Audio · Apple Silicon · 2026
AirPods 5
AirPods 5 bring H2-powered Active Noise Cancellation to Apple’s least expensive open-ear earbuds, with a new acoustic architecture, Adaptive EQ, Live Translation, Siri AI, and IP57 resistance.
Made open-ear Active Noise Cancellation standard across the AirPods 5 line.
AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case (2026)
AirPods 5: key facts
When was the AirPods 5 released?
The AirPods 5 arrived on September 18, 2026.
How much did the AirPods 5 cost?
The AirPods 5 launched at $129 in 2026, about $130 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Apple H2, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C.
Why does the AirPods 5 matter?
Made open-ear Active Noise Cancellation standard across the AirPods 5 line.
Full specifications
| CPU | Apple H2 |
|---|---|
| Cores | — |
| Memory (RAM) | — |
| Storage | — |
| Display | — |
| GPU | — |
| Ports | Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C |
| Weight | 4.3 g each |
| Dimensions | Open-ear earbuds + USB-C charging case |
| Operating system | Driver/firmware support |
| Released | September 18, 2026 |
| Discontinued | — |
| Launch price | $129 |
How the AirPods 5 compares to today
Launched at $129 in 2026, about $130 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple AirPods 5 announcement, Apple AirPods 5 technical specifications, Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
The standard case delivers up to 20 hours with ANC; five minutes in the case adds about an hour of listening.
Related Audio models
Open the AirPods 5 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-09-11