Apple Announces AirPods 4 with ANC: Release Date and Price
Published: June 25, 2025 | Category: News
Apple announced the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation ($179), positioning them between the standard AirPods 4 ($129) and the AirPods Pro 2 ($249). Key features: H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, USB-C charging case, and personalized Spatial Audio. Release date: September 2025. Here’s what’s new and whether you should wait for these or buy the Pro 2 today.
What’s New
The AirPods 4 with ANC use the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2, enabling Adaptive Audio and personalized Spatial Audio. ANC: -35dB (RTINGS estimated — slightly less than Pro 2’s -38dB). Battery: 6 hours per charge + 30 hours with case (same as Pro 2). USB-C charging. IP54 water resistance (up from IPX4). The key difference from Pro 2: no ear tips — the AirPods 4 use a one-size-fits-all design like the original AirPods. This means better comfort for some, worse seal and ANC for others.
Price and Positioning
$179 positions the AirPods 4 with ANC between the standard AirPods 4 ($129) and AirPods Pro 2 ($249). For $50 less than the Pro 2, you get 85% of the ANC performance (no ear tips = less isolation) and the same H2 chip features. This is Apple’s most competitive pricing in the earbud market.
My Take
Here’s my take: if you hate ear tips, the AirPods 4 with ANC ($179) are the best choice — no seal issues, comfortable for all-day wear. If you want the best ANC, stick with the AirPods Pro 2 ($249) — the ear tips provide a better seal and stronger noise cancellation. For most people, the $50 savings on the AirPods 4 justify the slight ANC trade-off.
Leave a Reply