Apple launches AirPods 4, new AirPods Max colors, and AirPods Pro hearing health experience in the fall

Apple on Monday announced two new models of its AirPods 4 wireless earbuds: the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation (ANC). The iPhone maker also announced USB-C charging and new colors for the AirPods Max. Additionally, this fall, the AirPods Pro 2 will deliver what Apple says is the world’s first end-to-end hearing health experience.

AirPods 4

The new AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation were unveiled at Monday’s media event. Apple says the earbuds’ open-to-the-ear design sets a new benchmark for fit and comfort. The earbuds were designed using advanced tools like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography, and Apple says the new AirPods 4 are the most comfortable AirPods ever.

“With AirPods 4, customers can enjoy active noise cancellation and the most advanced audio experience ever in an open-back design,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering. “And with a revolutionary update to the world’s best-selling earbuds, AirPods Pro will deliver groundbreaking new features, including hearing test and hearing aid functions, to help the more than a billion people affected by hearing loss.”

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

Apple AirPods 4 use Apple’s H2 chip, which is designed to provide voice isolation to deliver clearer call quality in any environment. The new Siri Interactions feature lets users interact with Siri’s announcements with a quick nod to say yes or a quick nod to answer with a quick “no.”

AirPods 4 support 16-bit, 48 kHz audio. A new force sensor on the stem lets users play or pause media and mute or end calls with a quick press. AirPods 4 are also designed to perform well when gaming, with low latency wireless audio and top-notch voice quality when communicating with other gamers.

The AirPods 4 Charging Case now offers USB-C connectivity for charging, and while it’s 10% smaller than its predecessor, it still offers up to 30 hours of battery life. AirPods 4 with ANC users can charge the case using an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-certified charger.

AirPods 4 with ANC help reduce ambient noise, delivering a natural listening experience. Features like Transparency Mode, which helps users stay aware of their surroundings, Adaptive Audio combines Transparency Mode and ANC based on the user’s surroundings, and a Conversation Awareness feature that automatically lowers the volume of the user’s media when they start a conversation with someone.

AirPods Pro 2 hearing test coming this fall

Later this year, the AirPods Pro 2 feature list will include what Apple calls the world’s first end-to-end hearing health experience. New features will include active hearing protection, a hearing test, and a hearing aid feature. After taking the hearing test, users will be able to view a summary of their test results, which is stored privately and securely in the Health app. Users can also share test results with their healthcare providers.

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

AirPods Max

Apple’s AirPods Max over-ear headphones now offer USB-C charging capabilities and new color options.

AirPods Max come in five new colors: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Orange, and Purple. AirPods Max now also offer USB-C charging capabilities.

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, with availability starting Friday, September 20.
• Customers can now pre-order AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation for $179 (US) on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in the US and over 58 other countries and regions, with availability starting Friday, September 20.
• New hearing health features will be available this fall to AirPods Pro 2 customers in a free software update when paired with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.
• AirPods Pro 2 are available for $249 (US) on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app today.