While Apple's Glowtime event naturally focused on the iPhone 16 and this year's Apple Watch, it also finally showed off new AirPods 4.
We've got two brand-new models for the first time, giving users access to AirPods for a lower price than ever before. AirPods 4 now start at $129, instead of the previous $179 starting point.
AirPods 4: Release Date
AirPods 4 launched at the iPhone 16 event in September 2024, dubbed "It's Glowtime." They were unveiled alongside the latest iPhones, a new version of AirPods Pro 2, and a color refresh to AirPods Max.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable source in the industry, stated in a prediction Tweet that the next AirPods will ship in the second half of 2024 or the first half of 2025, alongside new AirPods Max.
This aligns with previous launch cycles. The following are the launch years of all AirPods since the start:
- First Generation AirPods released in December, 2016
- Second Generation AirPods released in March, 2019
- First Generation Airpods Pro released in October, 2019
- AirPods Max released in December, 2020
- Third Generation released in October, 2021
- Second Generation AirPods released in September, 2022
AirPods 4: Price
Apple's AirPods 4 are cheaper than ever, with a new starting point of $129. That's down $50 from the previous starting price of $179.
The $129 AirPods 4 offer all the new features (more on this later), except for active noise cancellation. That includes the more comfortable design, new case Find My features, and wireless charging. But, ANC is reserved for a slightly more expensive version of AirPods 4, priced at $179.
That's right, the second AirPods 4 option is back at the $179 price point. But with the addition of ANC, they're more of a steal than ever. Some rumors expected the price to drop down to $169 instead, but we're sticking at the same price as AirPods 3.
AirPods 4: Features
AirPods 4 feature a USB-C port to comply with new EU regulations around charging, just like the iPhone 15 and AirPods Pro 2.
AirPods 4 are set to be the most comfortable AirPods ever made, and are designed to fit more people than ever. There's a new acoustic architecture as well, so they'll be better sounding. The stems have almost disappeared, so look more like AirPods Pro than ever before.
But there are two models. Apple’s finally brought active noise cancellation to its base-level AirPods with a second model. Yep, ANC is no longer exclusive to the pricier AirPods Pro – so you can now enjoy some peace and quiet with the 4th-gen AirPods too. They’ve also thrown in Transparency Mode and even Adaptive Audio – which automatically mutes your music so you can hear voices.
As for the case, AirPods (4th-gen) now work with Find My, including the wider Find My network. There’s even a little speaker on the case, ready to play a chime when you inevitably lose them. No lanyard hole this time, but honestly, who’s using that anyway? Didn’t bother with it on my AirPods Pro 2, and I doubt anyone’s crying over its absence here.
Charging is easier than ever, thanks to added wireless charging in the case. Plus, you can expect 30 hours of battery from these earbuds.
Conversation Awareness will turn down or turn off music when you are speaking, meaning you can keep in your AirPods in conversation without missing out on anything. Though these features are very impressive, they are currently locked to the AirPods Pro 2.
For most, the AirPods 4 with ANC are probably more compelling than AirPods Pro 2. You lose out on some passive noise cancellation and a better fit due to the lack of ear tips, the new hearing features are absent, and there aren't quite as many features. But if you're looking for a cheaper set of AirPods, this model is an excellent choice.
"I'm very glad to see the new $129 starting price for AirPods 4, and it makes sense. $179 is still a little steep for the cheapest AirPods in a world where decent wireless earbuds can be had for around $50. While $129 is still pricier, it makes AirPods much more accessible for those that don't care about the latest and greatest features."
AirPods 4: Battery life
So far, all models of AirPods have had similar battery life. The first generation had around 5 hours of listening time, with the AirPods second generation hitting a similar mark and the third generation getting about an hour more than that. Given they charge in their case, this is a pretty decent battery life so we can expect a similar figure for AirPods 4.
The AirPods 1,2, and 3 case comes with around 4 charges at full battery, giving an extra 24 hours of listening time per device. Unfortunately, as AirPods age, they tend to lose some of their battery effectiveness, giving you less per charge. This means that most AirPods 1s today will give you under that battery, incentivizing upgrading every few years.
AirPods 4 have a similar battery life on paper – Apple says you can expect 30 hours of battery from these earbuds. But this will likely be more than your previous AirPods in practice. Charging is easier than ever on AirPods 4, thanks to added wireless charging in the case.
Apple swapping charging ports to USB-C technically gives the ability to charge quicker than Lightning cables, even though this likely won’t affect charge time by too much.
Q&A
Should I upgrade to the AirPods 4?
If you are thinking of committing to a newer model of the AirPods, AirPods 4 are quite a compelling option. They offer a set of features very similar to that of AirPods Pro 2, giving users more features than ever at a lower price.
The $129 option without ANC is ideal if you're looking to save money on your new buds. But the $179 option with ANC is probably the better value option.
Do the AirPods 4 have wireless charging?
Yes. Charging is easier than ever on AirPods 4, thanks to added wireless charging in the case. It supports MagSafe as well, so you can throw your new AirPods 4 on to a puck.
Do the AirPods 4 come in different colors?
No, the AirPods 4 do not come in different colors. All previous models only came in white, and the newest model follows suit. You will have to go all the way up to AirPods Max to get more colors – and there are even more options on the latest refresh.
