Apple has officially unveiled the new AirPods 5, bringing active noise cancellation (ANC) to its mainstream earbuds. The national retail price in China is set at 999 yuan. However, savvy shoppers in select regions can snag them for a lower price thanks to a government subsidy and trade-in program available on JD.com.
Enhanced Audio and Noise Cancellation
The AirPods 5 boast a redesigned acoustic architecture and a new generation of adaptive equalization, inspired by the AirPods Pro 3. This aims to deliver a richer, more detailed sound experience suitable for a wider range of ear shapes. A standout feature is the groundbreaking ‘ear-tip-free’ active noise cancellation, which Apple claims is up to 50% more effective at eliminating external noise compared to the previous generation AirPods 4 with ANC. The Transparency mode has also been refined for a more natural ambient sound.
Convenience and Battery Life
For users seeking more control, the AirPods 5, when equipped with the wireless charging case, introduce a force sensor on the earbud stem. This allows for quick volume adjustments with a simple swipe up or down, a first for Apple’s ear-tip-free earbuds. Battery life has seen an improvement as well. Users can expect up to 5 hours of playback with ANC enabled on a single charge, an hour longer than the AirPods 4. With the charging case, the total listening time with ANC can reach up to 22 hours. The wireless charging case supports charging with Apple Watch chargers, Qi-compatible chargers, and USB-C.
Regional Pricing and Subsidies
While the official price is 999 yuan, JD.com is offering the AirPods 5 for as low as 849.15 yuan for customers in Jiangsu, Jilin, Beijing, Dalian, and now newly added regions: Hebei and Yunnan. This subsidy is applied automatically at checkout.
Trade-in Program Boost
Additionally, JD.com is running a special ‘trade-in’ promotion. If you trade in eligible old earphones valued over 100 yuan, JD.com will provide an extra subsidy of 100 to 150 yuan, potentially bringing the starting price for the AirPods 5 down to 699 yuan.
Eco-Conscious Design
Apple continues its commitment to sustainability with the AirPods 5. The earbuds and charging case are constructed using approximately 40% recycled materials. Specifically, the wireless charging case utilizes 70% recycled plastic, and the battery contains 100% recycled cobalt. The manufacturing process for the entire supply chain incorporates 35% renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. The packaging is made from 100% fiber-based materials, making it easily recyclable at home.
Durability and Pricing Recap
The AirPods 5 also feature upgraded dust, sweat, and water resistance. The standard model is priced at 999 yuan. For those opting for the model with the wireless charging case, which includes the volume control and extended battery life, the price is 1,149 yuan.
