Apple has just concluded its “Surprise and Shine” event, where it unveiled its latest iPhone Duo, iPhone Pros, Apple Watches, and AirPods. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the company’s new TWS earbuds, the AirPods 5. As the name suggests, these are the successors to the entry-level AirPods 4 that debuted back in 2024.
Like their predecessors, the AirPods 5 are available in two variants: a standard model and one that comes with a Wireless Charging Case. Unlike the AirPods 4, however, both models now feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), making the feature available across the entire lineup.
On that note, when it comes to ANC, the company claims that the AirPods 5 can block up to 50% more external noise compared to the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. The new earbuds also feature a multiport acoustic architecture and updated Adaptive EQ, which Apple says delivers a better and more immersive listening experience. According to the press release, this also makes Personalised Spatial Audio feel “more immersive and dynamic”, while giving users the impression that they are surrounded by whatever they are listening to.
The company has also introduced an improved Transparency mode, which it says makes nearby voices and ambient sounds feel more natural. Meanwhile, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers media volume when it detects the user speaking. The AirPods 5 also support Live Translation, although this requires them to be paired with a compatible iPhone with Apple Intelligence enabled.
The AirPods 5 received a modest bump in battery life. Apple says that, thanks to a redesigned battery, the earbuds can offer up to five hours of listening time on a single charge with ANC enabled. This is an hour longer than the AirPods 4 with ANC. With the charging case, users can get up to 22 hours of total listening time with ANC enabled.
Naturally, the Wireless Charging Case variant supports charging via an Apple Watch charger, a Qi-compatible charger, or a USB-C cable. It’s also worth noting that the earbuds bundled with the Wireless Charging Case variant feature a force sensor, which allows users to quickly adjust the volume by swiping up or down on the stem.
Much like the rest of Apple’s product range, the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case will be available for pre-order starting 11 September. They will hit stores the following week, on 18 September. The two variants are priced at RM599 and RM699, respectively.
(Source: Apple newsroom)
