iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, AirPods 5 now available in stores

Today is a big launch day for new Apple products, with iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 all available in Apple Stores and from other retailers worldwide. IPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, AirPods 5 now available in stores. MacOS 27: Siri AI top features – Apple’s assistant finally comes to life [Video] Jeff Benjamin Sep 17 2026.

The most notable AirPods 5 upgrades are available on both models, but you’ll be happier with the pricier one. Apple AirPods 5 review: The choice is clear.

Reviews Headphones Apple AirPods 5 review: The choice is clear The extra $20 buys you better earbuds. But let’s back up a bit, because there’s a lot to discuss before we get to that ultimate conclusion.

Apple’s latest "regular" AirPods no longer force you to choose between living with or without active noise cancellation (ANC). Since both models have the feature, it means they both also offer Live Translation, since that heavily relies on ANC to work its magic.

But my frustrations with the two AirPods 5 options are in what I’d argue are inane differences between them. AirPods 5 Billy Steele for Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great that you can now get ANC and Live Translation on Apple’s cheapest earbuds.

It’s also nice to see that the company increased the water resistance from IP54 on the AirPods 4 lineup to IP57 on this pair. That difference means the new AirPods can withstand full submersion under up to 1 meter (just over 3 feet) for up to 30 minutes.