AirPods 2024: A Breakdown of Apple’s New Headphone Lineup

At Monday’s event, Apple introduced its new fourth-generation AirPods, along with the new iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, and Apple Watch Series 10. For the first time, the entry-level AirPods come in two versions: one with noise cancellation and the other without, with both models positioned below the Pro model.

In this post, we’ll provide details about each member of the AirPods lineup and help you understand the differences so you can choose the best option for your needs. Currently, there are four models available.

AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max Comparison

4th-Generation AirPods

The fourth-generation AirPods have a design similar to last year’s model, but Apple claims it’s improved comfort and redesigned the interior to enhance the bass-emitting woofer, making them the best-sounding open headphones on the market.

One of the new features is the force sensor, a small touch strip on the stem that allows users to control the headphones and use different functions by pressing. Now, the charging case also comes with a USB-C port, like the AirPods Pro.

The AirPods 4 have a new processor, the Apple Silicon H2, and offer up to 30 minutes of battery life when used with the charging case.

4th-Generation AirPods with Noise Cancellation

For the first time, a pair of non-Pro AirPods now feature active noise cancellation and are compatible with Apple’s Transparency mode. The ANC allows you to blend ambient sounds and lower the volume during conversations.

However, the addition of these Pro features in the AirPods 4 will come at an extra cost of $50. In fact, this marks the first time Apple is charging significantly more for these features. As a result, the AirPods 4 are now moving closer in price to the 2nd-generation AirPods Pro, although the Pro model is still priced higher.

AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 are a familiar product that were updated with USB-C instead of Lightning a while back. They are Apple’s most ambitious option, featuring the same chip as the AirPods 4 but with more powerful noise cancellation, as the company states on its website.

They also offer better battery life, providing up to six hours of playback compared to the AirPods 4’s five hours on a single charge. However, using the charging case gives the same playback times (30 hours).

Although Apple doesn’t explicitly mention this, the AirPods Pro’s close design suggests better sound quality compared to the AirPods 4. Nonetheless, for those with less experienced ears, the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation are still a compelling choice.

AirPods Max

The AirPods Max are the flagship model of the lineup. They use slightly older technology and feature the H1 chip. However, the noise cancellation is still superior to the AirPods 4, and the design is completely different.

These headphones are designed for those who prefer over-ear headphones and offer higher-quality audio compared to their smaller counterparts. It’s one of the most ambitious offerings on the market, directly competing with Sony’s best.

AirPods Pricing and Availability

You can now pre-order the AirPods 4 for $129 and the AirPods 4 with ANC for $179. As mentioned earlier, the only difference between the two models is the addition of active noise cancellation in the most expensive version.

You can also pre-order the AirPods Max on Apple’s website for $549. The AirPods 4 and the AirPods Max will be available for purchase beginning on Sept. 20.

The AirPods Pro 2 are still available for purchase for $249.

Image | Apple

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