Apple's AirPods 5 Bring Active Noise Cancellation to the $129 Tier

Apple has opened preorders for its AirPods 5, which are scheduled to reach shelves on September 18, according to The Verge. The new earbuds come in two configurations, mirroring the previous generation's structure but shifting the feature set.

The standard model is priced at $129 and, for the first time in that tier, includes active noise cancellation. That capability had previously been limited to the more expensive $179 AirPods 4 with ANC. The upgraded version costs $149 and adds a wireless charging case, longer battery life, and touch controls on the earbud stem for adjusting volume without reaching for a phone.

Both variants are available for preorder from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Apple. The September 18 launch date coincides with the release of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, as well as the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

The Verge notes that it is still working on a review of the AirPods 5 and offers preorder links for readers who wish to buy before those impressions are published. Vox Media, which owns The Verge, may earn a commission from purchases made through links in its coverage.

The move marks a notable repositioning of active noise cancellation from a premium add-on to a baseline feature in Apple's lower-cost earbud line. Until now, buyers wanting ANC in Apple's non-Pro earbuds had to step up to the $179 model. By bringing it to the $129 tier, Apple narrows the functional gap between its entry-level and mid-tier audio products.

Competitors in the wireless earbud market have increasingly offered noise cancellation at various price points, and Apple's decision could put pressure on rivals to match the feature at or below the $129 mark. For users, the change may make ANC more accessible, particularly for those who previously considered it a luxury rather than a standard expectation. The upgraded $149 model introduces additional conveniences—wireless charging and on-stem volume control—that further distinguish the higher tier.

The timing of the launch alongside new iPhones and Apple Watches suggests Apple is coordinating its fall hardware releases to capture attention across multiple product categories simultaneously. That strategy could benefit the AirPods 5 by associating them with the broader Apple ecosystem refresh, though it also means the earbuds will share the spotlight with more prominent devices.

For developers, the touch controls on the upgraded model and the continued reliance on Apple's audio frameworks may present integration opportunities, though the source material does not detail any new software features or APIs. The focus appears to be on hardware refinements rather than platform-level changes.

Apple's pricing strategy—keeping the standard model at $129 while adding ANC—could signal a broader effort to defend its share of the earbud market against lower-cost alternatives. Whether that translates into stronger sales will depend on performance and user reception, which The Verge's forthcoming review may clarify.

For now, the key facts are clear: two models, $129 and $149, ANC in both, preorders open, and a September 18 release date. Buyers can secure a pair from major retailers ahead of launch.