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gabrielja
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

AirPods 5 battery life is well below the advertised figures, even after a replacement

I've been using the AirPods 5 wireless charging and the battery life is noticeably worse than my AirPods 4 with ANC on. The case also loses charge on its own while sitting empty, and total battery life comes to less than 19 hours, far from the advertised 22.


A store replaced both the AirPods and the case, and the behavior is the same, so this doesn't look like a single faulty unit.


Is anyone else seeing this? If so, please share your numbers (hours per charge, ANC on or off, firmware version) so we can compare.

Posted on Oct 12, 2026 1:17 PM

2 replies

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 14, 2026 8:05 AM in response to gabrielja

  • What firmware version are your AirPods currently running (found in Settings > Bluetooth > [Your AirPods] (i))?
  • Do you have Find My network, Live Translation, or spatial audio in use?

This info helps narrowing down the problem


gabrielja Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 14, 2026 10:53 AM in response to WheelieNick

The firmware is 9A350 for the case and the airpods.


I have the same settings as my previous airpods 4 with anc, yes I have find my network, I haven’t use live translation and with personalized spatial audio on and head tracking off. Personalized volume off and conversation awareness off and head gestures on.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256375038