Apple brings noise cancellation to new entry-level AirPods, while AirPods Pro get hearing aid functionality
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Apple’s AirPods are some of 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 AirPod models: the AirPods, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max.
The biggest news is the release of the new 4th generation AirPods, which come in two models: one with ANC (active noise cancellation) and one without. Both feature a new design that optimizes comfort for most users. The latest AirPods Max now have USB-C charging compatibility and come in five new colors to choose from. The AirPods Pro 2 remain unchanged, but will soon receive software updates and add features to assess, protect and treat hearing health.
Below, I’ve broken down what you can look forward to with each of Apple’s new AirPod announcements. Each new model is available for pre-order now and will be released on September 20th.
Apple AirPods (4th generation)
The latest generation of Apple’s AirPods feature a new design that optimizes comfort for every wearer. They are powered by the H2 chip and use a smaller housing than ever before.
Apple AirPods with active noise cancellation
The base models of Apple’s AirPods now come with active noise cancellation (ANC) without the need for in-ear earbuds, and the new models use the brand’s H2 chip to enable features like Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness.
Apple AirPods Max with USB-C
Apple’s update for the AirPods Max finally brings the headphones with USB-C charging functionality and in five new colors. Otherwise, the hardware and audio performance have remained largely the same.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C
The AirPods Pro 2 are a big improvement over their predecessors, with improved noise cancellation and battery life, new touch controls for volume, and a redesigned case with a built-in speaker and pinpoint location tracking. Apple also recently revealed that they can be used to assess your hearing and as a hearing aid. This USB-C model has a modern charging port and is more dust-resistant.
Apple AirPods 4th generation
The new generation of AirPods comes in two models. The cheaper model does not have active noise cancellation (ANC) and wireless charging, but, like the more expensive model, has a new design and a number of new features. The new form factor offers more comfort for most ear shapes.
The new 4th generation AirPods have a new earbud design. 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 delivers better sound when listening to music and watching media. The new AirPods also feature personalized spatial audio that’s compatible with music, movies, and more.
Interaction with Siri is also possible in new ways: you can now respond to the assistant’s announcements with a nod or shake of your head.
The $129 4th generation AirPods have a smaller body than any of their predecessors. They charge via USB-C, but not wirelessly.
With AirPods 4th generation with active noise cancellation, you can go about your day without ever having to pause your music. Apple
The slightly more expensive 4th generation AirPods with active noise cancellation (ANC) have the same design features and more. As the name suggests, they offer ANC without the typical in-ear or over-ear design. Just like the Pros, that means they can also switch to transparency mode, allowing you to prioritize listening when you need it.
Thanks to Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, AirPods users can go about their daily lives without earbuds. Now, the volume automatically lowers when the wearer starts speaking and returns to the original volume when they’re finished.
The 4th generation AirPods model with active noise cancellation features a case that can be charged wirelessly. Apple
The case is slightly larger than the non-ANC model, but features wireless charging and a speaker for easier use with Find My.
Apple AirPods Pro
The updated AirPods Max finally bring USB-C charging to the headphones, so you can charge all your new devices with the same cable. Before this announcement, the AirPods Max still used Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector.
The AirPods Max are now available in five new colors. Apple
The headphones are now also available in five new colors: blue, purple, midnight, starlight and orange.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
There is no new model for the AirPods Pro this time, but the 2nd generation Pros are getting a powerful update with new features focused on hearing health.
AirPods Pro 2 can now help users assess, protect and support their hearing. Apple
The AirPods Pro 2, combined with iOS 18, can now offer a clinically validated hearing test that helps users assess their hearing. It takes five minutes and involves tapping your phone screen when you hear certain sounds.
Once testing is complete, the earbuds can now be used as an over-the-counter hearing aid. Your hearing profile will be customized based on your test results, giving the AirPods Pro 2s the guidelines on which sounds to amplify for you. They are not currently FDA approved, but Apple expects FDA approval soon.
Apple AirPods 4th generation and AirPods Max: prices and release dates
All new AirPods models are available to order now and will launch on September 20. The cheapest models are the 4th generation AirPods without ANC, which start at $129, the 4th generation AirPods with ANC start at $179, and the new AirPods Max start at $549.
The AirPods Pro 2 are available starting at $249.
Apple AirPods (4th generation)
The latest generation of Apple’s AirPods feature a new design that optimizes comfort for every wearer. They are powered by the H2 chip and use a smaller housing than ever before.
Apple AirPods with active noise cancellation
The base models of Apple’s AirPods now come with active noise cancellation (ANC) without the need for in-ear earbuds, and the new models use the brand’s H2 chip to enable features like Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness.
Apple AirPods Max with USB-C
Apple’s update for the AirPods Max finally brings the headphones with USB-C charging functionality and in five new colors. Otherwise, the hardware and audio performance have remained largely the same.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C
The AirPods Pro 2 are a big upgrade over their predecessors, with improved noise cancellation and battery life, new touch controls for volume, and a redesigned case with a built-in speaker and pinpoint location tracking. Apple also recently revealed that they can be used to assess your hearing and as a hearing aid. This USB-C model has a modern charging port and is more dust-resistant.
Specifications for Apple AirPods 4th generation and AirPods Max
