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

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

TLDR

  • Apple unveiled two new AirPods 4 models, priced at $129 and $179, with optional noise cancellation.
  • The AirPods 4 offer lossless audio and low latency..
  • They feature spatial audio, Bluetooth 5.3, and a redesigned charging case with a capacitive button.

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.

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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Suswati Basu
Tech journalist

Suswati Basu is a multilingual, award-winning editor and the founder of the intersectional literature channel, How To Be Books. She was shortlisted for the Guardian Mary Stott Prize and longlisted for the Guardian International Development Journalism Award. With 18 years of experience in the media industry, Suswati has held significant roles such as head of audience and deputy editor for NationalWorld news, digital editor for Channel 4 News and ITV News. She has also contributed to the Guardian and received training at the BBC As an audience, trends, and SEO specialist, she has participated in panel events alongside Google. Her…

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