Apple introduces AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation that is cheaper than its Pro models

Apple announced a slate of new products at its keynote event on Monday (September 9), including two new AirPods 4 wireless earbuds, which succeeded the second-generation AirPods from 2019 and the AirPods 3 from 2021. While audiophiles were hoping for a major upgrade of the AirPods Max, the surprising development came from its new AirPods 4 range.

Are AirPods 4 noise cancelling?

The new headphones are expected to deliver lossless audio with ultra-low latency when you connect them to your headset. This feature was previously limited to the USB-C version of AirPods Pro 2. However, it appears that Apple’s cheapest $129 AirPods could outperform its $549 high-end AirPods Max with USB-C, as it doesn’t come with the lossless functionality.

New AirPods 4:
– Powered by a new H2 Chip
– New acoustic architecture
– Shake your head for yes or no interaction with Siri
– Voice Isolation
– 30 hours of total battery life with a new case
– ANC and Transparency Mode
– Case supports Find My#AppleEvent #Airpods4 pic.twitter.com/52r6Ju9uMl

— Tomi (@GadgetsBoy) September 9, 2024

The two new AirPods 4 models are both cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2, and either come with or without active noise cancellation. The entry-level AirPods 4 costs $129, while the AirPods 4 with the new feature costs $179. That’s $70 less than the cost of AirPods Pro 2.

The charging case has also been updated with a new button design. It previously had a standard button, but now it has been replaced with a capacitive button. In addition, while older models placed the button on the back, the new design positions it on the front of the case, just below the status light.

The AirPods 4 officially end the long, extended stems that were once common on most Apple earbuds. These buds look similar to the AirPods 3, or even the AirPods Pro, minus the rubber ear tips. Each earbud is compact, measuring only 30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1 mm and weighing only 0.15 ounces.

The new model has the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2, which allows both models to support spatial audio and dynamic head tracking. Aside from that, the feature set of the more affordable AirPods 4 is quite similar, including Bluetooth 5.3, just like the AirPods Pro 2.

Both versions of AirPods 4 are available as of September 20 and can be pre-ordered now.

Featured image: Apple

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