Apple’s new AirPods 5 are officially up for preorder, and this year’s update is a bigger deal than the familiar white-earbud design might suggest. The headline feature is active noise cancellation, which is now coming to the regular AirPods lineup rather than being reserved for Apple’s pricier earbuds.
The AirPods 5 are scheduled to launch on September 18th, arriving alongside Apple’s latest iPhone 18 Pro models and the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. If you’re planning to upgrade your earbuds before shipping dates start slipping, preorders are already open at several major retailers.
Where to preorder Apple AirPods 5
You can preorder the standard Apple AirPods 5 now from Apple, Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. If you prefer Amazon’s checkout, shipping options, or return process, use this generic purchase link: Check the current price on Amazon.
Best Buy and Walmart are also carrying the new earbuds, which gives shoppers a few different ways to secure a launch-day pair. Apple’s own online store remains the most direct option, especially if you want to compare AirPods models side by side before buying.
What’s new with Apple AirPods 5?
The biggest upgrade is active noise cancellation on the standard AirPods 5. That feature was previously tied to more expensive AirPods options, so its arrival on the mainline model makes Apple’s everyday earbuds far more competitive for commuting, travel, studying, and office use.
Apple is again offering two AirPods 5 versions. The base model includes active noise cancellation, while the upgraded version adds a wireless charging case, improved battery life, and additional touch-friendly controls. That makes the higher-end AirPods 5 a better pick for anyone who wants a more convenient charging setup or tends to wear earbuds throughout the day.
Should you buy the standard AirPods 5 or the upgraded model?
If you mainly want the lowest-cost entry into Apple’s new AirPods lineup with ANC, the standard AirPods 5 should be the right choice. You still get the most important upgrade this generation: the ability to reduce background noise without stepping up to AirPods Pro.
The upgraded AirPods 5 model is easier to recommend if you already rely on wireless charging at home, at work, or in the car. Longer battery life is also worth considering if your earbuds regularly run low during long flights, back-to-back calls, gym sessions, or extended listening days.
AirPods 5 release date and availability
Apple AirPods 5 officially launch on September 18th, but preorders are live now. Availability may vary by retailer as launch day gets closer, especially if one model proves more popular than the other.
For most iPhone users, AirPods 5 look like the new default earbuds to beat: easy pairing, better noise control, and multiple buying options from major retailers. If you’ve been waiting for Apple to bring active noise cancellation to a more mainstream AirPods model, this is the preorder window to watch.
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Tags: #AirPods5 #AppleAirPods #NoiseCancellingEarbuds #AppleEvent #TechDeals
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