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
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.
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
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
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
| AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC | AirPods Pro 2 | AirPods Max | |
| MSRP | $129 | $179 | $249 | $549 |
| Design | Open-ear | Open-ear | In-ear | Over-ear |
| Processor | H2 | H2 | H2 | H1 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Spatial Audio w/ dynamic head tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active Noise Cancellation | – | Yes | Yes, 2x | Yes, 2x |
| Transparency Mode | – | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Conversation Awareness | – | Yes | Yes | – |
| Voice Isolation | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Personalized Volume | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Adaptive Audio | – | Yes | Yes | – |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hearing Protection | – | – | Yes | – |
| Hearing Test | – | – | Yes | – |
| Hearing Aid | – | – | Yes | – |
| Conversation Boost | – | – | Yes | – |
| Controls | Force sensor | Force sensor | Touch control | Digital Crown, Button |
| Find My | – | Yes | Yes | |
| Dust, sweat, and water resistant | IP54 | IP54 | IP54 | – |
| Silicon ear tips | – | – | four sizes: XS, S, M, L | – |
| Charging Type | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| USB-C Cable | – | – | Yes | Yes |
| Qi Wireless Charging Case | – | Yes | Yes | – |
| Works with Apple Watch charger | – | Yes | Yes | – |
| Case | Charging Case (USB‑C) | Charging Case (USB‑C) with speaker | MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) with speaker and lanyard loop | Smart Case |
| Colors | White | White | White | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange |
| Battery Life | 4.5 hours | 4 hours | 4 hours | 20 hours |
| Earbud Weight | 0.15 oz (4.3 g) | 0.15 oz (4.3 g) | 0.19 oz (5.3 g) | 13.6 oz (386.2 g) |
| Case Weight | 1.14 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/
