Apple has introduced its latest AirPods model, the AirPods 4, featuring a sleek design that the company touts as the “most comfortable AirPods ever.” This new iteration improves sound quality significantly while maintaining the open-ear design and offering support for personalized spatial audio.
The AirPods 4 come in two versions: a standard model and a high-end version with active noise cancellation (ANC), a first for the non-Pro AirPods lineup. The premium ANC model also includes transparency mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings, and adaptive audio, which intelligently minimizes background noise. A standout feature, conversation awareness, automatically lowers the volume when users are speaking with someone nearby.
The entry-level AirPods 4 will be priced at $129, while the ANC-equipped model will retail for $179. Both versions will be available for pre-order today, with official sales starting on September 20.
Both models now include force sensors—previously only found in the Pro version—that allow users to control media playback by squeezing the stem. The charging case for the new AirPods is 10% smaller than the Pro version and features USB-C charging (USB-C cable sold separately). Additionally, the case for the ANC model comes with a built-in speaker for easier tracking via Apple’s Find My feature and supports wireless charging, including compatibility with the Apple Watch charger.
With the upcoming iOS 18 release, all AirPods, including the Pro models, will introduce a new Siri interaction feature that allows users to answer Siri by simply shaking their head. This feature was first announced at WWDC 2023.
The last major update to the standard AirPods was in 2021 with the third-generation AirPods, which adopted the AirPods Pro’s shorter stem design but lacked noise cancellation. The 2023 AirPods Pro (2nd generation) also saw updates with a USB-C charging case and lossless audio support when paired with the Vision Pro headset.
With these improvements, Apple AirPods 4 aim to deliver enhanced user experience and cutting-edge features that keep them ahead in the competitive wireless earbuds market.
