Apple AirPods 5 Launch: 50% Better Noise Cancellation, Lower Prices

By Huzaifa Zahoor

September 11, 2026

01:12 AM

3 min read

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Key Points

AirPods 5 offer 50% more noise cancellation than AirPods 4.

Base model costs $129, down from $179 for AirPods 4 with ANC.

Both models include active noise cancellation as standard feature.

Available for preorder now, launching September 18 globally.

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Apple launched the AirPods 5 on Wednesday, delivering a rare price cut in the accessory market. The new earbuds pack 50% more active noise cancellation than the AirPods 4, with both models now featuring ANC as standard. The base model costs $129, matching the non-ANC AirPods 4 price, while the premium variant with wireless charging drops to $149, a $30 savings. In India, pricing starts at ₹14,900. Preorders opened September 9, with full availability September 18.

Why Apple cut AirPods prices while raising iPhone costs

Apple raised iPhone 18 Pro prices by $100 at the same event, yet slashed AirPods pricing. The AirPods 5 base model at $129 matches the non-ANC AirPods 4, while the $149 premium version undercuts the AirPods 4 with ANC by $30. This strategy signals Apple is defending its wireless earbud market share against competitors while absorbing margin pressure from manufacturing costs that have risen across the accessory line.

What’s new in the AirPods 5

The AirPods 5 feature 50% more active noise cancellation than the AirPods 4, powered by a redesigned acoustic architecture and next-generation Adaptive EQ. Both models now include ANC as standard, a shift from the previous generation. The premium $149 model adds a wireless charging case, force sensor with volume swiping, and extended battery life: up to 5 hours per charge with ANC versus 4 hours on the base model. Both support Siri AI with personal context understanding and Live Translation.

Battery life and availability in India

The base AirPods 5 deliver 4 hours of battery with ANC enabled, plus 20 hours via the charging case. The premium model extends to 5 hours per charge and 22 hours total. In India, pricing starts at ₹14,900 for the standard model and ₹17,900 for the wireless charging variant. Preorders began September 9 globally, with official release on Friday, September 18.

What this means for Apple stock

Meyka rates AAPL a B with a 12-month forecast of $346.41, above the current $325.83 price. The analyst consensus is neutral, with 25 buy ratings, 10 holds, and 8 sells. The price cut on AirPods signals Apple is willing to compress accessory margins to drive volume and ecosystem lock-in, a trade-off that could support Services revenue long-term but pressures near-term accessory profitability.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s AirPods 5 undercut predecessor pricing while doubling down on noise cancellation, a rare move that prioritizes market share over margin. With Meyka’s B grade and $346.41 forecast, the stock reflects investor caution on valuation despite strong product momentum.

FAQs

How much better is AirPods 5 noise cancellation?

The AirPods 5 deliver 50% more active noise cancellation than the AirPods 4, using a redesigned acoustic architecture and upgraded Adaptive EQ technology.

Why are AirPods 5 cheaper than AirPods 4?

Apple cut prices to defend market share while raising iPhone costs. The $129 base model matches the non-ANC AirPods 4, and the $149 premium version costs $30 less than the AirPods 4 with ANC.

When can I buy AirPods 5 in India?

Preorders opened September 9. The AirPods 5 launch on September 18, priced at ₹14,900 for the base model and ₹17,900 for the wireless charging version.

Do both AirPods 5 models include noise cancellation?

Yes. Both the $129 and $149 models feature active noise cancellation as standard, a shift from the previous generation where ANC was optional.

Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.

About Author

Huzaifa Zahoor

Co Founder

Huzaifa Zahoor is the engineer who built Meyka. He has spent years writing Python, training AI models, and building data pipelines specifically for financial markets. His technical articles have reached over 30,000 readers on Medium, so he knows how to make complex things easy to follow. If this article touches on how the tools work, he is the person who actually built them.