SNACK in 3 lines
- ANC included on both open-ear models, starting at $129
- $149 model adds wireless charging, a Find My case speaker, volume swipe and longer ANC battery life
- Announced September 9; Korean preorders open, with sales beginning September 18
Snackgirls react
AIKO Open-ear ANC is the interesting system problem: no sealing silicone tip, yet both models share H2 and the same computational-audio features. The upgrade tier can stay focused on its case, controls and runtime.
Nea The non-sealing fit is the first fork for me. After that, I'd have to decide whether wireless charging, volume swipe and one extra claimed ANC hour feel worth the $20 step.
AirPods 5 brings active noise cancellation to the $129 base model, so Apple’s two-model open-ear lineup starts with ANC already included. The $149 version puts the price difference into its charging case, on-stem volume control and longer rated battery life. Apple announced the lineup on September 9, 2026; preorders are open in Korea, with retail sales beginning September 18.
What changes for the extra $20
Both versions use the H2 headphone chip and Bluetooth 5.3, with Transparency, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, next-generation Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio alongside ANC. Both are also rated IP57 for dust, sweat and water resistance. The base AirPods 5 comes with a USB-C charging case and is rated for up to four hours per charge or 20 hours with the case when ANC is enabled.
The $149 version adds Apple Watch and Qi wireless charging, a speaker in the case for Find My, and volume swipes on the stem. Its ANC ratings rise to five hours per charge and 22 hours with the case. Either model provides around one hour of battery life after five minutes in its case.
Open-ear ANC still needs real-world testing
Neither version seals the ear canal with silicone ear tips. Apple says its redesigned multiport acoustic architecture and computational audio remove up to 50 percent more external noise than AirPods 4 with ANC under Apple’s controlled test conditions. That percentage is not an independent measure of real-world isolation. ANC, fit, microphone, sound quality and battery performance still need independent testing.
Fit and ecosystem shape the choice
AirPods 5 can work as Bluetooth headphones with older Apple software and non-Apple devices, though some functions may be limited; full features require current Apple operating systems. Live Translation also depends on compatible Apple hardware, current software and AirPods firmware, Apple Intelligence, and support for the relevant language and region.
Listeners who prefer the non-sealing AirPods fit can now get ANC without moving to the $149 version. Those who need stronger physical isolation or longer battery life have reason to wait for independent testing and compare sealed alternatives before choosing.
Sources and checked date: September 10, 2026 (KST)
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