Apple AirPods 4 / Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Apple AirPods 4: AirPods 4 (2024), the basic model without active noise cancellation; USB‑C charging case. The same-design AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro models are separate.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C): AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C); 2023 version. The 2022 Lightning-case version has the same earbuds but a different case; AirPods Pro 3 is a separate model.

SpecificationApple AirPods 4Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Release year20242023
TypeOpen-fit (no silicone tips) wireless earbuds; USB‑C charging case

This is the basic AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation. The identical-looking “AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation” is a separate product.

Apple
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Audio technologyCustom high‑excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier; Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ

Adaptive EQ tunes the sound to the fit in the ear. Spatial Audio needs supported content; the personal profile is created with an iPhone that has a TrueDepth camera.

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Noise controlVent system for pressure equalisation; active noise cancellation only on the separately sold ANC model

At launch Apple offered two distinct models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. This model has an open design that does not seal the ear canal.

Apple
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ChipH2 headphone chip

H2 enables Voice Isolation, Siri Interactions with head gestures and Personalised Spatial Audio.

Apple
Apple H2 in the earbuds; Apple U1 in the case

The U1 chip lets Find My show the direction and distance of the case precisely.

Apple
Microphones and sensorsDual beamforming microphones, inward‑facing microphone, optical in‑ear sensor, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers, force sensor

The speech-detecting accelerometer helps detect when you are speaking; the optical sensor resumes playback when the bud is put in.

Apple
Dual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; skin-detect sensor; motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers; touch control Apple
ControlsPress the stem: once to play/pause or answer, twice to skip forward or end a call, three times to skip back, press and hold for Siri; “Siri” voice activation; nod or shake your head to answer calls

Apple’s control list does not include volume adjustment on the stem.

Apple
Press once: play/pause, calls; twice: skip forward; three times: skip back; press and hold: switch modes; swipe: volume Apple
DurabilityIP54 dust, sweat and water resistance (earbuds and case)

According to Apple this is for non-water sports and exercise; resistance is not permanent and may decrease with wear. Do not charge when wet.

Apple
Earbuds and case rated IP54 for dust, sweat and water

IP54 protects against splashes and sweat but not immersion, and resistance can decrease over time.

Apple
BatteryUp to 5 hours listening per charge; up to 30 hours total with the case; 5 minutes in the case ≈ 1 hour listening

Apple measured these figures at 50% volume with Spatial Audio off.

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ChargingCharging case with USB‑C port; USB‑C cable sold separately

Apple says the case is more than 10 percent smaller in volume than its predecessor. Charging with an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger is specific to the ANC model.

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ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3

It works as a Bluetooth headset with Android and other devices, but Apple says functions may be limited. Full features require current iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS or tvOS.

Apple
Bluetooth 5.3

With non-Apple devices they work as basic Bluetooth earbuds; most settings need an Apple device.

Apple
Size and weightEarbud: 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm, 4.3 g; case: 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm, 32.3 g AppleEarbud 30.9 × 21.8 × 24.0 mm, 5.3 g; case 45.2 × 60.6 × 21.7 mm, 50.8 g Apple
AccessibilityLive Listen, headphone levels, Headphone Accommodations Apple—
Sound and noise control—Custom high-excursion Apple driver and amplifier; Active Noise Cancellation; Adaptive Audio; Transparency mode; Conversation Awareness; Voice Isolation

Adaptive Audio blends ANC and Transparency based on surrounding noise; Conversation Awareness lowers the music when you start speaking.

Apple
Spatial audio and EQ—Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; vent system for pressure equalisation Apple
Hearing health—Hearing Test; Loud Sound Reduction

The Hearing Test runs with a compatible iPhone; availability depends on country and software version.

Apple
Battery life—Up to 6 hours per charge with ANC (5.5 hours with Spatial Audio); up to 30 hours total with the case; about 1 hour from 5 minutes of charging Apple
Case charging—MagSafe charger, Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified chargers or USB-C

The case has a speaker for Find My and a lanyard loop.

Apple
Ear tips—Silicone; XS, S, M, L Apple