Apple Unveils AirPods 4 With Two Models Featuring Improved Fit, USB-C, and More

Apple today introduced the AirPods 4, which will come in two models: a base model for $129 and a model with Active Noise Cancellation for $179.

airpods 4 blue
‌AirPods 4‌ feature a big improvement in sound quality with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive media experience. Both models include the H2 chip and support features like Voice Isolation and Siri Interactions, the latter of which lets users nod or shake their head to respond to ‌Siri‌ announcements.

For more controls, ‌AirPods 4‌ feature a force sensor on the stem to play or pause media and mute or end phone calls. The case for the ‌AirPods 4‌ is the smallest case yet on any AirPods model, and it features USB-C charging with up to 30 hours of total battery life.

In regards to the second ‌AirPods 4‌ model, it features Active Noise Cancellation with upgraded microphones and advanced computational audio helping to reduce environmental noise. This model also has a Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness.

Users can also use an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger to refuel the ‌AirPods 4‌ charging case on the higher-end model, and it includes a speaker for Find My capabilities.

For both ‌AirPods 4‌ models, Apple has refined the design of the AirPods to create the most comfortable AirPods ever, resulting in a shape that "naturally fits even more users around the world."

Both ‌AirPods 4‌ models are available to pre-order now in the United States, and will be available starting September 20.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

ProbablyDylan Avatar
8 months ago
Actually very excited by AirPods + ANC! Rubber tips aren't comfortable for me on any bud.

Wish the name was better though. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.

edit: spelling ?
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
city_17 Avatar
8 months ago
Open ear + ANC is a winning combination, but I'm going to wait for reviews to see how it really works. Hard to see it being that effective without actual physical isolation.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
joshwithachance Avatar
8 months ago
Having two separate base models on top of a Pro and Max version makes the AirPods lineup VERY messy and confusing imo. Also, you can almost always secure the Pro 2s with USB-C at most retailers for $179 anyway so what's the point of the ANC model?
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
carniesandrubes Avatar
8 months ago
$179 for the ANC model when AirPods Pro 2 have been on sale as low as $169 recently. Ok...
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tdevilsg Avatar
8 months ago

What's the point of noise cancelling on non-sealed earbuds?

That just doesn't work no matter what Apple try to make you think.
Probably about 50 models of earbuds that have better sound with noise cancelling default and isolation for under $150 on Amazon right now.
How do you know it doesn't work? I doubt they would release this if it didn't work. Wait until the actual reviews come in.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HornOfAbraxas Avatar
8 months ago

Having two separate base models on top of a Pro and Max version makes the AirPods lineup VERY messy and confusing imo. Also, you can almost always secure the Pro 2s with USB-C at most retailers for $179 anyway so what's the point of the ANC model?
VERY messy and confusing? There's one over-the-ear, one with tips, one base with ANC and one without. That's "very confusing"?

The open-ear model is for people who don't like tips. My wife and I had Pros and sold them because of the tips. Not everyone enjoys the feeling of rubber tips sliding in and out of your ear, and not everyone's ear shape is conducive to them staying in.

I don't think having one additional model takes the lineup from acceptable to "very messy and confusing"
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)