Apple’s AirPods have been the go-to wireless earbuds for millions, literally millions, of users since they first launched.
But here’s the thing: while AirPods are still the safe choice for Apple fans, the competition has been quietly chipping away at their lead.
Take Sony’s WF-1000XM4 earbuds, for example. They’re the same price as AirPods Pro, but in many ways, they offer a better fit, longer battery life, and richer sound. After spending time with both, it’s clear that if Apple wants the AirPods 5 to remain the gold standard, they’ll need to step up their game.
Here’s my wishlist (based on real-world testing) of the features AirPods 5 absolutely need if they want to stay ahead of the pack.
#1. Better, More Secure Fit
Despite their sleek design, AirPods Pro still have one big flaw for some users: they just don’t stay in. The original AirPods actually sat more securely in my ears than the Pro versions, but neither comes close to the locked-in feel you get from competitors like Sony.
Sony’s secret? Memory foam ear tips. Unlike the silicone tips on AirPods Pro, foam expands to fill every little gap, creating a snug seal that boosts comfort and passive noise isolation. That seal also helps the sound quality, resulting in a deeper bass, fuller mids, and less outside noise sneaking in.
If AirPods 5 are going to win over more ears, Apple should include multiple tip options in the box. Not just silicone in three sizes, but foam as well. And while they’re at it, a slightly more ergonomic stem angle could help them stay put during runs, gym sessions, or when you’re lying on the sofa pretending to be productive.
#2. Superior Sound Quality & Richer Bass
After switching between AirPods Pro and Sony’s XM4s, the difference in quality was instantly obvious.
A lot of that comes down to two things: better passive noise isolation from the foam tips and high-resolution audio support. AirPods Pro simply don’t offer true lossless playback over Bluetooth, and while Apple has hinted at exploring higher-quality codecs, we’ve yet to see them in action.
For AirPods 5, Apple really needs to do more than incremental tweaks. Support for lossless audio over wireless should be non-negotiable, especially since Apple Music already has a huge library of high-res tracks. Combine that with a more powerful driver system and a slightly warmer tuning, and AirPods 5 could finally satisfy both casual listeners and audiophiles.
#3. Battery and Charging Upgrades
For AirPods 5, Apple could also make some serious stamina gains, such as:
- 8+ hours per charge with ANC on, minimum.
- Faster charging that gives you at least an hour of playtime from a quick 5-minute top-up.
- Bigger case battery that can hold multiple full recharges without adding bulk.
And while we’re at it, wireless charging could use a speed boost, too. MagSafe is handy, but it’s slow compared to USB-C wired charging. Give us faster Qi2 charging for when we’re in no rush, and higher-watt wired charging for those moments when you’ve got 10 minutes before heading out the door.
Another wishlist item? Reverse wireless charging from an iPhone. Samsung users have been doing this for years, popping their buds on the back of their phone for a quick juice-up. AirPods 5 paired with an iPhone 16 or 17 could easily adopt this. It really is a no-brainer.
#4. Smarter Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes
Apple’s AirPods Pro have solid active noise cancellation, no one’s denying that, but Sony has shown it can be pushed further. Their XM4s go beyond blocking sound; they adapt to your surroundings with Adaptive Sound Control, which tweaks the amount of noise cancellation or passthrough depending on whether you’re walking, waiting, commuting, or sitting still.
Even better, Sony’s “Speak-to-Chat” feature automatically switches to transparency mode when it detects your voice, letting you hold a quick conversation without fiddling with controls. Sure, it can be triggered by a sneeze (slightly awkward), but it’s proof that ANC and transparency can be more dynamic than the static on/off toggle AirPods offer.
For AirPods 5, Apple could take this a step further. Imagine a transparency mode that’s smart enough to prioritise voices but still reduce background noise in a busy coffee shop, or ANC that subtly adjusts based on where you are and what you’re doing.
#5. Better Controls and Hands-Free Siri That Actually Works
Let’s be honest, the AirPods’ stem squeeze gesture is neat, but it’s also limited. You can play/pause, skip tracks, and toggle ANC, but that’s about it. Volume control only arrived recently, and it’s still a bit fiddly to use mid-workout or while wearing gloves.
Sony’s XM4s, on the other hand, let you customize tap and hold gestures for each earbud, so you can decide whether a long press changes volume, switches modes, or triggers your voice assistant. They even give you the option to adjust these through the app whenever you want.
Then there’s Siri. Apple’s hands-free “Hey Siri” activation works well most of the time, but when you really need it (like skipping a track while running), it can be frustratingly inconsistent. Sony’s approach might be slower (press and hold to summon Google Assistant or Alexa), but at least you can pick the assistant you actually want.
For AirPods 5, Apple should double down on gesture flexibility and reliable hands-free Siri. Imagine being able to map a quick double-tap to shuffle play, or a press-and-hold to instantly lower volume by 50% for a conversation. Pair that with Siri that responds instantly, even in noisy environments, and AirPods 5 would feel far more capable without adding complexity.
#6. More Durable and User-Friendly Design
Apple’s AirPods Pro are sleek, but they’re not exactly built for rugged use. The glossy white finish on the case collects scratches and pocket lint faster than you can say “AppleCare+,” and the buds themselves can feel slippery if your hands are sweaty. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s also not ideal for something you’re meant to use every day, everywhere.
For AirPods 5, a few simple changes could go a long way:
- Matte or textured finish to hide scratches and smudges.
- Multiple colour options beyond white, because it’s 2025 and not every device needs to scream “I’m an Apple product.”
- Improved water and sweat resistance for both the buds and the case, making them gym-ready (and rain-ready) without worry.
- Better ear tip variety, including foam options straight out of the box, to suit more ear shapes and improve sound isolation.
These tweaks wouldn’t alienate existing fans of the AirPods look, but they’d make them far more practical for everyday use.
Last Chance Saloon: Will AirPods 5 Keep the Crown?
Right now, AirPods Pro are still the default choice for iPhone users, not necessarily because they’re the best true wireless earbuds, but because they fit so neatly into Apple’s walled garden. Instant pairing, automatic device switching, spatial audio, and Find My integration keep them sticky in the Apple ecosystem.
But that comfort zone is exactly where Apple risks slipping. Competitors like Sony, Bose, and even budget brands are pushing ahead with longer battery life, more customization, and better durability, often at the same price. Features like foam tips, adaptive sound control, and stronger ANC are no longer “nice-to-haves”... they are baseline expectations in 2025.
If AirPods 5 can nail the wishlist, which includes:
- Better fit
- Richer sound
- Flexible controls
- Tougher design
- Longer battery life
- Faster charging
Apple will keep its crown without question. Fail to do so, and we might see more iPhone users quietly tucking a pair of Sonys, Sennheisers, or Beats into their pockets instead.
