Apple AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 launched; India price starts at Rs. 14,900 with Wireless Charging Case, ANC, Live Translation

Apple has launched its latest open-ear AirPods model, AirPods 5 in the Global Market, including India, with an additional wireless charging case. It brings Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), upgraded acoustics, Adaptive EQ, and new Apple Intelligence-powered features.

AirPods 5

The AirPods 5 feature a newly developed multiport acoustic architecture along with next-generation Adaptive EQ. Their open-ear ANC is claimed to reduce external noise by up to 50 percent more than the AirPods 4 with ANC, supported by improved computational audio algorithms.

Other audio enhancements include improved Transparency mode for voices and surrounding sounds, Adaptive Audio that automatically balances Transparency mode and ANC according to the environment, and Conversation Awareness, which reduces media volume when the user begins speaking.

The earbuds also support Personalized Spatial Audio and offer improved resistance to dust, sweat, and water.

Apple has redesigned the acoustic architecture and Adaptive EQ specifically for the AirPods 5. The company says the new system delivers richer and more detailed audio across a broader range of ear shapes and geometries.

Apple Intelligence and Siri AI

For users with an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, AirPods 5 offer hands-free access to Siri AI. Siri can use personal context from messages, emails, photos, and other content, carry out actions within supported apps, and answer questions using broader general knowledge.

For example, users can ask Siri to play a song recommended by a friend in a message or provide directions to a restaurant reservation mentioned in an email confirmation.

Siri AI also introduces customizable expressive voices and improved Dictation, along with support for apps such as WhatsApp and Audible. Siri Interactions allow users to respond without speaking by using head gestures, including nodding for “yes” or shaking the head for “no.”

Live Translation

AirPods 5 also support Live Translation through Apple Intelligence, allowing users to translate conversations between supported languages. After downloading the required languages through the Translate app, users can activate the feature by pressing both AirPods stems simultaneously, saying “Siri, start Live Translation,” or using the Action button on a compatible iPhone.

The translated conversation can then be heard in the user's preferred language. Live Translation combines ANC with computational audio and is available across the AirPods lineup.

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case introduce a force sensor with volume swipe controls, allowing users to adjust the volume by swiping up or down on the stem. Apple says this marks the first time volume swipe functionality has been offered on its open-ear AirPods.

Battery and charging features include:

• Up to 5 hours of playback with ANC enabled on a single charge
• One additional hour of battery life compared with AirPods 4 with ANC
• Up to 22 hours of listening time with ANC using the charging case
• Charging support for Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers, and USB-C

Sustainability

AirPods 5 contain 40 percent recycled material overall. The Wireless Charging Case uses 70 percent recycled plastic, while the battery incorporates 100 percent recycled cobalt.

Apple says 35 percent renewable energy, including wind and solar power, is used across its supply chain. The earbuds are designed to meet the company's energy-efficiency and safe-chemistry standards, while the packaging uses 100 percent fiber-based materials that can be recycled at home.

The AirPods 5 are also part of Apple's broader effort to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire footprint by 2030.

Quick Specs

AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case -

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders for AirPods 5 are now open in India, the U.S., and more than 65 additional countries and regions. Sales will begin on September 18.

AirPods 5 Prices are -

• AirPods 5 - Rs. 14,900
• AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case - Rs. 17,900

Full feature functionality requires a compatible Apple device running the latest operating system software.

• Apple Intelligence: Available with iOS 27 from September 14 on supported devices and languages
• Siri AI: Beta available from September 14 in English, with French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish support arriving in October
• Live Translation: Requires compatible Apple devices and AirPods running the latest software and firmware, with Apple Intelligence enabled
• Availability: Certain features may not be available in all languages or regions

AppleCare+ is available for AirPods 5 in supported markets, offering coverage for accidental damage, theft and loss on eligible products, battery replacement service, and priority assistance from Apple Experts. AppleCare One provides coverage for multiple products in supported markets, while AppleCare One Family in the U.S. extends coverage to eligible devices within an Apple Family Sharing group for a single monthly fee.