Apple announced AirPods 5 on September 10th, Japan time. The new design improves sound quality and active noise canceling performance. Models with wireless charging case can adjust the volume with swipe operations. Pre-orders have already started and will be released on Friday, September 18th. We will also consider whether or not there is a wireless charging case, and which one you should buy.
AirPods 5 has improved sound quality and noise cancellation performance
AirPods 5 improve sound quality with a newly designed acoustic architecture and next-generation adaptive equalization.
The noise canceling performance has improved the ability to remove external noise by 50% compared to AirPods 4, which is equipped with active noise canceling. Apple emphasizes that the noise reduction performance of AirPods 5 is the best in its class as an open-ear type.
The external sound capture function makes it easier to hear surrounding sounds, allowing you to hear more natural sounds.
Adaptive audio automatically adjusts the balance between noise cancellation and external sound input to create the perfect balance.
By combining it with an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, you can smoothly operate live translation and voice instructions to Siri using Siri AI.
Enhanced dustproof and sweatproof and waterproof performance
AirPods 5 has improved dust resistance, sweat resistance, and water resistance.
AirPods 5 has been strengthened from IP54 of AirPods 4 to IP57, the same level as AirPods Pro 3.
Two versions with and without wireless charging case
AirPods 5 will be available in a model with a wireless charging case and a regular model. Pre-orders have already started for both models, and sales will begin on Friday, September 18th.
The sales prices (tax included) for both models are as follows.
- AirPods 5 (without wireless charging case): 23,800 yen
- AirPods 5 (with wireless charging case): 27,800 yen
You can also add your own engraving at the Apple Online Store.
What is the difference between the two models?
In addition to USB-C wired charging, the wireless charging case supports Qi charging and wireless charging using an Apple Watch charger, but the difference is not just in the charging case.
The model with a wireless charging case is equipped with a pressure-sensitive sensor that supports swipe operations, and like AirPods Pro, you can adjust the volume by swiping the shaft part.
Additionally, the model with the wireless charging case has an additional 1 hour of battery life (5 hours) compared to AirPods 4 with active noise canceling.
The differences between both models are as follows.
| AirPods 5 with wireless charging case | AirPods 5 without wireless charging case | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life when using active noise canceling | 5 hours | 4 hours |
| Battery life in combination with charging case | 22 hours | 20 hours |
| charging case | Compatible with USB-C, Qi chargers, and Apple Watch chargers. Supports “Search” function, equipped with speaker |
USB-C charging |
| sensor | Pressure-sensitive sensor that supports volume adjustment by swiping | pressure sensitive sensor |
Which of the two models is better to buy?
The price difference between AirPods 5 with and without a wireless charging case is 4,000 yen.
I have been using the AirPods series since the release of the first generation AirPods, including AirPods 2, AirPods Pro (first generation), second generation, and third generation.
If I were to purchase AirPods 5, I would choose the one that comes with a wireless charging case without hesitation.
The benefits of wireless charging and long battery life are attractive, but even more so is the ease of use, which allows you to adjust the volume with just a swipe, a level of comfort that once you learn it, you won’t be able to go back.
It also supports the “Find” function, so you can’t find your AirPods charging case! There is a sense of security that you can hear the sound from the charging case and find it when you need it.
Source: Apple
Source: iPhone Mania
