Apple’s iPhone 18, AirPods 5 and Apple Watch Series 12 officially hit shelves today, and if you’re trying to decide whether it’s time to upgrade — or which items actually make sense for you — I’ve got you covered.I’m breaking down everything you need to know about this newest lineup, from what’s actually different to pricing and availability.Apple’s latest launchesAirPods 5$149.00Amazon$149.00Apple$149.00Best BuyThe AirPods 5 deliver up to 1.5 times more active noise cancellation than the previous generation and are powered by a new H2 chip.
They also have dynamic head tracking, adaptive audio to switch between noise cancelling and transparency mode, depending on your environment.Similar to other AirPod models, they also have IP57 rating for dust, sweat, and water resistance.On the software side, they offer hands-free access to the new Siri AI and real-time Live Translation.
Battery life is up to four hours with ANC with the base model, or five hours (22 total with the case) with the USB-C Wireless Charging Case option, which also supports Qi and Apple Watch charging.NBC Selected senior editor Shalwah Evans tried out the AirPods 5 after receiving a pair from the brand and immediately noticed that the open earbuds fit more comfortably than previous models.
“I was pleasantly surprised that these pods with no rubber tip didn’t budge,” she says.“I also love how crisp the ambient sound is when ANC is turned off, which is a huge plus for when I’m walking my dog and need to be aware of my surroundings crossing busy streets.” The new AirPods 5 start at $129 and are available now.iPhone 18 Pro$1,199.00Apple$1,299.99Best BuyThe new iPhone 18 Pro holds onto its familiar silhouette, but the real story is underneath.
Both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (also available today) now run on Apple’s new A20 Pro chip paired with a redesigned vapor chamber that Apple says delivers up to 40 percent better sustained performance than last year’s model....