Apple Opens AirPods 5 Preorders with Standardized Noise Cancellation
The new entry-level earbuds bring Active Noise Cancellation to all models starting at $129.
Apple has officially opened preorders for the AirPods 5 following their reveal at the company's 'Surprise and Shine' event on September 9, 2026. The new lineup marks a significant shift in how Apple distributes premium audio features across its base-model earbuds.
The new series is available in two configurations: a base AirPods 5 model priced at $129 and a version featuring a wireless charging case for $149. In a departure from the AirPods 4, where Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) was reserved for the higher-tier model, Apple has now integrated ANC into both available versions of the AirPods 5. According to company data, the new hardware delivers 50% more ANC power than the previous AirPods 4 ANC model. While preorders began immediately on September 9, official in-store availability is scheduled for September 18.
A Strategic Shift in Audio
The launch of the AirPods 5 was part of a broader hardware refresh, unveiled alongside a new iPhone lineup and the iPhone Duo, Apple's first-ever foldable phone. By making ANC a standard feature across the entire base line, Apple is repositioning its entry-level audio strategy. Previously, users had to pay a premium or move to the AirPods Pro line to access noise-canceling technology in an open-ear form factor.
Market Implications
This move significantly increases the value proposition of Apple's entry-level audio products. By lowering the barrier to entry for ANC and maintaining aggressive pricing, Apple is positioning itself to compete more effectively in the open-ear ANC market. This strategy likely aims to capture a larger share of users who desire noise reduction but are unwilling to pay for the full Pro suite or prefer the fit of open-ear buds over silicone tips.
What to Watch
As the September 18 release date approaches, the industry will be watching for real-world performance benchmarks to see if the promised 50% increase in ANC power translates to a noticeable difference in noisy environments. While the core pricing and feature set are confirmed, the long-term impact on the sales of the higher-end AirPods Pro remains to be seen as the gap between the base and pro models narrows.