During Monday’s It’s Glowtime iPhone 16 launch event, Apple announced a just one new generation of personal audio: The AirPods 4. We didn’t get a new generation of AirPods Pro — last year’s update is the most current edition — but the high-end buds are getting a ton of new hearing features as a software update this fall. The AirPods Max only got a minor update, with a USB-C connector and new colors.
Tech Reader’s own Billy Steele was on the ground in Cupertino and had a chance to briefly try the new buds and praised its most notable addition: Active noise cancellation. Unfortunately, that feature is only available with a more expensive model of the AirPods 4 and adds $50 to the base price. Both models are available for preorder now and will land in stores on September 20. Here’s how to get yours.
Apple
The new mid-tier Apple AirPods 4 have an H2 chip and now support active noise cancelation and a transparancy mode, like the high-end AirPods Pro — though the feature is only available on a more expensive version of the buds. It’s $179 for ANC and $129 without it. If you do go for the pricier buds, they can also automatically switch modes depending on your environment and lower audio when you start talking.
Other features include a new case that supports wireless charging or a wired USB-C connection. The case also now has a speaker to help you find it under your bed or driver’s seat using the Find My app.
The AirPods 4 are priced at $129 without active noise cancellation or $179 with it. They can be pre-ordered starting now. They should hit store shelves and start shipping on September 20.
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
