$129 AirPods 4 are a much-needed new option, but the AirPods line-up is too confusing now

Glowtime 2024
(Image credit: Apple)

At Apple’s iPhone 16 launch, the 4th-gen base-level AirPods got some much-needed updates, stealing features from the Pro line, like active noise cancellation. They might be the best wireless earbuds for iPhone users. But the biggest focus is on the new starting price: $129.

The $129 AirPods 4 offer all the new features, except for active noise cancellation. That includes the more comfortable design, new case Find My features, and wireless charging. But, ANC is reserved for a slightly more expensive version of AirPods 4, priced at $179.

I'm very glad to see this, and it makes sense. $179 is still a little steep for the cheapest AirPods in a world where decent wireless earbuds can be had for around $50. While $129 is still pricier, it makes AirPods much more accessible for those that don't care about the latest and greatest features.

But (and this is a big but), the AirPods line-up is now far too confusing. AirPods 4 have the same name, but one has ANC and is $179 while the other has no noise cancellation and is $129. AirPods Pro 2 can now be had in three configurations: Lightning case, MagSafe and USB-C case, and USB-C case with the new hearing features. And then there's AirPods Max at the high end. Try explaining all that to your grandma or in less than 20 words.

Apple is using the same name for too many devices at once. The $129 AirPods 4 should be AirPods SE, while the $179 AirPods 4 should maintain their 4th-gen name. As for the Pros, Apple should just slap a 3 on there already, as a third minor upgrade is dragging on a little. As for AirPods Max keeping their name, I'll allow it since the only changes are USB-C and colors – but next time must add a number on there.

Everything else Apple released at its September event

The iPhone 16 launch event saw plenty of announcements from Apple. There's a new Camera Control on the new iPhones, which gives better access to taking photos and videos. The screens across the line-up are better than ever, and more durable. Apple is showing a fondness for new colors this year, with plenty of options to pick from.

Apple Watch Series 10 was a big upgrade, with a bigger screen than ever before. The body is the slimmest it's ever been, things are faster on the inside, and moves the antennas to the backside of the case. Apple Watch Ultra 2 got a new colour option, and a third-gen Apple Watch SE never materialized.

AirPods also saw some big changes. Alongside these new AirPods 4, AirPods Max get a minor refresh with USB-C and new colours, while AirPods Pro 2 got a third iteration with new hearing tech added.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16iPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 Pro MaxApple Watch XApple Watch Ultra 3iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

Connor Jewiss
Contributor

Connor is a technology writer and editor, with a byline on multiple platforms. He has been writing for over eight years now across the web and in print too. Connor has experience on most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech.

  • Just_Me_D
    I did not like the AirPods announcement - specifically the introduction of a model with active noise cancellation. Wasn’t that part of what separated the AirPods from the AirPods Pro?
    Reply
  • ContextCollapse
    This article is inaccurate and misleading. There was no mention of a "new" version of Airpods Pro 2. There was the original release with Lightning and Magsafe (which I own) and then was updated to a USB Magsafe. The new hearing features are coming as a software update to both of these previously-released Airpods 2.
    Reply
  • EdwinG
    Just_Me_D said:
    I did not like the AirPods announcement - specifically the introduction of a model with active noise cancellation. Wasn’t that part of what separated the AirPods from the AirPods Pro?
    You still have the passive noise cancellation from the eartips. And they’re adding all the hearing health features.

    So those are two distinctive features between AP4ANC and APP2
    Reply