Apple launches AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation, improved audio, and USB-C case

Apple has launched a new pair of AirPods, it’s fourth-generation ones, which now have two options to choose from. The fourth-generation AirPods, or rather as Apple’s calling them now, AirPods 4, comes in two choices – a standard model priced at $129 or Rs 12,900 and an AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) at $179 or Rs 17,900.

The new AirPods 4 feature enhanced audio quality, with Apple promising richer bass and clearer highs thanks to an updated acoustic architecture. Apple says that it has prioritised comfort in the new design, claiming to have analysed thousands of ear shapes to create "the most comfortable AirPods ever."

The fourth-generation AirPods have the H2 chip at helm of them, enabling features like Personalized Spatial Audio and improved voice isolation for calls.

In a first for the vanilla AirPods, these now offer active noise cancellation, previously exclusive to AirPods Pro. Though, that’s only available on the higher-priced option. Despite having an open-ear design, the AirPods 4 also come with Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts to the user's environment.

The charging case, now featuring USB-C, is Apple's smallest yet and provides up to 30 hours of total battery life. The case also adds wireless charging, a build-in speaker for Find My.

The AirPods 4 also gets the new gesture controls. Users can now nod or shake their heads to pick up calls or respond to Siri prompts. This’ll also be coming to AirPods Pro with iOS 18.

The fourth generation AirPods, aka AirPods 4 goes on pre-orders today, and will be available for purchase starting September 20.