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

[MacRumors]

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.

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.

Article Link: Apple Streamlines AirPods Lineup With Fourth-Generation Dual-Model Launch

 

[jonnyb098]

Pretty sure like all their lineups they made it more complicated.

 

[ps3zocker]

I don‘t think you know what the word “streamlined“ means.

 

[emulajavi]

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.

 

[Matt T]

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.

 

[thinsays]

streamlined would have been combining the 2 AirPods 4 versions and having the price point meet in the middle.. It's good they dropped the 2 and 3 which were way out of date but it's not perfect a lot of less technical gift givers are going to get fooled.

 

[TurboDrooler]

I think they need to name the better ones “AirPods 4 Air” or something 😛 “ANC” is the worst suffix yet.

 

[F23]

AirPods 4 case doesn't have magsafe charging. it has apple watch charging and qi

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

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.

 

[sw1tcher]

There was little difference between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 in terms of design

How can you say that? The part you put in your ear for the AirPods 3rd gen had a more bulbous design while the AirPods 2nd gen had a more traditional design similar to EarPods that seem to stay in the ear better (for me). Then there's the longer stem on the AirPods 2nd gen.

A lot of complaints from users with AirPods 3 falling out easily.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/im-returning-airpod-3-its-just-too-big.2319868/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/did-you-return-3rd-gen-airpods.2327932/

AirPods (3rd generations) keep falling ou… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

 

[jonnyb098]

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.

 

[F23]

AirPods 4 buds look smaller than the 3. worried this means they fit looser and fall out easier as the 2 did for me

 

[Anonymous123]

There was little difference between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 in terms of design

Highly disagree. Each of these were for essentially different ear shapes. Here’s hoping the AirPods 4 will bridge the gap between them but we’ll have to wait and see.

Apple has also eliminated the confusing charging case options

Again I disgaree. The ANC version has the wireless charging case while the standard version does not.

 

[kalsta]

Do people need to be so rude in their responses to this article? It’s okay to disagree, it would just be nice to see more people do it respectfully.

I agree that the lineup has been simplified, with a clear distinction between each of the models and what you’re getting for your money. I think that’s the main point Juli is making.

(Edit: Looks like the most insulting comment was removed.)

 

[3Gmatt]

I think they need to name the better ones “AirPods 4 Air” or something 😛 “ANC” is the worst suffix yet.

AirPods 4 African National Congress edition 👌🏼

 

[3Gmatt]

The ANC version has the wireless charging case while the standard version does not.

Omg 😂

 

[ProbablyDylan]

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.

But then people that can't use rubber tips won't have an option with ANC. With this lineup, Apple can serve those people.

 

[JohnC1959]

But then people that can't use rubber tips won't have an option with ANC. With this lineup, Apple can serve those people.

That fits me. I cycle with my AirPods. By not having the rubber seal and keeping the volume low I can easily hear traffic around me. But ANC is nice to have when flying on a plane.

 

[red elma]

Why Why?
"Pro" is for those that want all the "bells and whistles".
Why add another "whistles" only model in between?

 

[JohnC1959]

Why Why?
"Pro" is for those that want all the "bells and whistles".
Why add another "whistles" only model in between?

Because some want all the bells and whistles but without the rubber tip.

 

[Andres Cantu]

Are we sure the more expensive model's case supports MagSafe? Their comparison page only mentions wireless charging, unlike how MagSafe is specifically mentioned in the AirPods 3 specs.

 

[klasma]

Highly disagree. Each of these were for essentially different ear shapes. Here’s hoping the AirPods 4 will bridge the gap between them but we’ll have to wait and see.

“Bridge the gap” likely means a bad compromise for many. Since they are offering so many models anyway, they should continue to offer different shapes. The AirPods 1/2/EarPods shape is perfect for me, changing it can only make it worse.

 

[jclo]

Just wanted to add a note here to say I'm taking out the line about there being little difference in design, what I meant was functionality, and specifically functionality for the average consumer. I have spoken to multiple people unsure of the difference between the models.

I appreciate the feedback.

 

[red elma]

Because some want all the bells and whistles but without the rubber tip.

AirPods shell is made out of electroplated plastic and rubber is essentially plastic with elasticity properties.
Either way it is plastic plugged into your ears.

 

[klasma]

Are we sure the more expensive model's case supports MagSafe? Their comparison page only mentions wireless charging, unlike how MagSafe is specifically mentioned in the AirPods 3 specs.

“Works with USB-C connector, Apple Watch charger, or Qi‑certified chargers”. MagSafe is Qi. They also mentioned it in the event video.