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Apple launches AirPods 5 in India with ANC across both variants
New earbuds start at Rs 14,900, with up to 50 per cent more noise reduction
MUMBAI: Apple is turning the volume down on the outside world, bringing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to both variants of its new AirPods 5 in India.
The new lineup starts at Rs 14,900, while the version with a Wireless Charging Case is priced at Rs 17,900. Pre-orders open today, with both models set to hit retail shelves on September 18.
The headline upgrade is noise control. Apple says AirPods 5 can reduce up to 50 per cent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC, helped by redesigned multiport acoustic architecture and upgraded computational audio.
The open-ear design also gets an updated Transparency mode, which is intended to make voices and nearby sounds feel more natural. Adaptive Audio automatically balances ANC and Transparency mode depending on the surroundings, while Conversation Awareness lowers media volume when the wearer starts speaking.
Sound gets an overhaul too, with next-generation Adaptive EQ designed to maintain consistent audio across different ear shapes. Personalised Spatial Audio is included, while resistance to dust, sweat and water has also been improved.
The Rs 17,900 model adds a force sensor and swipe-based volume controls on the stem. Apple says it is the first time its open-ear AirPods have offered volume adjustment through a swipe on the stem.
Battery life gets a bump as well. The higher-priced model offers up to five hours of listening with ANC enabled — one hour more than AirPods 4 with ANC. With the charging case, total listening time rises to up to 22 hours.
The case can be charged via USB-C, an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-compatible charger, giving users more than one way to top up.
Apple is also weaving its AI features deeper into the earbuds. When paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, users can access Siri AI hands-free and pull information from apps including Messages, Mail and Photos.
Siri can also respond to head gestures, including nodding or shaking the head. Live Translation can be activated by pressing both AirPods stems, using Siri or through the Action button on the iPhone.
These software features are set to arrive with iOS 27 on September 14. Siri AI will initially be available in beta in English, four days before the AirPods 5 reach stores.
So, while the AirPods 5 may still look like open-ear earbuds, Apple is packing considerably more into what happens between the ears — from quieter commutes and smarter controls to AI-assisted conversations.
