Apple has revealed a special edition version of its AirPods 5 in India to coincide with the Diwali season. The unique run features a rangoli-style engraving on the case, with a heart-eyes emoji integrated into the design. It’s essentially the same hardware as the standard AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, simply dressed up for the festivities.
Design, Price, and Availability
The decorative motif draws from traditional Indian rangoli art, encircling a heart-eyes emoji on the case surface. The pricing mirrors that of the regular Indian model of AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case—₹17,900, which is about $187 USD. No premium was added.
Sales began October 11, 2026, and will extend through November 11, 2026, while supplies last. The special edition can be ordered via Apple’s online store and the Apple Store app in India, and is also available in Apple’s six retail stores across the country. Note that each customer is limited to purchasing two pairs, and this edition is excluded from promotions like Business, Education, or Employee Plan discounts. Apple warns that any repair or replacement may be fulfilled with a standard-edition AirPods 5, depending on inventory.
Festive Events and Workshops
To go along with the release, Apple is hosting free rangoli workshops led by artist Arushi Kathuria. These sessions will use the Procreate app on iPad, paired with Apple Pencil and a custom brush that simulates the look of rangoli powder. Workshops in India run from October 14 to November 9, and similar events will be held at selected locations in the United States, Canada, Malaysia, and Singapore.
This edition is aimed squarely at Diwali shoppers looking for something culturally resonant. Apple is tapping into cultural symbolism, tying special-edition design and community events together.
What this means: Apple’s launch of limited-edition AirPods 5 in India reinforces its ongoing strategy of regional customization. It shows how hardware refreshes can double as cultural moments—and how faithful customers may be willing to pay standard prices for designs that feel meaningful. Moving forward, it will be worth watching whether similar editions are rolled out in other countries during local holidays, or if more distinct design collaborations are coming to Apple’s accessory lineups.
