AirPods 4 are coming next week: Here’s what to expect

Apple’s biggest event of the year is almost here. On September 9, the company will unveil its iPhone 16 and 16 Pro lineup, the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 3, and more. AirPods 4 are also expected to debut next week. Here’s what you need to know about the new AirPods 4.

AirPods 4 will launch in two separate models

Apple plans to release two versions of its upcoming AirPods 4: one that’s more affordable and has fewer features, and another that’s a bit more expensive but has more features.

The idea is that the cheaper AirPods 4 will replace the current AirPods 2 model, which Apple still sells.

The more expensive version of the AirPods 4 will aim to replace the AirPods 3 in the lineup.

New design coming soon

The two new AirPods 4 models will be nearly identical, and are expected to feature a new design that Mark Gurman says “looks like a mix” of the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro.

In other words, all AirPods 4 models will feature the new, shorter stem design found on more modern AirPods models. The old style found on the AirPods 2 will be ditched.

Apple’s goal is for the new AirPods 4 design to be more suitable for a wider range of users. It won’t offer replaceable ear tips like the AirPods Pro, but hopefully the changes to the current AirPods 3 design will make the AirPods 4 a better fit for a wider range of people.

Premium model features include active noise cancellation and a better charging case

The main way Apple will differentiate the two AirPods 4 models isn’t in external visual differences, but in features.

The higher-end AirPods 4 model, for example, is expected to get active noise cancellation. This feature was previously exclusive to the more expensive AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. It’s likely that transparency mode will be included as well. Expect the AirPods Pro 2’s adaptive audio feature to remain exclusive to the Pro, though.

It is also expected that the higher-end AirPods 4 will include MagSafe features with their charging case, while the lower-end model will not. Reports suggest that the charging case of the more expensive AirPods 4 will also have a built-in speaker for better Find My support.

USB-C for charging

Both AirPods 4 models will feature a USB-C port for charging, marking a major step forward in Apple’s quest to transition its entire product line to USB-C.

The current AirPods 3 and AirPods 2 models still use Lightning for their charging case, so the transition to USB-C on all AirPods 4 cases is a huge win. We’ll all be one step closer to the dream of being 100% USB-C.

Wild cards: more features for AirPods Pro?

Rumors about other AirPods 4 features are minimal, but Apple is expected to have other announcements to share regarding sound quality or special features.

The new design of the AirPods 4 may offer better overall sound quality than the AirPods 3, and certainly than the AirPods 2 released in 2019.

Additionally, beyond active noise cancellation and transparency support, we could see other features from the AirPods Pro coming to the AirPods 4. Perhaps conversation recognition, voice isolation during calls, or the ability to nod or shake your head with Siri could be added. Don’t count on many features like this, as Apple will reserve most of these features for the higher-end AirPods Pro 2 and the upcoming AirPods Max 2.

AirPods 4 Price

Often, when Apple launches a new version of a product, it adopts the same price as its predecessor.

With the AirPods 4, Apple is actually replacing two existing products: the AirPods 2 and 3.

Currently, the AirPods 2 retail for $129, while the AirPods 3 retail for $169 and $179. The higher price of the AirPods 3 comes with a MagSafe charging case.

Expect to see Apple use a similar pricing model with the AirPods 4.

The entry-level AirPods 4 are expected to start around $129, or go up to $149.

The higher-end AirPods 4 with noise cancellation, transparency mode, and a better charging case are expected to stay in the $179 price range.

These prices will allow Apple to continue offering a range of AirPods models at different price points, with the next step being the AirPods Pro 2 at $249.

AirPods 4 release date

Apple is expected to unveil both AirPods 4 models at its September 9 event. The company will likely put the new AirPods on sale later today, or around September 13, when iPhone 16 pre-orders are expected. Either way, the new AirPods are expected to arrive in the first few weeks of September.

Are you interested in the AirPods 4? Which model are you planning to buy? Let us know in the comments.

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