Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) announced the new AirPods 5, Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple Watch Series 12, and the Apple Watch SE 3 on Wednesday at its "Surprise and Shine" event in Cupertino, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series and the iPhone Duo.
The AirPods 5 offers five hours of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), with both budget and high-end variants including support for this feature. Apple stated the earbuds provide 50% more noise reduction than the AirPods 4, thanks to redesigned internals and a next-generation EQ, with up to 20 hours of battery life in the case. The higher-end version features a longer stem design similar to the AirPods Pro 3 and offers on-stem voice control. Both versions include hands-free access to Siri and Live Translation.
Regarding pricing, the AirPods 5 starts at $129, while the higher-end variant is priced at $149. Pre-orders for the AirPods 5 begin today, with shipping set to start on Sept. 18.
Apple also updated its flagship smartwatch with the Watch Ultra 4, alongside the Apple Watch Series 12. The new devices feature an all-new health sensing system with an increased electrode surface area for better skin contact during ECG readings. Apple claims the new watches can check heart rates 60 times more frequently than the previous generation, aided by power-efficient green LEDs. The company asserts these devices offer the most accurate heart sensing in a wearable currently.
Both the Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 are powered by the new S11 chip. The Watch Ultra 4 offers up to 50 hours of battery life on a single charge, an increase from the Watch Ultra 3’s 42 hours. The Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799, while the Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399. Pre-orders for both watches are available today, with shipping beginning on Sept. 18.
