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Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation vs Apple AirPods 5 (USB-C Charging Case)

A

Product A: Apple

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

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B

Product B: Apple

AirPods 5 (USB-C Charging Case)

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Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

BApple AirPods 5 (USB-C Charging Case)

General

5 of 8 differ

Series

AirPods4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 30 September 2026Identify your AirPods exact model subsection. Family name normalized from AirPods / AirPods Pro generation title.

AirPods5Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 30 September 2026Identify your AirPods exact model subsection. Family name normalized from AirPods / AirPods Pro generation title.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

A3055, A3056, A3057, A30594Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 30 September 2026Identify your AirPods: AirPods 4 (ANC) A3056, A3055, A3057. Wireless Charging Case for AirPods 4 (ANC) A3059

A3531, A3532, A3533, A3530, MKFW4LL/A, MKFW4ZM/A5Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 30 September 2026Identify your AirPods: A3531/A3532/A3533 earbuds with A3530 USB-C case. MKFW4 part numbers from US and German store configuration records.6Maker product pageapple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-5Read 30 September 2026Product offers and store configuration records explicitly give MKFW4LL/A for USB-C edition.7Maker product pageapple.com/de/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-5Read 30 September 2026German store configuration record explicitly gives MKFW4ZM/A for USB-C edition.

GTIN / EAN

019594968967329Retailer pagefuture-x.de/Apple-AirPods-4-with-Active-Noise-Cancellation-True-Wireless-Kopfhoerer-mit-Mikrofon/999885569Read 7 October 2026Exact new EU MXP93ZM/A ANC package retailer product header GTIN 0195949689673. Cross-checked equivalent UPC 195949689673 on another new-package retailer. Refurbished/repacked 195949689284, other regional LL/A/D package identifiers and invalid shifted code 1959496896736 are not merged. Maker exact page has no GTIN. One proved EU package code, not asserted worldwide complete list.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

9 September 20242Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 30 September 2026Dated maker launch release header and introductory announcement of exact generation.

9 September 20263Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-introduces-airpods-5-with-best-in-class-open-ear-active-noise-cancellationRead 30 September 2026Dated maker launch release header and introductory announcement of exact generation.

Status

Not available

Available6Maker product pageapple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-5Read 30 September 2026On sale in the Apple Store on the access date

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Apple AirPods 410Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-5-review-163483Read 7 October 2026Review introduction identifies AirPods 5 as the replacement for the entry-level AirPods 4. USB-C reference maps to the standard predecessor.28Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS marks the AirPods 4 as replaced by the AirPods 5.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$1792Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 30 September 2026$179 (U.S.)

$1293Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-introduces-airpods-5-with-best-in-class-open-ear-active-noise-cancellationRead 30 September 2026$129 for AirPods 5, $149 for AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case6Maker product pageapple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-5Read 30 September 2026MKFW4LL/A AirPods 5 $129.00, MKFT4LL/A AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case $149.00

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€1993Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 30 September 2026German price, 199 Euro inkl. MwSt.

€14911Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2026/09/apple-introduces-airpods-5-featuring-best-in-class-open-ear-active-noise-cancellationRead 30 September 2026Pricing and Availability: €149 including VAT for USB-C edition at launch.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, DE, CN30Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 7 October 2026Exact launch pricing and availability explicitly U.S. orders with USD 179 ANC edition.31Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 7 October 2026Exact Germany maker launch price EUR 199 incl VAT, exact ANC edition.32Review52audio.com/archives/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact China-market retail A3057/A3059 ANC package label identifies Apple authorized China distributor. No cross-model features borrowed.

US, DE6Maker product pageapple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-5Read 30 September 2026US maker purchase page: exact product available in regional purchase configuration.7Maker product pageapple.com/de/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-5Read 30 September 2026German maker purchase page: exact product available in regional purchase configuration. Regional SKU rows documented in variant verification.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

White20Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-AirPods-4-ANC-review-Compact-design-colossal-sound.952120.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC review case paragraph explicitly only available in white. Apple product renders match but were not sole color-name evidence.

White6Maker product pageapple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-5Read 30 September 2026Exact product hero and gallery alternative text explicitly states white color.

Segment

Not available

Not available

Design

0 of 4 differ

Form factoriIn-ear seals the ear canal with a tip. Semi-in-ear rests in the outer ear without a seal. Open-ear leaves the ear canal unobstructed.

Semi-in-ear6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Unsealed earbuds

Semi-in-ear2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5Read 30 September 2026Apple calls it an open-ear design: an unsealed bud without ear tips, like AirPods 4

Bud shapeiStem describes an extending control or microphone stalk. Stemless describes a compact body without a stalk.

Stem6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Control design paragraph explicitly calls the control-bearing earbud extension a stem.

Stem3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-introduces-airpods-5-with-best-in-class-open-ear-active-noise-cancellationRead 30 September 2026Volume swipe on the stem, press both stems for Live Translation

Use one bud aloneiWhich earbud can operate alone. This does not mean two earbuds can play from different sources.

Either bud10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/play-audio-on-your-airpods-dev216d7c746/webRead 30 September 2026Play audio: wearing one AirPod plays and pauses audio through that earbud. Applies to AirPods 3/4/5 and Pro.

Either bud14Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/play-audio-on-your-airpods-dev216d7c746/webRead 30 September 2026Play audio: wearing one AirPod plays and pauses audio through that earbud. Applies to AirPods 3/4/5 and Pro.

RGB lighting

Not available

Not available

Drivers and sound

3 of 17 differ

Drivers per budiAudio transducers in one earbud. Rows distinguish their type, acoustic role and published diameter. Do not count microphones.

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Type	Count per earbud
Dynamic	1

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026One "custom high-excursion Apple driver" per bud. Role and type are not stated on this page. The type comes from the TechRadar spec table.18Reviewtechradar.com/audio/headphones/earbuds-airpods/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC edition review explicitly high-excursion dynamic driver. Existing one-per-bud count retained. No full-range role, size or diaphragm material guessed.

BApple AirPods 5 (USB-C Charging Case)

Not available

Driver typeiPublished transducer technology. High-excursion, composite and neodymium do not by themselves establish a driver type.

Dynamic17Reviewtechradar.com/audio/headphones/earbuds-airpods/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC spec table explicitly High-excursion dynamic driver. Maker high-excursion alone is not technology proof. No diaphragm material, diameter or impedance inferred.

Dynamic19Reviewclubic.com/test-produit-630958-test-apple-airpods-5-pourquoi-se-fatiguer-quand-on-est-le-meilleur.htmlRead 7 October 2026Sound section describes the existing transducer as dynamic when discussing a hypothetical future two-way design. This is a published model hardware description. Its wireless-case sample measurements are excluded.

Driver sizeiLargest explicitly published circular driver diameter in one earbud. A rectangular driver width is not a diameter.

Not available

Not available

Drivers per budiTotal audio transducers in one earbud, summed from explicit driver quantities. A row with an unknown quantity makes the total unknown.

1=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

Not available

Diaphragm material

Not available

Not available

Frequency responseiPublished acoustic frequency response of the earbuds. Codec transmission bandwidth alone does not qualify. Conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

Min20 HzMax20 kHz20Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/airpods/apple-airpods-5-reviewRead 7 October 2026Published family specification table, not a measured bandwidth. Review explicitly says both editions share sound and drivers. Response tolerance and SPL are not stated. The review incorrectly calls the case the only difference despite maker stem controls also varying. Only its shared sound statement and literal frequency-response specification are used. No sample measurements or control facts inherited.

Impedance

Not available

Not available

SensitivityiPublished acoustic sensitivity. The electrical reference and frequency must be stated in sensitivity_reference or the source note.

Not available

Not available

Sensitivity reference

Not available

Not available

Max sample rateiHighest supported audio sample rate under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. This does not establish lossless playback.

Not available

Not available

Max bit depthiHighest supported audio bit depth under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. Bluetooth version alone does not establish this.

Not available

Not available

Adaptive EQiAn inner mic tunes the sound to your ear in real time

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Adaptive EQ.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Adaptive EQ.

Personalised soundiA profile from a hearing test or ear scan

Yes14Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev00eb7e0a3/webRead 7 October 2026Exact supported AirPods 4 family Personalized Spatial Audio uses iPhone X or later camera representation of individual ear and head shape, profile syncs across Apple Account devices. Existing tech specification TrueDepth camera requirement preserved. This is ear/head scan personalization, not an assumed hearing test or simple preference EQ.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Personalized Spatial Audio builds a profile from a TrueDepth camera ear scan

Onboard EQ

Yes8Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 30 September 2026Customize EQ note: settings are stored on the AirPods and carry over to other paired devices.

Yes12Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 30 September 2026Customize EQ note: settings are stored on the AirPods and carry over to other paired devices.

Custom EQ bandsiNumber of independently adjustable custom equalizer frequency bands. Availability may require current firmware, an app or a compatible device.

38Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 30 September 2026Customize EQ: Low, Mid and High controls. Supported-models appendix explicitly includes this model. Current feature, requires compatible Apple software and firmware.9Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-nz/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 30 September 2026Custom EQ supported models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 both editions, AirPods Pro 2/3 and AirPods Max 2.

312Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 30 September 2026Customize EQ: Low, Mid and High controls. Supported-models appendix explicitly includes this model. Current feature, requires compatible Apple software and firmware.13Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-nz/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 30 September 2026Custom EQ supported models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 both editions, AirPods Pro 2/3 and AirPods Max 2.

EQ presetsiNamed equalizer sound presets. Noise-control modes and spatial-audio modes are separate features.

Not available

Not available

Volume limit

Not available

Not available

Spatial audio

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Spatial audioiNamed spatial or surround audio processing supported with the source and platform conditions stated in the source note.

Personalized Spatial Audio1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology explicitly lists Personalized Spatial Audio and Conversation Awareness.

Personalized Spatial Audio1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Listed as Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking

Head trackingiSpatial audio changes with head movement. Static spatial processing alone does not qualify. Compatible device or content requirements belong in the source note.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.

Noise cancelling

0 of 11 differ

Active noise cancelling

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Active Noise Cancellation.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Active Noise Cancellation.

ANC typeiFeedforward uses exterior microphones. Feedback uses interior microphones. Hybrid uses both. Adaptive control is separate from microphone placement.

Hybrid6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"the hybrid ANC unit"

Hybrid21Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-ie/108918Read 7 October 2026ANC explanation explicitly includes both AirPods 5 models. Exterior microphones detect external noise and an inward-facing microphone detects unwanted internal sounds. Both are countered with anti-noise.

ANC microphones in both earbudsiPhysical microphones used by ANC across the pair. A shared call and ANC microphone counts once. Case microphones and vibration sensors are excluded.

Not available

Not available

Adaptive ANCiANC strength or calibration adjusts automatically to noise, fit or ear acoustics. The source note states the adjustment conditions.

Yes23Reviewscarbir.com/tws/apple-airpods-4-anc-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC model noise section explicitly continuously scans surroundings and standard ANC adjusts directly to new noise. Reviewer observes response after about one second to traffic/train/chatter. This supports ANC adjustment, independent of Adaptive Audio blended mode. Apple manual separately proves adaptive noise-control mode. Firmware unstated.

Yes21Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-ie/108918Read 7 October 2026Adaptive Audio adjusts noise cancellation in response to surroundings. Both AirPods 5 models require the latest iOS or iPadOS. This records automatic ANC adjustment, separate from selectable strength levels.

ANC levelsiNumber of selectable ANC strength levels. Excludes ANC off, transparency and activity profiles unless they explicitly set distinct strength levels.

Not available

Not available

ANC attenuation (claimed)iManufacturer maximum claimed noise attenuation. Frequency and measurement conditions belong in the source note. This is not reviewer-measured overall attenuation.

Not available

Not available

Transparency mode

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Transparency.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Transparency.

Adjustable transparency

Not available

Not available

Automatic ANC and transparency blendiAutomatically blends active cancellation with ambient sound. Automatic activity-based switching between separate modes alone does not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Adaptive Audio.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Adaptive Audio.

Conversation detection

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology explicitly lists Personalized Spatial Audio and Conversation Awareness.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Published as Conversation Awareness

Wind noise reductioniA documented physical design or processing feature for reducing wind noise. The source note distinguishes mesh or shape changes from selectable processing.

Yes23Reviewscarbir.com/tws/apple-airpods-4-anc-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC noise section explicitly detects wind and adjusts/filters it, in ANC and transparency. Separate phone-call paragraph reports wind suppression in microphone path. No attenuation dB or dedicated toggle inferred.

Yes22Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/answer-calls-airpods3-4-5-airpodspro-devac96438de/webRead 7 October 2026Voice Isolation is selectable microphone processing for calls on compatible iPhone, iPad or Mac. It removes background noise such as wind for the listener on the call. Not a claim that listening-mode wind is eliminated. Latest compatible software and firmware required by maker audio feature footnote.

Measured

8 of 23 differ

Frequency response notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Warm sound signature. Bass slightly underemphasized, treble very underemphasized.5Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-truly-wirelessRead 30 September 2026Sound signature: Warm. Detailed results are members only and were not read

Not available

Bass amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the bass range. Positive means more bass. Target, test method and settings belong in the source note.

-2dB5Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-truly-wirelessRead 30 September 2026Public summary on test bench 2.3: Slightly Underemphasized (-2 dB)

Not available

Treble amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the treble range. Positive means more treble. Values from different targets may not be directly comparable.

-6dB5Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-truly-wirelessRead 30 September 2026Very Underemphasized (-6 dB)

Not available

Deviation from target (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Consistency between fittings (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Harmonic distortion (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

0.061%20Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-AirPods-4-ANC-review-Compact-design-colossal-sound.952120.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC THD table 0.061%, not THD+N 0.73%. Method low-harmonic 1 kHz sine, artificial head with linear mic approximately 1 cm away, source RMS -2.4 dBFS. App/firmware, volume and ANC state for THD unspecified. Date 6 February 2025. No percent of frequency response used.

Not available

Sound leakage (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation, best (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Passive isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Call quality notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Background noise is filtered by processing on the iPhone, so the microphones perform better with an iPhone than with other devices.6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Microphone test paragraph: iPhone processing filters background noise. Paired iPhone microphone demos underpin comparison.

SoundGuys found clear, intelligible voices with background-noise rejection in its microphone tests. Wind reduced quality but voices generally stayed intelligible.18Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-5-review-163483Read 7 October 2026Purchased both editions and tested for four days. Own demos cover ideal, office, street, windy and reverberant conditions. Host, codec, firmware and call app are not disclosed. The review evaluates both models and reports this result jointly. No numerical microphone score is inferred.

Mic low-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic high-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic speech-to-noise ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Bluetooth latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

2.4 GHz latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency in game mode (measured)iThe best case the buds can reach. Measured by a reviewer

Not available

Not available

Battery life (measured)iReviewer-tested operation from one full charge of the earbuds. Excludes case recharges. ANC, codec, connection, volume and tested edition belong in the row or source note.

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

ANC	Codec	Hours (h)
No	Not available	6.35
No	AAC	6.9

Source6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 20266 h 21 min on one charge, without noise canceling or transparency mode21Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-AirPods-4-ANC-review-Compact-design-colossal-sound.952120.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC model Spotify loop at 65 dB(A), AAC with ANC off, 6.9 h. Review explicitly says wear detection prevented ANC during fixture test despite generic chart heading incl ANC. Test endpoint full discharge implied runtime procedure, precise first/last-bud cutoff, firmware and host model unstated. Existing SoundGuys 6 h 21 min ANC-off test is separate at 75 dB SPL standardized peaks, not replaced.

BApple AirPods 5 (USB-C Charging Case)

Not available

Longest tested use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only duration among stored reviewer tests. Modes and settings may differ between tests and products.

6.9h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

Not available

Battery life with case (measured)iReviewer-tested total including earbuds and case recharges. Do not calculate this by multiplying one-charge runtime by claimed recharge count.

Not available

Not available

Full charge time (measured)iBuds in the case, 0 to 100 %. Measured by a reviewer

Not available

Not available

Weight per bud (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

4.4g(0.2 oz)19Review52audio.com/archives/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC edition A3057 earbud/A3059 case teardown. Written measurement caption explicitly approximately 4.4 g for one earbud, separate from whole set 43.0 g and case weight. Scale image inaccessible, scale model and calibration unknown. Direct reviewer weighing report, not package weight or maker 4.3 g claim.

Not available

Microphones and calls

2 of 7 differ

Voice microphones in both earbudsiPhysical call and beamforming microphones across the pair. Excludes case microphones and vibration sensors. Shared ANC microphones can also count here when used for calls.

Not available

Not available

All microphones in both earbudsiEvery physical microphone across the pair, including call and ANC microphones. Shared microphones count once. Excludes the charging case and voice vibration sensors.

619Review52audio.com/archives/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC earbud complete teardown and summary physically enumerate three MEMS in one bud: inward S341, outward noise G205, tail call S341. Two earbuds give six physical microphones across pair, consistent with maker dual beamforming and inward microphone inventory. Shared roles counted once. No role-specific call/ANC count inferred.

Not available

Bone conduction voice sensoriA dedicated bone or jaw conduction sensor for detecting speech vibrations. A microphone or speech-detecting accelerometer alone does not prove this architecture.

Not available

Not available

Mic noise reduction

AI6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"rely on AI processing that takes place on your iPhone"

Not available

Call audio bandwidthiHighest supported call-audio bandwidth. Compatible phone, operating system, call app or network requirements belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Mic mute controliAn earbud control that mutes the microphone during calls. Includes touch or pressure gestures and physical buttons. Phone/app-only controls do not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Controls: press once to mute/unmute.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Controls: press once to mute/unmute.

SidetoneiHear your own voice in calls

Not available

Not available

Connectivity

0 of 18 differ

Chip

H21Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Chip: H2 headphone chip.

H21Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Chip: H2 headphone chip.

Connections

Bluetooth1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology.

Bluetooth1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology.

Bluetooth

5.31Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology.

5.31Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology.

Bluetooth codecs

AAC6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"Bluetooth 5.3 over AAC"

AAC10Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-5-review-163483Read 7 October 2026Bluetooth 5.3, Apple's AAC codec, no aptX or LDAC. SBC is not mentioned

Bluetooth profiles

Not available

Not available

LE Audio

Not available

Not available

Auracast

Not available

Not available

MultipointiConcurrent Bluetooth connections to multiple source devices. Pairing memory and switching through a manufacturer account alone do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Multipoint devicesiMaximum source devices concurrently connected by Bluetooth, not the number remembered in pairing history.

Not available

Not available

Multipoint with LDACiMany buds turn multipoint off on LDAC

Not available

Not available

Paired devices rememberediMaximum remembered Bluetooth source pairings. This is separate from simultaneous multipoint connections.

Not available

Not available

Automatic switching between own devicesiThrough the maker's account

Yes11Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/switch-airpods-between-apple-devices-dev228ba3df8/webRead 30 September 2026Automatic switching supported for AirPods 3/4/5 and Pro with compatible Apple devices signed into the same Apple Account.

Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5Read 30 September 202615Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/switch-airpods-between-apple-devices-dev228ba3df8/webRead 30 September 2026Automatic switching supported for AirPods 3/4/5 and Pro with compatible Apple devices signed into the same Apple Account.

Fast pairing

Apple one-tap setup16Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104989Read 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 both editions setup instructions open case near iPhone, setup animation, tap Connect. Compatible iPhone at least iOS 18, later feature requirements separate. This is Apple setup interaction, not Google Fast Pair or Bluetooth pairing memory.

Apple one-tap setup2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5Read 30 September 2026Place AirPods near your iPhone or iPad and tap Connect

Audio sharingiShare one stream with a second pair

Yes6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 202612Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/share-audio-on-iphone-or-ipad-dev3786f35c8/webRead 30 September 2026Share Audio instructions and Change the volume/listening mode paragraph explicitly cover AirPods 4 ANC, AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro. Both headphone sets pair to a supported iPhone/iPad.

Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5Read 30 September 202617Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/share-audio-on-iphone-or-ipad-dev3786f35c8/webRead 30 September 2026Share Audio instructions and Change the volume/listening mode paragraph explicitly cover AirPods 4 ANC, AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro. Both headphone sets pair to a supported iPhone/iPad.

Wireless range (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Wireless receiveri2.4 GHz dongle

Not available

Not available

Receiver connector

Not available

Not available

Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audioiBoth connection types can play audio together. Quick switching between independent modes does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Latency

None of 3 known

Low latency mode

Not available

Not available

Claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Lowest claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Compatibility

3 of 4 differ

PlatformsiPlatforms with documented audio support. App availability and advanced features can be more limited. Edition-specific support is listed in variants.

iOS, macOS, Android1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Apple lists iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Vision Pro, and says AirPods work as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Android pairing described in the review

iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Other1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Apple devices. Other covers iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS. Non-Apple devices work as Bluetooth headphones with limited functionality10Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-5-review-163483Read 7 October 2026Many features do not work on Android or Windows, basic playback does

Connection per platformiDocumented audio connection for each platform. USB-C phone routes require a compatible port. Platform edition and microphone restrictions belong in source notes or feature requirements.

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Not available

BApple AirPods 5 (USB-C Charging Case)

Platform	Connection
iOS	Bluetooth
macOS	Bluetooth
Android	Bluetooth
Windows	Bluetooth

Source10Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-5-review-163483Read 7 October 2026Review evaluates both purchased editions and documents Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity on Apple and non-Apple devices. Apple integrations are limited on Android and Windows. Microphone support for each host is not established, so those row cells remain absent. Apple technical specifications corroborate basic non-Apple Bluetooth operation.

Features that need a specific deviceiDevice, operating system, firmware, codec, content, account or region requirements for a named feature.

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Feature	Needs
Live Translation	Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 and later
Personalized Spatial Audio profile	iPhone with TrueDepth camera
Find My	iOS 26 or later
Lossless audio with Apple Vision Pro	Compatible Apple Vision Pro and software. The maker names AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Ultra-low latency is unavailable in Japan. Ordinary Bluetooth playback uses AAC.

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Exact technical requirements cover compatible Apple devices and firmware, TrueDepth camera for the Spatial Audio profile and Apple Intelligence iPhone with iOS 26 for Live Translation. The Vision Pro lossless route is supported separately by the current maker 118522 article.33Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118522Read 7 October 2026Independently read during verification. Apple names AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for lossless audio with Apple Vision Pro. Ultra-low latency is unavailable in Japan. This proves the route, without a device-wide maximum bit depth or sample rate.

BApple AirPods 5 (USB-C Charging Case)

Feature	Needs
Personalized Spatial Audio	iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create personalized profile. Not available when using other devices
Live Translation	Compatible Apple devices with the latest operating system software when Apple Intelligence is turned on
Siri AI	Apple Intelligence-enabled device with iOS 27, macOS 27 or watchOS 27. English beta at launch. Initially unavailable in the EU on iOS, iPadOS and watchOS.
Find My	iOS 27 or later
Adaptive Audio	Compatible Apple device running the latest iOS or iPadOS, with current AirPods firmware.
Voice Isolation	Compatible iPhone, iPad or Mac during calls. Select Voice Isolation in call microphone controls. Current device software and AirPods firmware required.

Source1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Independently reopened full displayed footnotes: audio functions require latest firmware and current compatible Apple OS. Siri AI beta initial EU restriction, Live Translation language and region limits and Find My iOS 27 minimum preserved.3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-introduces-airpods-5-with-best-in-class-open-ear-active-noise-cancellationRead 30 September 2026Launch release footnotes: TrueDepth Spatial Audio profile, compatible Apple Intelligence device, latest firmware, language/region availability and Siri AI beta restrictions.21Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-ie/108918Read 7 October 2026Adaptive Audio condition: both AirPods 5 models with latest iOS or iPadOS. Maker technical audio footnote separately requires latest firmware on compatible current Apple devices.22Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/answer-calls-airpods3-4-5-airpodspro-devac96438de/webRead 7 October 2026Call guide names compatible iPhone, iPad or Mac Voice Isolation via Control Center or Mic Mode. Technical audio footnote requires current software and firmware. This concerns noise heard by caller, not listening attenuation.

Official licence

Not available

Not available

Battery and charging

4 of 13 differ

Battery per budiBattery cell capacity of one earbud. The source note states typical or rated capacity. Charging input current is not capacity.

Not available

Not available

User-replaceable earbud batteryiThe maker documents normal battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime under the stated mode, codec and spatial processing state. Name the spatial or immersive processing mode and other conditions in source notes. Omit unspecified settings. with_case false means one charge of the earbuds. true means earbuds plus case recharges.

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC on	No	4
ANC off	No	5
ANC on	Yes	20
ANC off	Yes	30

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Battery and footnotes 13-14: single charge 4 h ANC on /5 h off, total with case 20 h on /30 h off. iPhone 16 Pro Max, 50% volume, 256 kbps AAC playlist, spatial audio and Conversation Awareness off.

BApple AirPods 5 (USB-C Charging Case)

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC on	No	4
ANC off	No	6
ANC on	Yes	20

Source1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Battery: USB-C edition 4 h ANC on, 6 h noise control off, 20 h case-inclusive ANC on. Wireless edition 5/7/22 h excluded.

Longest claimed use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only runtime among all stored modes. This can be ANC off, Hearing Aid, heart-rate or call use. Read the battery table and source conditions.

5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

6h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC enabled. Codec and spatial-audio conditions belong in the source note.

4h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

4h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge without ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC disabled. Codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

6h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case (claimed)iHighest claimed runtime including the initial earbud charge and all case recharges. It is not the case recharge runtime alone.

30h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

20h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case and ANC (claimed)iClaimed total playback with ANC, including the initial earbud charge and case recharges.

20h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

20h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Talk time (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Full charge time, budsiTime to charge discharged earbuds to full in the case. Excludes charging the case itself or a combined buds-and-case result.

Not available

Not available

Charging guidanceiPublished charging guidance or estimates that do not separate earbuds and case. Preserve the maker’s component scope and limits. Do not assign an unspecified or combined estimate to a component-specific numeric field.

Not available

Not available

Quick charge timeiCharge duration corresponding to quick_charge_playback_h. Source note states earbuds-only or case-inclusive charging and playback settings.

5min1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC Battery section: five minutes in the case provides around one hour of listening under the published test conditions.

5min1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Battery: 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening/battery life. AirPods 5 USB-C subsection.

Earbud playback after quick chargeiEarbuds-only runtime after quick_charge_min of charging. A claimed case-inclusive total does not qualify. ANC, codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

1h1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026"5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time"

1h1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Published as around 1 hour of battery life from 5 minutes in the case, noise control off. Same for both cases

Charging case

5 of 10 differ

Case batteryiCharging-case battery cell capacity. The source note distinguishes typical, rated and output capacity. USB output capacity alone does not qualify.

345mAh19Review52audio.com/archives/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact China retail A3057 earbud/A3059 ANC case package. Written case-lid and actual S2103 battery captions explicitly rated 345 mAh, 3.852 V, 1.329 Wh. Charging input/output current separate. Direct public article independently downloaded and read. No non-ANC case or guessed typical capacity.

Not available

User-replaceable case batteryiThe maker documents normal case battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Case charging port

USB-C1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case works with USB-C.

USB-C1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Both cases charge by USB-C

Case full charge timeiBy cable, 0 to 100 %. A time the maker gives with the earbuds inside the case counts, and the source note says so.

Not available

Not available

Wireless charging

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case works with Apple Watch charger and Qi-certified chargers.

No1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Charging Case: AirPods 5 supports USB-C only. Wireless charging belongs to the separate wireless-case earbud hardware.

Wireless standardsiDocumented case charging standards or supported chargers. Magnetic alignment alone does not establish Qi2 certification.

Qi, Apple Watch charger1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case works with Apple Watch charger and Qi-certified chargers.

Not available

Wireless charging poweriHighest wireless charging input the maker states for the case. The output of a charging pad does not count.

Not available

Not available

Speaker in caseiAn audio speaker physically in the charging case, for locating or status sounds. A microphone in the case is separate.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case includes a speaker for Find My.

No25Press articlemacrumors.com/guide/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3Read 7 October 2026Comparison distinguishes standard USB-C case from wireless case. Its speaker is a feature of the 149 USD wireless edition, not the 129 USD reference. Corroborated by Apple identification page and lineup comparison.

Screen on case

Not available

Not available

Case works as audio transmitteriCase relays external source audio through USB or an analog audio input. A case microphone for recording or calls does not qualify.

No22Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 7 October 2026Exact ANC model connection paragraph explicitly AirPods do not relay wired source audio through charging case, only wireless source playback. Case USB-C charging and Find My speaker do not establish audio transmission.

Not available

Controls

1 of 5 differ

ControlsiPressure is a force sensor that does not move, such as a stem you squeeze. Button is a key that moves when pressed.

Pressure, Head gestures, Voice commands1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Force sensor on the stem, "Hey Siri", and Siri Interactions head nods

Pressure, Head gestures, Voice commands1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Controls: force-sensor presses, Siri voice commands and Siri head gestures. USB-C edition has no volume swipe.

Earbud volume controliHow earbud controls adjust volume, including a voice command if supported. Phone or app controls alone do not qualify.

Voice6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026No swipe volume. Volume through "Hey Siri"

Voice1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Controls: Siri can adjust volume. On-stem volume swipe is exclusive to wireless-case edition.

Gestures

Press once, Press twice, Press three times, Press and hold, Nod or shake head (Siri Interactions)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Controls enumerates one/two/three press, press-and-hold and Siri nod/shake interactions.

Press once to play or pause media, Press once to answer a call or mute or unmute, Press once for camera remote, Press twice to end a call, Press twice to skip forward, Press three times to skip back, Press and hold to switch between listening modes, Press both stems at the same time to start Live Translation, Nod your head yes or gently shake your head no when Siri asks1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Swipe up or down to adjust volume exists only on AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. Live Translation gesture from the press release3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-introduces-airpods-5-with-best-in-class-open-ear-active-noise-cancellationRead 30 September 2026

Remappable controls

Yes15Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 supported in press-and-hold function reassignment and call end/mute Press Once/Press Twice switching, on compatible iPhone/iPad/Mac. Camera Control action can be Press Once or Press and Hold. Not arbitrary independent remapping of every gesture.

Yes24Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/change-settings-for-airpods-or-airpods-pro-dev57e5b7e58/27/web/27Read 7 October 2026Both AirPods 5 editions support changing the stem press-and-hold action. The manual also permits swapping mute and end-call presses and changing Camera Remote action.

Voice assistant

Siri1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Controls: Siri voice commands.

Siri1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Controls: Siri voice commands.

Sensors and health

3 of 9 differ

In-ear detection

Yes10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/play-audio-on-your-airpods-dev216d7c746/webRead 30 September 2026Pause audio: specifically AirPods 3/4/5/Pro remove one to pause, return it to resume. Automatic ear detection can be disabled.

Yes14Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/play-audio-on-your-airpods-dev216d7c746/webRead 30 September 2026Pause audio: specifically AirPods 3/4/5/Pro remove one to pause, return it to resume. Automatic ear detection can be disabled.

Sensors

Optical in-ear sensor, Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer, Force sensor1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Sensors explicitly list optical in-ear, motion-detecting and speech-detecting accelerometers and force sensor.

Dual beamforming microphones, Inward-facing microphone, Optical in-ear sensor, Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer, Force sensor1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Sensors: USB-C edition optical in-ear sensor, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers and force sensor. Microphones retained as listed by Apple.

Heart rate sensor

Not available

Not available

Skin temperature sensingiA documented skin temperature sensor. This is separate from the operating temperature range or a heart-rate sensor.

Not available

Not available

Hearing aid featureiAmplification for mild to moderate hearing loss

No6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Exact-model FAQ: No hearing-aid functionality.

No4Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-proRead 30 September 2026The AirPods lineup comparison on this page marks the Hearing Aid feature as not applicable for AirPods 5

Medical clearances

Not available

Not available

Hearing testiA documented hearing assessment feature, including consumer sound-personalization tests. Medical diagnostic clearance must be stated separately.

Not available

No23Maker product pageapple.com/airpodsRead 7 October 2026USB-C AirPods 5 comparison card explicitly marks the Hearing Test feature unavailable. This does not describe the ear-scan used for Personalized Spatial Audio as a hearing assessment.

Hearing protectioniLimits sudden loud sounds

Not available

No23Maker product pageapple.com/airpodsRead 7 October 2026USB-C AirPods 5 comparison card explicitly marks Hearing Protection unavailable. ANC and Conversation Awareness do not establish hearing protection.

Health features

Not available

Not available

Fit and durability

3 of 7 differ

Ear tips includediTip sizes supplied with the product, including the pair fitted to the earbuds. Do not list separately sold sizes as included.

Not available

Not available

Ear tip materials

Not available

Not available

StabilisersiPhysical stabilizing fittings or structures. Stability bands are separate from fins, wings and ear hooks.

None6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"No stabilizer fin"

Not available

Ear tip fit test

Not available

Not available

Dust and water rating, buds

IP541Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC dust, sweat and water resistance is IP54 under IEC 60529. Other AirPods generations are excluded.

IP571Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Dust, Sweat, and Water Resistant rated IP54 (AirPods 4 ANC) or IP57 (AirPods 5/Pro3).

Dust and water rating, case

IP541Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026"Products including charging case ... have a rating of IP54 under IEC standard 60529"

IP571Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Ingress footnote explicitly includes charging case in IP57 laboratory rating.

Water resistance depth

Not available

Not available

Software

3 of 6 differ

Companion app

Not available

Settings / System Settings24Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/change-settings-for-airpods-or-airpods-pro-dev57e5b7e58/27/web/27Read 7 October 2026AirPods controls and settings are integrated into Settings on iPhone/iPad and System Settings on Mac. This is not a separate downloadable AirPods app.

App platforms

Not available

iOS, macOS, Other24Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/change-settings-for-airpods-or-airpods-pro-dev57e5b7e58/27/web/27Read 7 October 2026Documented AirPods settings interfaces are iPhone iOS, Mac macOS and iPad iPadOS. Other represents iPadOS. Advanced controls require compatible current Apple software.

User firmware updates

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio and Live Translation footnotes explicitly require latest AirPods firmware.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Features are stated as needing the latest firmware

Finding network

Apple Find My1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Find My functionality requires iOS 26 or later

Last location in the app16Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/find-your-airpods-dev8e8b93d71/webRead 30 September 2026About using Find My and network section: USB-C AirPods 5 has Find My last-connected location. Offline Find My network support is specifically for the Wireless Charging Case edition.

Precision findingiUWB in the case

No24Reviewengadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-airpods-4-review-pro-features-for-everyone-120032046.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC case offers proximity view, without Precision Finding.28Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/find-your-airpods-dev8e8b93d71/webRead 7 October 2026Exact current maker guide distinguishes general nearby finding from precise case arrows/distance limited to Pro 2 and Pro 3. Notebookcheck exact ANC model independently says no UWB. Audible case speaker and proximity view are separate.

No25Press articlemacrumors.com/guide/airpods-5-vs-airpods-pro-3Read 7 October 2026Comparison gives the Ultra Wideband chip and Precision Finding only to AirPods Pro 3. USB-C AirPods 5 has neither. Corroborated by the current maker Find My manual, which restricts precise case location to Pro 2 and 3.

Live translation

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Live Translation feature named under exact model. Device, language and region conditions are retained in feature requirements and notes.

Yes1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Live Translation feature named under exact model. Device, language and region conditions are retained in feature requirements and notes.

Dimensions and weight

1 of 4 differ

Weight per budiMass of one earbud. Tip size and approximate values belong in the source note. Do not store pair or case-inclusive mass.

4.3g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Size and Weight named per-bud grams and case height, width, depth rows.

4.3g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Size and Weight named per-bud grams and case height, width, depth rows.

Bud dimensionsiDimensions of one earbud on the explicitly identified width, height and depth axes. An unlabeled tuple cannot establish those axes.

Width18.3Height30.2Depth18.1mm(0.7 × 1.2 × 0.7 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Size/Weight: each bud H30.2/W18.3/D18.1 mm, 4.3 g.

Width18.3Height30.2Depth18.1mm(0.7 × 1.2 × 0.7 in)1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Each AirPod. Size and weight vary by configuration and manufacturing process

Case weightiCharging case mass excluding earbuds. Case-inclusive product mass does not qualify unless the source explicitly gives the empty-case figure.

34.7g(1.2 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Size/Weight: case H46.2/W50.1/D21.2 mm, 34.7 g.

32.3g(1.1 oz)1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Size and Weight: 32.3 g USB-C charging case, excluding earbuds.

Case dimensionsiCharging-case width, height and depth on explicitly identified source axes. Report conflicting axis labels rather than reorder a tuple by appearance.

Width50.1Height46.2Depth21.2mm(2 × 1.8 × 0.8 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Size and Weight named per-bud grams and case height, width, depth rows.

Width50.1Height46.2Depth21.2mm(2 × 1.8 × 0.8 in)1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Size and Weight named per-bud grams and case height, width, depth rows.

Certifications

0 of 3 differ

Hi-Res AudioiThe Japan Audio Society logos. Hi-Res Audio Wireless is also written Hi-Res Wireless Audio.

Not available

Not available

Communication certifications

Not available

Not available

FCC IDs

BCG-A3055, BCG-A3056, BCG-A305925Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCGA3055Read 7 October 2026Public FCC grant mirrors identify BCG-A3055 and BCG-A3056 wireless earbuds, BCG-A3059 wireless charging case, Apple Inc., 9 September 2024 grants. Exact Apple model identification maps these to ANC edition. China A3057 not automatically assigned same FCC code. Proprietary 5/6 GHz authorization is not standard Wi-Fi/Auracast capability. Confidential descriptions not read.26Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCGA3056Read 7 October 2026Public exact Apple grant table identifies BCG-A3056. This is the listed earbud/case authorization, not an invented combined identifier.27Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCGA3059Read 7 October 2026Public exact Apple grant table identifies BCG-A3059. This is the listed earbud/case authorization, not an invented combined identifier.

BCG-A3531, BCG-A353226Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCG-A3531Read 7 October 2026Public Apple Inc FCC grant table identifies BCG-A3531 with Product Code A3531. Maker identification separately maps A3531/A3532/A3533 to standard USB-C edition. Wireless case A3439/A3440 and A3529 IDs excluded. No side assignment or speculative case ID inferred.27Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCG-A3532Read 7 October 2026Public Apple Inc FCC grant table explicitly BCG-A3532, Product Code A3532. Same standard USB-C edition per maker model identification. Side assignment is not inferred.

Other certifications

Not available

Not available

In the box

1 of 2 differ

In the box

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker, Documentation1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026USB-C charge cable sold separately

AirPods 5, Charging Case (USB-C), Documentation1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026In the Box: USB-C Charging Case edition. No wireless case or cable included.

Cables included

Not available

Not available

Links

Not compared

Product page

support.apple.com/en-us/1212041Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Archived exact 2024 ANC edition technical specifications. Current generic AirPods page describes AirPods 5.

www.apple.com/airpods-52Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5Read 30 September 2026Opened maker product page heading identifies generation.

Spec sheet

support.apple.com/en-us/1212041Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Opened document title identifies exact generation. Stored URL resolves to this technical specification.

www.apple.com/airpods-5/specs1Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-5/specsRead 30 September 2026Opened document title identifies exact generation. Stored URL resolves to this technical specification.

Manual

support.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/web7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/webRead 30 September 2026AirPods User Guide, shared current guide includes AirPods 4 ANC.

support.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/web9Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/webRead 30 September 2026AirPods User Guide, shared by all AirPods models

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

0 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year13Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/airpods/repairRead 7 October 2026Apple US AirPods service warranty explicitly one year from purchase against manufacturing issues, separate from consumer-law rights and optional AppleCare coverage. Source market US, standard hardware warranty.

1year8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/airpods/repairRead 30 September 2026US English page: Apple Limited Warranty covers the device for one year from purchase

Both are also in the API. Back to all earbuds.