Apple brings noise cancellation to new entry-level AirPods while AirPods Pro get a hearing aid feature
The noise-quieting feature is a much-awaited improvement to the AirPods, and the AirPods Pro 2's health features could be an industry game changer.
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Apple's AirPods are among the most popular headphones on the market, synonymous with sleek design and seamless iPhone compatibility. The company just announced what's next for all three of its AirPod models: the AirPods, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max.
The biggest news is the release of the new AirPods 4th Generation, which comes in two models: one with ANC (active noise-cancelling) and one without. Both feature a redesign, optimizing comfort for most users. The newest AirPods Max now features USB-C charging compatibility and five new colors to choose from. The AirPods Pro 2 remain the same but are receiving software updates soon, offering features for hearing health assessment, protection, and treatment.
Below, I've broken down what to look forward to from each of Apple's new AirPods announcements. Every new model is now available to preorder and will be released on September 20.
Apple AirPods 4th Generation
The new generation of AirPods comes in two models. The cheaper of the two lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and wireless charging but has a new design and a slew of new features, just like the pricier one. The new form factor lends more comfort for most ear shapes. Apple
Both models are powered by Apple's H2 chip (previously only used in the 2nd Generation AirPods Pro), which, combined with the earbuds' new acoustic architecture, provides better sound for music listening and media watching. The new AirPods also feature personalized spatial audio compatible with music, movies, and more.
Siri is also interactable in new ways: you can now respond to the assistant's announcements with a nod or shake of your head.
The $129 AirPods 4th Generation is in a smaller case than any of its predecessors. It charges with USB-C, but not wirelessly. Apple
The slightly more expensive AirPods 4th Generation with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) comes with all of the same design features, and more. As the name suggests, it offers ANC without the typical in-ear or over-ear design. Just like the Pros, that means it can also switch into Transparency Mode so you can prioritize listening when necessary.
Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness also enable AirPods users to go about their daily lives without removing their earbuds. Now, audio automatically lowers in volume as soon as the wearer starts talking and returns to the original volume as soon as they're done. Apple
The case is slightly larger than the non-ANC model but includes wireless charging and a speaker for easier use with Find My.
Apple AirPods Max
The updated AirPods Max finally brings USB-C charging to the headphones, enabling you to charge all your new devices using the same cable. Before this announcement, the AirPods Max still used Apple's proprietary lightning connector. Apple
The headphones are also now available in five new colors: blue, purple, midnight, starlight, and orange.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro did not receive a new model this time around, but a powerful update is coming to the 2nd Generation Pros featuring new features focused on hearing health. Apple
The AirPods Pro 2, combined with iOS 18, can now offer a clinically validated hearing test to help users assess their hearing capacity. It takes five minutes and involves tapping your phone's screen when you hear certain tones.
After you complete the test, the earbuds are now capable of functioning as an over-the-counter hearing aid. Your hearing profile is customized based on your assessment results, giving the AirPods Pro 2s the guidelines on which sounds to boost for you. They are not currently FDA-approved, but Apple expects FDA clearance soon.
Apple AirPods 4th Gen and AirPods Max: Prices and release dates
All of the new AirPods models are available to order now and will be released to the public on September 20. The most affordable of the bunch is the AirPods 4th Gen without ANC, which starts at $129. The 4th Gen AirPods with ANC start at $179, and the new AirPods Max start at $549.
The AirPods Pro 2 are already available to purchase, starting at $249.
Apple AirPods 4th Generation and AirPods Max specs
| AirPods 4th Gen | AirPods 4th Gen with ANC | AirPods Max | |
| Price | $129 | $179 | $549 |
| Audio modes | ANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode | ANC, Transparency Mode | |
| Chip | H2 | H2 | H1 |
| Battery life on a single charge | 5 hours | 5 hours without ANC | 20 hours with ANC |
| Case features | USB-C charging | USB-C charging, wireless charging, speaker for Find My | Smart case |
