AirPods 5 Explained: Noise Cancellation, Prices and What You Need
AirPods 5 explained: open-ear noise cancellation, two models at A$219 and A$249, hands-free Siri AI, Live Translation and what you need to use them.
AirPods 5 were released in Australia on Friday 18 September 2026. The main change is that Active Noise Cancellation now comes to Apple’s open-ear AirPods, at the same entry price as AirPods 4. This guide covers what is new, the two models and what you need to use the smart features. It is part of our September 2026 event coverage.
Noise cancellation in an open-ear design
AirPods 5 have an open-ear design, which means they sit in your ear without a tip that seals the ear canal. Apple says the Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 50 per cent more external noise than AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Apple says improved microphones and sound processing help reduce more outside noise.
They also have a more natural Transparency mode, plus Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Sound quality gets next-generation Adaptive EQ, and Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
They are rated IP57 for dust, sweat and water resistance. Each earbud weighs 4.3 grams, and they use the H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3.
Two models and two prices
Apple’s Australian recommended prices include GST.
- AirPods 5, A$2191.
- AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, A$2491.
The A$2491 model adds a force sensor for volume swipe on the stem, so you can swipe up or down to change the volume. Its case charges wirelessly with an Apple Watch charger or a Qi charger, and has a speaker for Find My. Both cases charge by USB-C.
Apple’s battery figures are:
- AirPods 5, up to 4 hours with Active Noise Cancellation on, or 6 hours with it off. The case gives up to 20 hours with Active Noise Cancellation on.
- AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, up to 5 hours with it on, or 7 hours with it off. The case gives up to 22 hours with it on.
Five minutes in the case gives around an hour of use.
Siri AI and Live Translation
With an iPhone, AirPods 5 give you hands-free access to Siri AI. You can respond to Siri with a nod for yes or a shake of your head for no. Siri AI needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later. It is a beta that works in English to start, and Apple says usage limits apply. See our Siri AI guide.
Live Translation lets you hear what someone says in your language through your AirPods. Live Translation needs:
Live Translation needs either AirPods 5 model, an iPhone 15 Pro or later, Apple Intelligence, the Translate app with the required languages downloaded, and current AirPods firmware.
Once the languages are downloaded, Apple says the processing happens on your iPhone and your conversation data stays private.
Which one to buy
Both models share the noise cancellation, the sound features and the IP57 rating. The extra A$301 buys wireless charging, volume swipe, a Find My speaker in the case and an hour more battery with noise cancellation on. If you charge by USB-C and use the volume on your iPhone, the A$2191 model covers the features that change how they sound.
If you plan to use Siri AI and Live Translation, check that your iPhone is on the list first. Our iPhone 18 Pro guide covers the newest models. For help with pairing and setup, contact Your Mac Tech.
1. Prices shown are current as at September 2026.
