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Apple Introduces AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation & Tweaks Line-up

For 2024, Apple is introducing 4 new AirPods. Find out what’s new and surprisingly what hasn’t changed.

Apple AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max with USB-C charging (2024 models)

Apple has refreshed its AirPods line-up for 2024 with two all-new wireless earbuds, whilst adding Hearing Aid functionality to the current generation AirPods Pro 2, along with a couple minor tweaks to the AirPods Max over-ear wireless headphones. Let’s examine.

AirPods 4

Apple AirPods 4 with charging case
Apple AirPods 4

AirPods 3 (aka 3rd generation) were released in 2021, and are now being replaced by two slightly different versions of the AirPods 4. There is the regular AirPods 4 ($129) and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation ($179). Obviously they are differentiated by active noise cancellation (ANC), but the more expensive model gets a better case which supports Qi wireless charging, Apple Watch charging and Find My. In addition, the ANC model gets a new transparency mode that keeps users aware of surroundings while intelligently lowering media volume when conversations begin. Otherwise both AirPods 4 earbuds look and sound the same (with ANC off).

Apple claims that the AirPods 4 bring a massive improvement in sound quality over the previous generation thanks to an entirely new acoustic architecture. Both new versions support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, which is a feature carried over from the previous generation. Oddly, maximum battery life is down an hour (5 vs. 6 hours), but ANC and talking drains the battery quicker to effectively 4 hours.

Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation supports wireless charging and Apple Watch charging cable
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation supports Qi wireless charging and Apple Watch charging cable

The new Apple-designed H2 chip in AirPods 4 enables some new features on both models. Voice isolation makes outgoing calls clearer by removing background noises. Siri Interactions lets users nod/shake their head to answer calls hands-free or respond to Siri. In addition, a new force sensor on the stem enables play/pause/mute music or end calls with a quick press.

Lastly, the external design of AirPods 4 has slightly changed over AirPods 3, which Apple claims will fit more comfortably and securely in people’s ears.

AirPods Pro 2

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid
Apple AirPods Pro 2

Meanwhile AirPods Pro 2 are unchanged, but a forthcoming software update will enable clinical-grade Hearing Aid features and even administer a scientifically validated Hearing Test. Its findings build a hearing profile that Apple can use to personalize listening. In other words, if your hearing test reveals deficiencies at certain frequencies, algorithms within the AirPods can boost such frequencies to compensate. It’s too early to tell how well it works, but we have seen similar technology used before in Focal’s Bathys Wireless Headphones.

Note: Apple claims AirPods Pro 2 are the best-selling headphones in the world.

AirPods Max with USB-C Charging

Apple AirPods Max with USB-C charging wireless headphones in new colors 2024
Apple AirPods Max with USB-C charging come in five beautiful new colors, including starlight, orange, purple, blue, and midnight.

AirPods Max ($549) which are almost 4 years old remain relatively unchanged — at least sonically. There are five new colors to choose from and its lightning port gets swapped out for USB-C. This new model is simply called AirPods Max with USB-C charging and its price remains the same. However, the older version with lightning port is currently selling for $100 less on Amazon.

AirPods Comparison

Apple AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max with USB-C charging (2024 models)
AirPods 4AirPods 4 with ANCAirPods Pro 2AirPods Max
MSRP$129$179$249$549
DesignOpen-earOpen-earIn-earOver-ear
ProcessorH2H2H2H1
Bluetooth5.35.35.35.0
Spatial Audio w/ dynamic head trackingYesYesYesYes
Active Noise CancellationYesYes, 2xYes, 2x
Transparency ModeYesYesYes
Conversation AwarenessYesYes
Voice IsolationYesYesYes
Personalized VolumeYesYesYes
Adaptive AudioYesYes
Adaptive EQYesYesYesYes
Hearing ProtectionYes
Hearing TestYes
Hearing AidYes
Conversation BoostYes
ControlsForce sensorForce sensorTouch controlDigital Crown,
Button
Find MyYesYes
Dust, sweat, and water resistant IP54IP54IP54
Silicon ear tipsfour sizes:
XS, S, M, L
Charging TypeUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-C
USB-C CableYesYes
Qi Wireless Charging CaseYesYes
Works with Apple Watch chargerYesYes
CaseCharging Case (USB‑C)Charging Case (USB‑C) with speakerMagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) with speaker and lanyard loopSmart Case
ColorsWhiteWhiteWhiteMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange
Battery Life4.5 hours4 hours4 hours20 hours
Earbud Weight0.15 oz
(4.3 g)
0.15 oz
(4.3 g)
0.19 oz
(5.3 g)
13.6 oz
(386.2 g)
Case Weight1.14 oz
(32.3 g)
1.22 oz
(34.7 g)
1.79 oz
(50.8 g)
4.74 oz
(134.5 g)

Price & Availability

New hearing health features will be available this fall for AirPods Pro 2 customers in a free software update when paired with iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.

Apple’s 2024 AirPods line-up is priced as follows:

  • AirPods 4 – $129 (pre-order now, available Sept 20th)
  • AirPods 4 with ANC – $179 (pre-order now, available Sept 20th)
  • AirPods Pro 2 – $249 (available now, software update pending)
  • AirPods Max with USB-C charging – $549 (pre-order now, available Sept 20th)

For more information: apple.com/airpods/

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