Apple AirPods 4 Hands on: This Time With ANC

Apple introduced not one, not two, but three new versions of the AirPods during its iPhone 16 Glowtime event. The first version is the AirPods 4, which has no active noise cancellation. The second version is the AirPods 4, which has active noise cancellation and wireless charging. The third is just the AirPods Pro 2, but it has a helpful feature that helps folks determine if they need extra hearing assistance.

I didn’t spend too much time with the AirPods 4, but I listened to the AirPods 4’s ANC. It drowned out the noise of the Steve Jobs Theater. There was a little issue changing from ANC to Transparency Mode, which lets you tune into the environment, and for a second, the two pods were out of sync. But I chalk it up to the busy room full of dueling connections. The real test is in how it works, as Apple showcased itself, while you’re walking between a noisy construction site and a subway station.

I also tried wearing the new AirPods Max for a minute. They have USB-C now and come in an array of new colors, including blue, purple, midnight, starlight, and orange. I didn’t realize how bass-forward the AirPods Max are, but I can see why they remain a popular staple of the walled garden. However, it is disappointing that we didn’t see any more upgrades come to the Max’s hardware, especially after this long of a wait between updates.

AirPods 4 will range in price. The regular ones will cost $130, while the ones with ANC will cost $180. The AirPods Pro 2 remains $250, and the new AirPods Max with USB-C are $550. Everything is on sale the same day as the iPhone 16 on Sept. 20.