Apple launches AirPods 4 and an all-in-one hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2

Apple today unveiled two new versions of its AirPods 4 wireless earbuds: the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation (ANC). The Cupertino company also announced new color options and USB-C connectivity and charging for its AirPods Max wireless over-ear headphones.

AirPods 4

The new AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation feature an open-ear design that Apple says sets a new standard for fit and comfort. Apple designed the earbuds using advanced tools like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography, precisely mapping and analyzing thousands of ear shapes for more than 50 million individual data points in total. Apple says the new AirPods 4 are the most comfortable AirPods ever.

The new AirPods are expected to deliver a significant improvement in sound quality and feature an all-new acoustic architecture, low-distortion driver, and high-dynamic range amplifier. Personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking delivers an immersive multimedia experience.

Apple’s AirPods 4 feature the H2 chip, which enables many of the new iOS 18 features that will be coming to the AirPods Pro. These include Voice Isolation, which provides clearer call quality in any environment, and Siri Interactions, which allow users to interact with Siri announcements with a nod to say yes or a shake of the head to say no.

AirPods 4 also feature a new force sensor on the stem to play or pause media and mute or end calls with a quick press. The H2 chip means AirPods 4 are also great for gaming, delivering low latency wireless audio and excellent voice quality when communicating with other gamers. AirPods 4 support 16-bit, 48kHz audio.

The bundled charging case now offers USB-C charging and is more than 10% smaller than its predecessor, though it still offers up to 30 hours of battery life. Users can charge the case with a USB-C charging cable, and customers who opt for the more expensive AirPods 4 with ANC can charge the case using an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-certified charger.

AirPods 4 are the first to feature ANC in an open-ear design. AirPods 4 with ANC help reduce ambient noise and deliver a natural listening experience. They also offer features like Transparency Mode to help users stay aware of their surroundings; Adaptive Audio, which combines Transparency Mode and ANC based on the user’s surroundings; and Conversation Detection, which automatically lowers the volume of a user’s media when they start talking to someone nearby.

AirPods Pro 2 hearing test this fall

This fall, AirPods Pro 2 will feature what Apple describes as the world’s first end-to-end hearing health experience. The earbuds will offer active hearing protection, a scientifically validated hearing test, and a “clinical-grade” hearing aid feature.

The test is easy to perform and provides users with an interactive testing experience. After taking the test, users will be able to view a summary of their test results in a personalized hearing profile for AirPods Pro, stored privately in the secure Health app. Test results can also be shared with their healthcare providers to help them better communicate with them.

The hearing test and hearing aid features are expected to receive marketing approval from global health authorities soon, and the tests will be available this fall in more than 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany and Japan.

AirPods Max

Apple has made some changes to its AirPods Max over-ear headphones, including USB-C charging and new color options.

AirPods Max come in five new colors, including Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Orange, and Purple, providing finishes that complement other Apple products like Mac and iPad. AirPods Max also now feature USB-C charging capabilities, making them more convenient than ever to charge at home or on the go.

Rates and availability

Customers can now pre-order AirPods 4 for $129 (US) on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in the US and over 58 other countries and regions. Available Friday, September 20.

AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation can be pre-ordered for $179 (US) on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in the US and over 58 other countries and regions. Available Friday, September 20.

New hearing health features (hearing test and hearing aid) will be available this fall for AirPods Pro 2 customers in a free software update. An iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 is required.

AirPods Pro 2 are available for $249 (United States) on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app.