Airpods 5 – Apple updates its open-ear style earbuds with improved sound and updated features

“Surprise and Shine”- That was the theme at Apple Park overnight as the world watched to see what innovative devices would be on offer this time around.

New phones, watches and also AirPods were unveiled.

The AirPods 5

For those who prefer an open-ear design when enjoying their favourite music, podcasts or when making calls, the AirPods have long been the earbuds of choice and now they have just been improved.

Through new multiport acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ, Apple promise a more immersive experience. Coupled with their improved noise cancellation (removes up to 50% more external noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC), the new AirPods 5 make a compelling case for an upgrade, especially when you look at the price.

The AirPods 5 with ANC start at only $219 or $249 with the wireless charging case so it gives users an opportunity to experience great sound at a sharp price

“We’re thrilled that with AirPods 5, we’re able to bring Active Noise Cancellation — one of our most beloved features — to our most affordable AirPods,” said Dave Pakula, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering. “Both AirPods 5 models deliver a world-class listening experience and enable features like Live Translation for even more people. Paired with Siri AI, AirPods are a game changer for unlocking powerful hands-free capabilities.”

Other features include the ability to access Siri AI when used with Apple-Intelligence supported phones and live translation comes to the open-ear AirPods for the first time.

Force sensor with volume swipe arrives on AirPods 5, a first for the open-ear form factor, adding the ability to quickly adjust volume by swiping up or down on the stem.

You also receive an extra hour of battery life over the previous models with up to 5 hours use with ANC and up to 22 hours total battery life with the Wireless charging case

Apple also proudly highlighted the green credentials of the new AirPods 5 by stating that aligned with Apple’s plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030. The new AirPods are made with 40 per cent recycled material overall, including 70 per cent recycled plastic in the wireless charging case and 100 per cent recycled cobalt in the battery. They are also manufactured with 35 per cent renewable energy, like wind and solar, across the supply chain and of course all packaging is 100 per cent fibre-based

The AirPods 5 will be available in stores from Friday 18^th September but pre-orders are now open on the Apple website

Trevor Long travelled to the USA as a guest of Apple