- Our Apple event live blog is up and running with our in-depth coverage of the AirPods 4 launch, plus all the latest on the iPhone 16 series.
So with the Apple Glowtime event now finished, we have a much better picture of the brand-new AirPods 4. There are now two models of base model AirPods, replacing the very old AirPods 2 and the slightly less old AirPods 3. Those each have their own feature set, with a new more premium option including noise canceling tech straight from the AirPods Pro 2.
There's loads more to talk about with the new models as well, with a complete refresh to the AirPods formula. From improved battery life to some extra power from a new chip, here's everything you need to know about Apple's brand new AirPods 4.
Apple AirPods 4: Release date
Apple announced the new AirPods 4 at the Glowtime event, on September 9th. You'll be able to pre-order the AirPods 4 the moment that the Apple Store goes back online after the show.
They will both become fully available for purchase on September 20th, shipping out on the same date to those who preordered.
Apple AirPods 4: Price
The cheaper AirPods 4 model sells for $129, the same price as the AirPods 2.
The other pair is a more feature-filled option that replaces the AirPods 3. With the active noise cancelation feature, the company launched them at $179, which is still cheaper than AirPods Pro.
Apple AirPods 4: Design
There are some big updates to the design of the AirPods, blending elements of the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 for some comfortable-looking earbuds. They lack the silicon ear tips of the AirPods Pro 2, but they have shorter stems and smaller overall size that should make them a whole lot nicer to wear for long periods than the outgoing AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.
The case has also been upgraded, shaving down the size and adding in a new USB-C charging port on the bottom. According to Apple, this is now the smallest charging case that a pair of AirPods has ever had, making them even more portable than before.
Apple AirPods 4: Specifications
There have been some wicked additions to the feature set of the AirPods 4. First and foremost is the fit of the headphones, which Apple says has been perfected thanks to "50 million data points" based on different fitting buds. The idea is to make headphones that are as comfortable as possible for most people. That means a wider opening at the tip of the bud, a redesigned bud, and new shorter stems.
Then there's the new chip inside — the H2 from the AirPods Pro 2. What does that mean in the long run? Improved sound quality, for one, in addition to the newly redesigned sonic architecture. Apple says there's a low-distortion driver on board paired with a high-dynamic range amplifier, which should make them sound pretty good.
The H2 chip will also run Spatial Audio on the AirPods 4, which is new for the lower-price model. That's personalized Spatial Audio as well, which is always a bonus. It will also allow for voice isolation on calls, for clearer audio when you're having a chat, or in an important work call, and don't want anyone to know that you're working from the beach. Finally, the H2 will lend them low wireless latency for when you're playing games on your Apple devices with your mates.
There's now a force sensor in the stems of the AirPods 4, making them much easier to control.
Moving on to the case, you can use the new USB-C port in the bottom to juice your buds up, replacing the old lightning port on the old model.
Then there's the second model of AirPods 4, which for $50 more will give you ANC. It's not even weaker ANC than the AirPods Pro 2, you're getting all the best bits for a whole lot fewer dollars. There's all the requisite modes, including adaptive, and transparency modes.
This is the main difference between the cheaper and the more expensive model, in addition to the new wireless charging coil in the charging case.
Apple AirPods 4: Outlook
The AirPods 4 look solid based on the upgrades announced by Apple. We'll need to get our hands (and ears) on both new models to make a final judgment, but we're optimistic. Stay tuned for more AirPods 4 news as we receive it.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
