AirPods 4 get optional noise cancellation, AirPods Max get USB-C

By Alex Choros

Last updated 10 September 2024

Apple has split its latest take on entry-level AirPods into two separate models: one with noise cancellation, and one without.

Announced alongside the new iPhone 16, the AirPods 4 are new entry-level AirPods with an open-ear design. This means they sit in your ear, rather than having tips that protrude into your ear canal like the AirPods Pro.

Apple says the AirPods 4 have a "massive" increase in sound quality, and they now benefit from the same H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro for features like voice isolation. There's also a force sensor that allows you to squeeze the stem to pause or play music. It can't adjust volume, however.

While the AirPods 4 look pretty similar to the last model, Apple says the headphones have been redesigned with a shape that fits even more users and is more comfortable than the previous model.

As the name suggests, AirPods 4 with ANC add noise cancelling to the AirPods 4. Noise cancellation is the key difference, but it also enables features like transparency mode, adaptive audio, and conversational awareness.

When we've tested noise cancelling on open-ear wireless earbuds before, we've not found it to be particularly effective, so it will be interesting to see how Apple's implemented it here.

The AirPods 4 with ANC get a slightly fancier charging case too. In addition to supporting USB-C charging like the standard model, the AirPods 4 with ANC case has wireless charging and a speaker.

The AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC are available to pre-order now ahead of a September 20 release date. You'll pay $219 for the standard model, or $299 for the model with noise cancellation.

In addition to new entry-level AirPods, Apple also announced a slight refresh of the AirPods Max. Apple's fanciest headphones now have USB-C for charging instead of Lightning, but are otherwise unchanged.

They do however come in five new colours: starlight, orange, purple, blue, and midnight.

The AirPods Max with USB-C still cost $899, making them more expensive than new rivals like the Sonos Ace. The Airpods Max with USB-C are available to pre-order now ahead of a September 20 release date.

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