Apple has introduced the AirPods 5, positioning them as a new open-ear option with what the company claims is the industry's best active noise cancellation in an open-ear design. The new AirPods start at $129, while the version with a wireless charging case costs $149.
The announcement comes alongside Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro lineup, giving the company another major hardware product for its 2026 lineup.
How much do the AirPods 5 cost?
Apple has announced two pricing options for the AirPods 5:
| AirPods 5 version | Price |
|---|---|
| AirPods 5 | $129 |
| AirPods 5 with wireless charging case | $149 |
The $20 difference gives buyers the option of upgrading to a wireless charging case, which could be useful for people who already use wireless charging regularly.
Apple's US pricing should not be directly converted into an Indian launch price because local taxes, duties and Apple's regional pricing strategy can affect the final amount.
What is special about the AirPods 5 design?
The biggest talking point is the open-ear design.
Unlike traditional in-ear earbuds that create a seal inside the ear canal, open-ear designs allow users to remain more aware of their surroundings. This can be appealing when listening to audio while walking, commuting or working in environments where hearing ambient sounds is useful.
Apple is combining that design with ANC, which is particularly notable because active noise cancellation is traditionally associated with sealed earbuds or headphones.
Do AirPods 5 have active noise cancellation?
Yes. Apple says the AirPods 5 offer the best active noise cancellation in an open-ear design in the industry.
This is one of the most significant claims attached to the new earbuds. The combination of an open-ear design and ANC could make the AirPods 5 an interesting option for people who don't like the plugged-in feeling of conventional in-ear earbuds.
Apple's claim should be understood as the company's positioning of the product rather than an independently verified industry ranking.
Is the AirPods 5 wireless charging case worth buying?
The AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case cost $149, compared with $129 for the standard version.
For users who already have a wireless charging setup, the additional $20 may make the upgraded version more convenient. However, whether it is worth paying extra will depend on how frequently the charging case is used and what charging accessories the buyer already owns.
What else did Apple announce at the event?
The AirPods 5 launch came during a broader Apple event focused heavily on the new iPhone 18 Pro generation.
Apple introduced several iPhone 18 Pro camera and display changes, including Pro Controls in the Camera app, a smaller Dynamic Island and a new variable aperture system.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max also received an improved vapor chamber designed to help manage heat during demanding workloads.
What is new about the iPhone 18 Pro camera?
Apple has added Pro Controls to the Camera app, giving users greater control over camera settings while shooting.
The iPhone 18 Pro also introduces a variable aperture, allowing the camera to control how much light enters through the lens.
Together, these features suggest Apple is giving the Pro models more manual and photographic control, rather than relying entirely on automatic computational photography.
How much do the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cost?
Apple has increased the starting prices of both new Pro models.
| Model | Storage | Starting US price |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | 256GB | $1,199 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 256GB | $1,299 |
Apple has also introduced leasing options for the new iPhones, giving buyers another way to spread out the cost rather than paying the full price upfront.
What is new about the iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island?
The iPhone 18 Pro gets a smaller Dynamic Island.
Apple says the redesigned Dynamic Island can display up to three Live Activities at the same time, potentially making it more useful for people who regularly track multiple ongoing activities.
The smaller design also means Apple is reducing the visual footprint of the interface area while expanding what it can display.
FAQs
How much are AirPods 5?
The AirPods 5 start at $129 in the US. A version with a wireless charging case costs $149.
Do AirPods 5 have ANC?
Yes. Apple says the AirPods 5 offer the industry's best ANC in an open-ear design.
Are AirPods 5 open-ear?
Yes. Apple has specifically positioned the AirPods 5 around an open-ear design.
How much does the iPhone 18 Pro cost?
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 for 256GB in the US, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 for 256GB.