AirPods 4 announced – here’s everything you need to know

The new iPhone 16 may have taken center stage at Sept. 9’s Apple event, but it’s not the only new product announcement to watch. Apple also revealed the fourth generation of its Apple AirPods.

Allow us to break down all the new details of the new earbuds.

Apple introduces AirPods 4

As mentioned, the AirPods 4 have arrived. And the rumors were correct — Apple unveiled not one but two new AirPods 4 models. The new base model replaces the AirPods second generation, which Apple still sold, and a new higher-end AirPods 4 that replaces the third generation AirPods, which Apple is calling AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.

With this release, Apple has officially introduced three tiers of wireless earbuds, with the more fully featured AirPods 4 serving as a mid-tier product between the base model and the AirPods Pro.

Here’s everything Apple divulged about the new devices.

Features in the new AirPods 4 models

Credit: Apple

The new powerful H2 Apple Silicon chip powers both AirPods 4 models. This brings massive audio quality improvements, like personalized spacial audio and voice isolation, which removes background noise, to the AirPods 4. Apple shared that users will notice “richer bass” and “crystal-clear highs.”

The new AirPods 4 also comes with new Siri interactions. The H2 chipset capabilities allow AirPods 4 users to physically nod their heads “yes” or shake their heads “no” to answer questions when interacting with Siri while wearing AirPods 4.

In addition, users can control the audio playing through their AirPods4 via a sensor on the stem, which they can press to play or pause music, mute calls, and more.

Speaking of the AirPods stem, Apple has redesigned the AirPods 4 to make it more AirPods Pro-esque in aesthetic. The AirPods 4 has a shorter stem, making it less visible when worn. Apple also says it utilized “advanced modeling tools” and collected millions of data points to redesign the earbuds to fit every ear shape and size and make the AirPods 4 the most comfortable AirPods ever.

Credit: Apple

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

As previously discussed, the base AirPods now have a higher-end model called AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. This mid-tier AirPods has more features than the base model of AirPods 4 but isn’t quite as powerful (or expensive) as the AirPods Pro.

Active Noise Cancellation on this higher-end AirPods 4 brings features like transparency mode and active audio to the device. These features reduce noise around the user and adjust the volume based on their surroundings.

Plus, a new Conversation Awareness feature automatically lowers the volume of the user’s earbuds when they start talking.

A brand new AirPods 4 charging case

The charging case for the AirPods also got a major update with both AirPods 4 models. Like most Apple devices now, Apple traded in the lightning cable for USB-C on the AirPods 4 charging case. Apple says the new case is the smallest, most portable AirPods case yet and comes with 30 hours of battery life.

Credit: Apple

However, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation comes with a charging case with even more new features. The case with the higher-end AirPods 4 model can be wirelessly charged and has a built-in speaker to help with the Find My feature.

AirPods 4 price, preorder details

AirPods 4 are priced at $129 for the base model and $179 for AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. The new AirPods can be pre-ordered today and will be available September 20.

Apple also introduced new hearing health features for the AirPods Pro and new color options and a USB-C update for the AirPods Max.

Mashable’s currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 “Glowtime” Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things Apple Intelligence before, during, and after the event.