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As timely as it was, I was due for a trip to Japan just a couple of weeks after the AirPods 5 launched. So, I brought it with me, partly because I wanted to see how well Apple\u2019s latest open-ear earbuds would actually hold up outside of the usual office, gym and commute scenarios.<\/p>\n
With the recent launches, there are quite a few upgrades, including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), improved sound, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Apple\u2019s Live Translation feature. What better way to put it to the test than an overseas trip?<\/p>\n
After spending days wearing them around Tokyo and on trains, planes and while exercising, I found that some of these features were genuinely useful in ways I didn’t expect. Others, particularly Live Translation, still feel like they need some work.<\/p>\n
ANC That Works<\/strong> The ANC did a good job reducing the constant aircraft noise, making it easier to listen to music or watch something without turning up the volume too much. It was also great on the Shinkansen, where it helped cut down the constant rumble of the train.<\/p>\n With the likes of Adaptive Audio, which dynamically combines ANC and Transparency mode depending on the environment, it was also useful that I could remain aware of my surroundings. It came in handy when important announcements were made on trains or in the plane.<\/p>\n One other key feature which I thoroughly enjoyed was Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers media volume once you start speaking. This was useful as I didn’t need to adjust my music to speak to my partner when we were discussing directions or take the AirPods off when doing so.<\/p>\n A Comfortable Fit<\/strong> The open-ear design also meant I could wear them for longer periods without getting that slightly uncomfortable feeling that can come with in-ear earbuds.<\/p>\n The Wireless Charging Case Is Handy<\/strong> The AirPods 5 also support fast charging, with just five minutes in the case providing around an hour of listening time, which was handy when I was rushing out for the day.<\/p>\n Translation Needs Some Work <\/strong> While it sounds extremely useful for travelling, I found it a little hit and miss. In my opinion, I found that the limitation was that the AirPods needed to clearly hear the other person before they could translate what was being said. This may not be ideal in a more soft-spoken country like Japan.<\/p>\n That became more obvious when I tried using it around public transport, especially when using it to pick up train announcements. With announcements coming through speakers, combined with background noise and people talking, the AirPods didn’t always pick them up clearly enough.<\/p>\n So while Live Translation has plenty of potential, I wouldn’t rely on it as my main translation tool yet. It works better when you’re having a relatively clear conversation with someone.<\/p>\n More AI Is Coming<\/strong> With an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, the AirPods 5 can provide hands-free access to Apple’s new Siri AI. Unlike the Siri we’ve been used to, the new version is designed to understand personal context from things such as messages, emails and photos, while also being able to take actions across apps. Apple is also bringing more conversational responses and improved Dictation.<\/p>\n That could make the AirPods much more useful while travelling. Being able to ask Siri about something in an email, get directions or perform an action without taking the iPhone out of my pocket sounds genuinely useful when I’m walking around a city.<\/p>\n Siri AI is rolling out as a beta, with Japanese support also coming, although availability varies by language, region and device. For now, Live Translation is the AI feature I could actually test during my Japan trip, but Siri AI could end up being the more interesting long-term addition.<\/p>\n
\nApple said that users can experience up to a 50% reduction in external noise with the AirPods 5 compared to the AirPods 4 with ANC, and they weren\u2019t lying. To be fair, I wasn’t expecting much from the ANC because the AirPods 5 don’t have the sealed fit of the AirPods Pro. But on the flight to Japan, I was pleasantly surprised.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nxtmag.tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0424-300x225.jpeg\")
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\nThe fit was another highlight. I used the AirPods 5 while running and exercising at the gym, and they stayed in place without me constantly having to adjust them. That made them particularly convenient during the trip, since I could wear them while walking around Tokyo and then use them again during a workout.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nxtmag.tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0403-300x225.jpeg\")
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\nThe Wireless Charging Case was another small convenience I appreciated during the trip. I could simply place it on a Qi wireless charger or Apple Watch charger at the hotel instead of reaching for another cable.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nxtmag.tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_1332-300x225.jpeg\")
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\nOne feature I was particularly interested in trying in Japan was Live Translation. Being able to conveniently understand what\u2019s going on was what I was looking forward to.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nxtmag.tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_1049-300x225.jpeg\")
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\nThere is also more to look forward to on the AI side.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nxtmag.tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0423-300x225.jpeg\")
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