Apple Streamlines AirPods Lineup With Fourth-Generation Dual-Model Launch

With the launch of the new AirPods 4, Apple discontinued the low-cost AirPods 2 and AirPods 3, making the AirPods lineup much less confusing. The ‌AirPods 4‌ come in two variants, one with Active Noise Cancellation and one without, allowing Apple to hit two separate price points.

airpods 4 blue
The ‌AirPods 4‌ without Active Noise Cancellation are priced at $129, which is the same price that Apple used to sell the AirPods 2 for. The ANC version is priced at $179, the same cost as the prior-generation AirPods 3.

There wasn't notable difference between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 in terms of core functionality, which was undoubtedly confusing to the average consumer not familiar with Apple's products. The new lineup makes it very clear what's what, and what you get for the extra $50. Apple has also eliminated the confusing charging case options, and both models use USB-C.

Along with Active Noise Cancellation, there are a couple other differences between the ‌AirPods 4‌ and ‌AirPods 4‌ with ANC. The ANC model has a case that supports MagSafe charging and Find My, and it also has ANC-related features that include Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, and Conversation Awareness.

Other than these features, the ‌AirPods 4‌ and ‌AirPods 4‌ ANC are identical in design and functionality.

Apple rounds out the AirPods lineup with the $249 AirPods Pro 2 and the $549 AirPods Max. The latter headphones were just refreshed with USB-C charging and new color options, but are otherwise unchanged. The ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 were updated in September 2023, and we're expecting to see another refresh in 2025.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

ps3zocker Avatar
8 months ago
I don‘t think you know what the word “streamlined“ means.
Score: 45 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonnyb098 Avatar
8 months ago
Pretty sure like all their lineups they made it more complicated.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mac Fly (film) Avatar
8 months ago
Do one better, stop selling AirPods 4 with ANC, saving those features for the Pro, and give both the Pro and AirPods 4 USB-C and MagSafe.

Now the Pro is the only model with ANC, conversation transparency and hearing aid features, and the 4 can be basic AirPods.

Clear distinction and no charging confusion.

And burn every version of Apple Pencil in a fire and sell one Pencil with all the features, and tell the accountants at Apple to shove it.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
emulajavi Avatar
8 months ago

There was little difference between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 in terms of design
Little difference… Are you sure? AirPods 2 on the left, AirPods 3 on the right.

Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Matt T Avatar
8 months ago

There was little difference between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 in terms of design
What on earth are you talking about?

Proofread before you post, please.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonnyb098 Avatar
8 months ago
Macrumors needs some editorial. The Gen 2 and 3 are completely different designs so much as they had to brag about the Gen 4 being more comfortable. Many people are still using the Gen 2 due to how much larger the Gen 3 are in the ears.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)