Apple AirPods 5. Handout
MANILA — Alongside the new iPhones, Apple also unveiled its latest wearables, including the AirPods 5, Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4.
Apple said the AirPods 5 brings improved active noise cancellation (ANC) across its open-ear wireless headphone lineup at a lower starting price point.
The newly designed earbuds feature an open-ear fit, multi-port acoustic architecture, and 50 percent more noise reduction than the previous generation, according to Apple. Priced at $129, or P9,490 in the Philippines, the base model includes hands-free access to Siri AI, live translation capabilities, and up to four hours of listening time with ANC activated.
A premium tier model priced at $149 or P10,990 in the Phillippines, introduces swipe-based on-stem volume control, up to five hours of battery life with ANC, and a wireless charging case compatible with Apple Watch and Qi chargers. Both models offer enhanced durability against rain, sweat, and dust.
"AirPods 5 deliver more than just a world-class listening experience," said Apple VP for Engineering Dave Pakula during the livestreamed launch.
"They're also a seamless extension of Apple Intelligence on your iPhone," Pakula added.
Apple confirmed that active noise cancellation is now standard across its entire AirPods product range. Pre-orders open immediately, with full retail availability set for September 18.
Curiously absent was a new version of the flagship earbud AirPods Pro, of which last year's version already had one of the best ANC features in its class.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Watch Series 12. Handout
WATCH SERIES 12, ULTRA 4
Apple also unveiled its next-generation Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, debuting an overhauled health-monitoring array alongside new artificial intelligence features designed to transcribe and summarize surrounding conversations.
Powered by the new S11 processor—derived from Apple's A20 Pro silicon—the smartwatches introduce "Audio Intelligence". Key features include "Live Rewind," which transcribes the preceding 15 seconds of spoken audio, and "Siri Recap," which uses ambient listening to generate key points and summaries from daily interactions. The wearable devices can also detect critical environmental sounds such as sirens, alarms, or a baby crying.
Apple emphasized that strict privacy safeguards are built into the system, noting that raw audio processed in a dedicated hardware exclave is never stored.
"Privacy is protected at every step," Apple VP for Sensing and Connectivity Ron Huang said during the product presentation.
On the health front, the devices incorporate a re-engineered optical and electrode sensor system. Background heart rate readings are now taken every five seconds—60 times more frequently than previous models—while heart rate variability is sampled every five minutes. The metrics feed into a new daily "Readiness" score evaluating daily capacity, as well as new "Health Age" and longevity tools inside a redesigned Health app on the iPhone.
Hardware updates include cases crafted from 100 percent recycled aluminum and titanium, protected by a tougher Ceramic Shield 2 front glass. The new Audio Intelligence features and redesigned Health app are scheduled to roll out later this year.
Apple also detailed the flagship Apple Watch Ultra 4, highlighting significant battery life upgrades alongside pricing.
Also powered by the new S11 chip, the Ultra 4 delivers over two days of standard battery life, 18 hours of continuous GPS tracking, and up to 45 hours in the new Max Extended workout mode, according to Apple. Offered in black and natural titanium, it introduces new strap options including a titanium Hermès band.
The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at P28,990 while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at P59,990. While both devices will be available in the US starting Sept. 18, there is no announcement yet on when the new smartwatches will hit store shelves in the Philippines.