Apple unveils AirPods 5 alongside new Watch Ultra 4 lineup

Apple Inc. introduced the AirPods 5, Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch SE 3 during the Surprise and Shine keynote in Cupertino. The product presentation also included the new iPhone 18 Pro series and the iPhone Duo.

Updated hardware and sound features in AirPods 5

Both the standard and higher-tier versions of the wireless earbuds provide five hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled.

More on this story: Apple introduces Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4

Apple confirmed that internal architectural improvements and an updated equalizer allow the new model to deliver a 50% reduction in external noise compared to the previous AirPods 4 while providing up to 20 hours of total operational runtime when paired with the charging case. The internal acoustic overhaul directly drives this improvement.

The company described the noise cancellation performance as the strongest available for open-ear earbuds. The earbuds support hands-free commands for Siri. Live Translation works directly on the hardware.

The more expensive variant adopts an elongated stem structure resembling the AirPods Pro 3, adding physical stem controls alongside a wireless charging case.

Pricing details and availability for the wireless earbuds

Base pricing begins at $129 for the entry edition, whereas the advanced model costs $149. Customers can place pre-orders immediately ahead of product shipments scheduled for September 18.

Learn more: Apple unveils AirPods 5 earbuds featuring noise cancellation

Sensor upgrades in Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12

The manufacturer refreshed its top smartwatch line with the Watch Ultra 4 and debuted the redesigned Apple Watch Series 12.

A redesigned health biometric sensor system operates inside both smartwatch models. Engineers expanded the surface area of the electrodes to establish closer physical contact with the skin during electrocardiogram readings.

Upgraded energy-efficient green LEDs allow the sensors to measure pulse rates 60 times more frequently than earlier models.

Internal corporate evaluations indicated that the updated watches offer the highest cardiac monitoring precision in the current consumer market. Testing confirmed these metrics.

On the same topic: Apple unveils Apple Watch Ultra 4 powered by the S11 chip

Both the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the Apple Watch Series 12 run on the S11 processor. The Watch Ultra 4 achieves up to 50 hours of runtime on one battery charge. That duration surpasses the 42 hours provided by the Watch Ultra 3.

Retail prices and release schedule for new smartwatches

Retail prices start at $799 for the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and $399 for the Watch Series 12, with pre-orders opening immediately and formal deliveries beginning on September 18.