- By Prateek Levi
- Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:40 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Apple has launched the AirPods 5 in India, bringing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), an updated acoustic design and a few new software features to its latest wireless earbuds. Apple says the new model can cut up to 50 percent more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC.
The new AirPods also get an updated version of Adaptive EQ, which is designed to make the sound more consistent for people with different ear shapes. Alongside the audio improvements, Apple has added hands-free Siri AI support and Live Translation, although both features require compatible Apple devices.
AirPods 5 Price In India
There are two versions of the AirPods 5 in India. The standard model costs Rs. 14,900 and comes with a regular charging case. The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case are priced at Rs. 17,900.
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Both versions are available to pre-order, with sales starting September 18. For comparison, the standard model costs $129 in the US, while the version with the Wireless Charging Case is priced at $149.
The more expensive version gets more than just wireless charging. Apple has added a force sensor to its stems, allowing users to change the volume by swiping up or down.
What Has Changed With The AirPods 5
ANC remains one of the biggest additions here. Apple says the AirPods 5 can reduce up to 50 percent more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC. There is also an updated Transparency mode, along with Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.
Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume when the wearer starts talking, so there is no need to manually pause or turn down the music during a conversation.
Apple has also changed the internal acoustic setup. The AirPods 5 use a new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ. The company says this helps produce richer and more detailed audio while working better across different ear shapes.
Personalised Spatial Audio is included as well.
Siri And Live Translation
The AirPods 5 are also tied into Apple's newer AI features. When connected to a compatible iPhone, users can access Siri AI without needing to pick up their phone. Apple also supports simple head gestures for responding to Siri.
Live Translation is another new feature. Once paired with compatible Apple hardware running the required software, the earbuds can play translated conversations directly to the wearer.
There is a catch, though. These features are not available simply because someone owns the new AirPods. Siri AI is rolling out in beta with iOS 27, while Live Translation also requires compatible Apple hardware, software and firmware.
Battery Life And Durability
Apple rates the AirPods 5 for up to five hours of playback with ANC turned on. With the charging case, that figure goes up to 22 hours.
The earbuds have also been given better resistance to dust, sweat and water. Apple says it has used recycled materials in the new models too, including recycled plastic in the Wireless Charging Case and recycled cobalt in the battery.
So, while the AirPods 5 do not completely change Apple's wireless earbud formula, the new ANC improvements, refreshed acoustic system and added AI features make this a fairly substantial update over the previous generation.