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Apple Cuts AirPods 5 Price to $149, Adds Controls

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 6:18 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Apple launches AirPods 5 in the United States, pricing the $149 model $30 lower than AirPods 4 with ANC.
Apple says AirPods 5 noise cancellation removes up to 50% more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC.
The $149 AirPods 5 add swipe volume controls on the stem, a first for non-Pro AirPods.
The wireless-charging case works with Qi and Apple Watch chargers and adds an extra hour of listening time.

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Story summary

Apple launches AirPods 5 in the United States, pricing the $149 model $30 lower than AirPods 4 with ANC.
Apple says AirPods 5 noise cancellation removes up to 50% more noise than AirPods 4 with ANC.
The $149 AirPods 5 add swipe volume controls on the stem, a first for non-Pro AirPods.
The wireless-charging case works with Qi and Apple Watch chargers and adds an extra hour of listening time.