Apple has officially unveiled its fifth-generation AirPods, making high-end audio features more accessible than ever. The real upgrades this year are hidden beneath the glossy white exterior.
Unlike the previous AirPods 4 lineup where you had to pay RM829 for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the Cupertino company now includes ANC as standard across the entire AirPods 5 range.
Retaining the familiar open-ear design, this latest generation also introduces new hands-free Siri head gestures and real-time Live Translation.
AirPods 5 pricing and availability in Malaysia
If you have been waiting to upgrade your everyday earbuds, mark your calendars. You can place your pre-orders for the new AirPods 5 in Malaysia starting this Friday, 11 September. Both variants will officially hit the shelves the following Friday, 18 September 2026.
The good news? Apple has lowered the barrier to entry for its noise-cancelling earbuds. Here is the official Malaysian pricing breakdown:
- AirPods 5 – RM599
- AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case – RM699
Besides Apple’s official online store, you can also place your pre-orders via the official Apple flagship stores on Lazada and Shopee, as well as through authorised Apple resellers such as Machines and Switch.
Active Noise Cancellation is now standard
For the first time, ANC is a standard feature, even on the base RM599 model. Apple claims the upgraded open-ear ANC technology removes up to 50% more background noise compared to previous iterations.
Both models feature a redesigned multiport acoustic architecture and a next-generation Adaptive EQ to provide richer, more detailed sound across different ear geometries. They also support Adaptive Audio, a smart feature that dynamically blends ANC and Transparency mode based on your surrounding environment, so you never have to manually switch modes when walking from a quiet office onto a busy street.
What you get with the RM699 Wireless Charging Case model
If you are wondering whether to spend the extra RM100, the Wireless Charging Case variant brings several solid quality-of-life hardware upgrades:
- On-stem volume controls: A first for the standard open-ear design, this model features a force sensor that lets you quickly adjust the volume by simply swiping up or down on the stem.
- Extended battery life: A redesigned battery provides up to five hours of listening time with ANC enabled on a single charge. The wireless charging case extends total playback to a massive 22 hours with ANC turned on.
- Multiple charging methods: The upgraded case can be powered via USB-C, Qi-compatible wireless chargers, or an Apple Watch charger. It even has a built-in speaker to help you locate it via the Find My network.
Hands-free Siri gestures and Live Translation
The AirPods 5 also integrate heavily with the new Siri AI in iOS 27. If you are in a quiet office or a crowded train, you can now respond to Siri discreetly using head gestures by simply nodding “yes” or shaking your head “no” when asked if you want to take a call or reply to a text.
Another standout addition is the new Live Translation feature. Powered by Apple Intelligence, it allows you to communicate across different languages seamlessly. You can activate it by pressing both earbud stems simultaneously, saying “Siri, start Live Translation,” or pressing your iPhone’s Action button to hear real-time translations directly through your earbuds.
