Apple Announces AirPods 5 With Upgraded Open-Ear Noise Cancellation

Apple announced AirPods 5 on 9 September 2026, bringing active noise cancellation to both versions of its new open-ear earbuds.

The announcement puts the focus on noise reduction without moving to the sealed fit of an in-ear design.

What Apple says has improved

In its official announcement, Apple says the new acoustic design removes up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. That is a manufacturer claim, not a result from our own testing.

Two versions, different extras

The wireless-charging-case version adds swipe-based volume control on the stems. Apple rates that version for up to five hours of listening with noise cancellation enabled, or 22 hours including the case.

What to check before buying

Both versions support Live Translation, but compatible hardware, software and language support matter. Check those requirements before treating translation as the reason to upgrade.

For Nigerian buyers, this announcement does not establish a local retail price. Confirm which version a seller is offering before comparing quotes.