.
Real-time processing is the key to the AirPods experience, and the H2 chip is key to that.
The earbuds are able to process and adjust audio intelligently, not just relying on the phone.
This means you can run features like ANC and Adaptive Audio all the time when you’re using the earbuds.
Siri AI is coming to AirPods 5
Apple is also bringing its newer AI-powered Siri experience to AirPods 5.
With a compatible iPhone and supported software, you can use Siri hands-free.
Apple says users can even respond to Siri with **head gestures**, which adds yet another way of interacting with the assistant without touching the phone.
This can be very useful when you are cooking, exercising or carrying something with your hands.
Siri AI availability is dependent on compatible Apple devices, software versions, languages and regions.
Therefore, Indian users should verify the availability of Apple’s features before buying specifically for AI features.
Live Translation on AirPods 5
Of the more interesting additions is **Live Translation**.
This feature is meant to help users communicate across languages when used with compatible Apple devices and supported software. Apple says availability varies by language and geography.
This can be useful for travellers, international students, professionals and people who regularly communicate with speakers of different languages.
Nonetheless, Live Translation is not a substitute for professional translation in serious circumstances.
The usefulness will also depend on the languages supported and regional availability.
Battery Life for AirPods 5
Another area to pay attention to when choosing a model is the battery life.
The regular AirPods 5 offers up to **four hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on** on a single charge.
The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case provide **up to five hours of listening with ANC turned on** on a single charge.
The Wireless Charging Case gives you even more time to power up during the day.
This should be enough for the majority of users for commuting, office work, workouts and regular entertainment.
But heavy users might want to go with the Wireless Charging Case, because it’s more convenient and has longer individual listening time.
AirPods 5 Robustness
The new earbuds are also more durable, according to Apple.
AirPods 5 are **dust, sweat and water resistant with an IP57 rating**.
This is useful for people who use their ear buds during workout or outdoor activity.
But an IP rating doesn’t mean the earbuds should be submerged or exposed to water unnecessarily.
The rating just means better protection against everyday exposure to dust, sweat and water.
AirPods 5 Charging Box
Two charging-case options are available.
The standard model includes a USB-C charging case.
The pricier version includes a Wireless Charging Case that can also be used with a compatible Apple Watch charger, as well as Qi chargers. It also includes a Find My speaker.
This makes the ₹17,900 version especially interesting for those who already own several devices from Apple.
If you already wirelessly charge your Apple Watch, an additional charging option that fits with your everyday setup can be a game changer.
AirPods 5 & Apple Watch: How They Work Together
Those shopping for the Apple Watch latest Apple Watch or latest series of Apple Watch might also wonder where AirPods 5 sit in the Apple ecosystem.
The AirPods 5 are fine-tuned to work well with Apple devices, such as compatible iPhones and Apple Watch models.
For example, Apple Watch users can listen to music, podcasts and other audio without having to reach for their iPhone all the time.
This makes AirPods 5 a natural partner for people who already use an Apple Watch.
But it’s worth remembering that the Apple Watch price, features and compatibility vary by model and generation.
If you are looking for the **Apple Watch price in India**, that is a different product category than AirPods 5. Buyers should check out the latest Apple Watch models on their own, not as part of the AirPods launch.
AirPods 5 vs AirPods 4 With Noise Cancelling
The biggest improvement is improved noise cancellation.
Apple says AirPods 5 provides up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation.
The new model also benefits from improvements to its acoustic architecture, AI capabilities and durability.
Advantages of AirPods 5
* Improved ANC
* Open ear design
* H2 chip
* Live Translation
Siri AI
* Adaptive EQ Enhancement
* IP57 rated
* Spatial Audio Personalised
* New acoustic design
If you already own AirPods 4 with ANC, whether you should upgrade will depend on how much you value better ANC, durability and the newer AI-related features.
For users with older AirPods, though the upgrade may feel much more substantial.
AirPods 5 Versus AirPods Pro
Apple’s premium in-ear offering remains AirPods Pro.
It's the design that's different.
The AirPods 5 have an open-ear design, while AirPods Pro use silicone ear tips to create a more sealed fit.
Apple India is selling the AirPods Pro 3 for ₹27,900, while the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case are priced at ₹14,900 and ₹17,900 respectively.
So it all boils down to what you care about.
If you want, go for AirPods 5:
* Ear open fit
* Cheaper
ANC no silicone tips
* Daily comfort
* The newest smart features from Apple
If you prefer, choose AirPods Pro:
* In-ear sealed fit
*Improved noise isolation
* Premium audio features (optional)
* ANC performance is top notch
Should You Buy AirPods 5 in India?
For many Indian users, it might be.
The AirPods 5, which start at ₹14,900, are cheaper than Apple’s Pro earbuds but still have Active Noise Cancellation.
That is probably the biggest difference.
ANC has typically meant paying more money or settling for an in-ear type until now. AirPods 5 adds ANC to Apple’s budget open-ear lineup. Apple calls them the most affordable way to get a couple of its advanced AirPods features.
But that depends on what you want.
AirPods 5 are a good buy if you:
*Prefer open-ear earbuds
Silicone tips suck
Want A.N.C.
* Own an iPhone
* Wish for Siri AI features
* Travel often
* Live Translation Needed
Already using Apple products
* Includes Spatial Audio
You might want AirPods Pro if you:
* Need maximum noise isolation
* Preferred in-ear fit
* Need more powerful ANC
* Desire the ultimate Apple earbud experience
Which AirPods 5 Should You Get?
Indian consumers have a fairly simple choice.
If you purchase AirPods 5 for ₹14,900
You want the AirPods 5 experience and don't require wireless charging.
If you want to get ANC, the H2 chip and Apple’s latest audio features for less, this is the better choice.4
If you buy AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case at Rs. 17,900:
Using wireless charging on a regular basis or want longer battery life.
Furthermore, the extra ₹3,000 gets you the convenience of charging options and volume control via the stem.
In the long run, this version may be more convenient for users within the Apple ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airpods 5 Price in India
AirPods 5 price in India starts from ₹14,900. The Wireless Charging Case variant is priced at ₹17,900.
When will AirPods 5 come out in India?
Apple has announced that the AirPods 5 will be released in India on **September 18, 2026**.
Do AirPods 5 have Active Noise Cancellation?
Yup. Both AirPods 5 models include Active Noise Cancellation. Apple says they provide up to 1.5x more ANC than AirPods 4 with ANC.
Are AirPods 5 open-ear earbuds?
Yes. AirPods 5 have an open-ear design, unlike the silicone-tip design of AirPods Pro.
Are AirPods 5 Water-Resistant?
The AirPods 5 are rated **IP57 for sweat, dust and water resistance**. However, users should not intentionally immerse or expose them to unnecessary water.
How long does the AirPods 5 battery last?
Standard AirPods 5 offer up to four hours of listening with ANC on a single charge. The Wireless Charging Case model has up to five hours with ANC on a single charge.
Does AirPods 5 support Siri AI?
Yes! The AirPods 5 offer Siri AI capabilities when used with compatible Apple devices and software.
Do AirPods 5 Support Live Translation?
Yeah. Live Translation is compatible with supported Apple devices but is dependent on supported languages, software, and regions.
Will Apple Watch Connect To Airpods 5?
AirPods 5 are designed to work with the Apple ecosystem, including compatible Apple Watch devices. They can come in handy when you’re listening to music and other audio directly through the Apple Watch.
What is the price of Apple Watch in India?
The Apple Watch price in India varies with the model, size, connectivity option and configuration. The price of AirPods 5 is not equal to the price of Apple Watch.
Final Judgement
Now that Apple has added Active Noise Cancellation to its open-ear design, the AirPods 5 is a much more interesting product.
The new earbuds have a strong feature set with the improved ANC, redesigned acoustics, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, H2 processing, Siri AI and Live Translation.
With a starting price of ₹14,900 the AirPods 5 are a more affordable entry point into Apple’s ANC-enabled AirPods lineup for buyers in India. If you want the convenience of charging and longer battery life then you might want to consider the ₹17,900 Wireless Charging Case version.
Most importantly, the AirPods 5 aren’t just an incremental update. Their open-ear ANC approach addresses a real pain point for people who want noise cancellation but hate the sealed-in feel of in-ear earbuds.
If you already own an iPhone, Apple Watch or other Apple devices and like the idea of an open-ear fit, the AirPods 5 could be one of Apple’s most useful new accessories.
If you want the best possible ANC and maximum isolation, AirPods Pro are still the better choice. However, for everyday Indian users looking for comfort, smart features and ANC at a lower price, AirPods 5 are a compelling new option.