Apple announced the AirPods 5 earlier this month, giving its entry-level earbuds Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) as standard for the first time. The AirPods 5 start at $129, a $149 model adds a Wireless Charging Case, and both versions arrive in stores on Friday, September 18.

The launch resets Apple's earbud pricing strategy. With the AirPods 4, the $50 step up from $129 to $179 bought ANC along with a wireless charging case. With the AirPods 5, noise cancellation comes at the entry price and there is only a $20 step up to the next tier.

Key upgrades in the AirPods 5 include improved Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, and a redesigned acoustic architecture. Battery life improves to up to 4 hours with ANC enabled on the standard model, and up to 7 hours on the Wireless Charging Case model. The AirPods 5 achieve an IP57 water resistance rating versus IP54 on the AirPods 4.