AirPods 5: Noise cancellation now comes on the standard model, from RM599

Alongside its new iPhone lineup, Apple has also refreshed its earbuds with the AirPods 5, its most affordable option. Like the AirPods 4 before it, it features an open-ear design with no silicone tips. However, the biggest upgrade for the price is that Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) now comes as standard.

That’s the main story with the AirPods 5. Where the AirPods 4 made you pay extra for the version with ANC, both AirPods 5 models get it this time, even the cheapest one. Apple is calling it the best ANC in an open-ear design, and says it removes up to 50% more noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC did, thanks to a new multiport acoustic architecture and improved computational audio.

The rest of the audio experience gets some love too. Apple says the AirPods 5 deliver better sound quality overall, and they carry over the smarter listening features from the Pro line, including a more natural Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio that adjusts to your surroundings, and Conversation Awareness that lowers your volume when you start talking to someone.

There’s an AI angle as well, because of course there is. The AirPods 5 support Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence, letting you follow along with a conversation in another language right through your earbuds, as long as you have a compatible iPhone. Apple is also promising longer battery life this time around.

Now for the important bit. The AirPods 5 start at RM599, while the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case will set you back RM699. Pre-orders in Malaysia open on Friday, 11 September, with both models arriving in stores from Friday, 18 September.

What makes that pricing interesting is the value. At RM599, the AirPods 5 costs the same as the entry-level AirPods 4 did at launch, except now you’re getting noise cancellation thrown in, a feature that previously cost you RM829 on the AirPods 4 with ANC. In other words, you’re getting more for the same money, which isn’t something we get to say about Apple gear too often.

One last thing worth noting: those camera-equipped, AI-focused AirPods that have been rumoured for a while aren’t part of this launch, as Apple has reportedly pushed them back to 2027.

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