Apple no longer charges extra for active noise cancellation on AirPods, integrating it into the $129 AirPods 5 instead of reserving it for the higher-end model.
Apple today announced the AirPods 5. ANC is now standard on the base model rather than being exclusive to its most expensive variant, as was the case with the outgoing AirPods 4, which cost $129 without ANC and $179 with it.
There is still a more expensive version of AirPods 5, called “AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case”. This model starts at $149 and includes a force sensor with swipe volume controls, an extra hour of battery life with ANC enabled, and wireless charging. The AirPods 4 with ANC were priced at $179.
AirPods 5 are available for pre-order starting today, with the $129 and $149 models arriving in stores on Friday, September 18.
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