AirPods 4 are the fourth-generation standard AirPods in Apple’s lineup, sold as AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
Apple’s earbuds have a tidy naming scheme, yet stores and blogs often mix terms. The short version: the non-Pro earbuds released in late 2024 carry the name AirPods 4. That name reflects the fourth step in the core AirPods family, following the 2nd and 3rd releases now. There is also a twin model with noise cancelling that keeps the same number.
Which Generation Does AirPods 4 Belong To Today
It sits in the core line as generation four. Apple lists two trims. One is the regular set with a USB-C case. The other adds Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Adaptive Audio. Both share the H2 chip, quick pairing, and spatial audio features. The case is smaller than before and gains handy tweaks like a speaker for alerts on the ANC trim.
| Model | Generation/Year | Core Traits |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods (2nd gen) | 2019 | Classic fit, Lightning case |
| AirPods (3rd gen) | 2021 | Shorter stem, spatial audio, Lightning case |
| AirPods 4 | 2024 | USB-C case, new fit, H2 chip |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | 2024 | ANC, Transparency, Adaptive Audio, wireless charging case |
| AirPods Pro 3 | — | New tips set, stronger noise control |
| AirPods Max | 2020–present | Over-ear design with headband |
How Apple Labels The Fourth Generation
Apple’s box, site pages, and setup screens use plain names. You’ll see two labels: “AirPods 4” and “AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.” Earlier non-Pro sets used a parenthetical style on some pages, such as “AirPods (3rd generation).” The current naming drops the parentheses for the new pair. That’s why shoppers may spot both phrasing styles while reading older guides.
Standard And ANC Variants Explained
The two trims share drivers, the H2 platform, and an updated fit. The ANC version brings noise cancelling, a Transparency mode that blends outside sound, and Adaptive Audio that tunes levels on the fly. Its case also offers wireless charging and adds a speaker chime for Find My alerts. Both versions use USB-C for cabled charging, and both pair instantly with iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Apple’s launch notes and the live comparison page outline these points in detail. If you want the official word on features and case sizes, check Apple’s announcement in Newsroom and the AirPods models comparison page. Those sources also list battery figures, dust and water ratings, and compatibility on current software.
How To Confirm Your Model On Your iPhone
Not sure which set you own? You can confirm in a few taps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone, then open the panel named after your earbuds near the top. If you do not see it, go to Bluetooth, then tap the ⓘ next to your buds.
- Find Model Name and Model Number. The screen will show either “AirPods 4” or “AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.”
- Tap About to view the case version and firmware if listed. That helps when checking help pages or seeking a replacement part.
Check The Charging Case
The case helps tell trims apart. The ANC case is smaller than before, works with wireless pads, and has a tiny speaker hole on the base for status sounds. The regular case is also compact, charges by USB-C, and skips the speaker. Both cases can top up on an Apple Watch puck when using the wireless version.
Naming Confusion You Might Encounter
Retail listings and blogs often swap between a number and a parenthetical tag. That’s because older pages used “(3rd generation)” language while newer pages use the plain “4” label. The two point to the same slot in the family tree. The count resets for the Pro and Max lines, so Pro 3 does not equal the fourth-generation non-Pro set. If you match the number to the right family, the picture clears.
Why The Number Matters
The number tells you where you sit for features, fit, and service windows. The fourth step brings the H2 platform to the non-Pro line, a tidier case, and fresh audio tricks. That means quicker pairing, better voice pickup, and more refined sound. The ANC trim gives you quiet time on transit and in shared spaces without jumping to the Pro tier.
Features That Set The Fourth Generation Apart
Here’s a quick tour so you know what you gain over older sets:
- H2 Engine: snappy pairing, low-latency video sync, and better voice pickup on calls.
- Two Trim Choice: a simple set or a noise cancelling set with Transparency and Adaptive Audio.
- Case Refresh: smaller volume, USB-C on both, and a speaker on the ANC case for Find My pings.
- Comfort Tweaks: refined shape for more ears, steady fit during walks and desk work.
- Battery: up to five hours per charge on the regular pair, with total time stretching much longer with the case.
- Durability: dust and water resistance rated to IP54 on both trims.
Audio And Call Quality
Voices sound clear due to the H2 platform and voice isolation. Music gets a wider image than older non-Pro sets. Spatial audio with head tracking works with Apple TV and compatible apps. Callers hear you well in a cafe or on a windy street. The noise cancelling trim cuts steady rumble from buses and air-con without closing your ears off from quick cues around you.
Upgrade Advice Based On The Earbuds You Own
Coming from the second release, you gain a tighter fit, spatial audio, a smaller case, and a jump in call clarity. Moving from the third release, you still gain the H2 platform, better voice pickup, and a refined case. The noise cancelling trim also adds quiet time for trains and planes without switching to the Pro tier. If you own the Pro line and care about ear tips and stronger isolation, staying with Pro still makes sense.
Battery And Charging Facts
With the case, you can reach up to 30 hours of listening on the series with noise control off, and up to 20–30 hours on the ANC trim depending on your mix of features. A single bud session reaches up to five hours on the regular set, and up to four hours with ANC on the other trim. The case charges over USB-C on both. The ANC case also works with Qi pads and the Apple Watch puck. Case charging is brisk.
Set Up Tips For Day One
- Hold the case near your iPhone with the lid open. A prompt appears for one-tap pairing.
- Update to current firmware.
- Open Settings → AirPods to turn on Personalized Spatial Audio and set your press-and-hold actions.
- If you picked the ANC trim, try Transparency and Adaptive Audio on a busy street to tune levels for speech and traffic cues.
- On a Mac, open Control Center → Sound to switch sources, then check the triangle menu in Music or TV for spatial tracks.
Troubleshooting Name Mix Ups
If your phone shows a different label than the box, the cause is usually a reused name from a past set or a region tag. Rename the buds in Settings → Bluetooth → ⓘ → Name. If a store page lists the old “(3rd generation)” style next to the number 4, they are pointing to the same family step. Cross-check case size, USB-C, and the presence of a speaker on the base to confirm the trim.
Price, Value, And Where They Fit
Apple sells two price points. The regular pair lands below the noise cancelling trim. That keeps an easy entry point for students and casual listeners, while the ANC version suits commuters and open-plan offices. If you want ear tips, stronger isolation, and a deeper features stack, the Pro line sits one rung up. Over-ear Max is a different class for living room use and longer sessions. Over-ear fans will approve.
Compatibility, Firmware, And Care
Both trims work best with devices on current Apple software. You get quick switching across iPhone, iPad, and Mac when signed in to the same account. You also get Siri head-gesture replies on compatible systems. For care, keep the mesh clean so noise control and microphones stay clear. A soft brush and a gentle wipe keep performance steady. The help pages give case and bud model numbers, fit tips, and cleaning steps.
| Label You’ll See | Meaning | Family Position |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | Fourth step in the core line | Non-Pro earbuds |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | Fourth step plus noise cancelling features | Non-Pro earbuds |
| AirPods (3rd generation) | Prior step before the current pair | Non-Pro earbuds |
| AirPods Pro 3 | Third step in the Pro branch | Pro earbuds |
| AirPods Max | Over-ear class | Headphones |
Model Name Clarifications
Fourth-Generation Equals The Number 4
Yes. When someone says fourth-generation for the core line, that maps to the set called AirPods 4. Some retailers still write “(4th generation)” in specs. Apple’s current pages use the simpler number.
No, The Noise Cancelling Trim Does Not Change The Generation
No. It is the same family step with extra features. If you buy the ANC version, you still own part of the same generation, just with more audio control in loud places.
Clear Takeaway
AirPods 4 mark the fourth step in the main line of Apple’s earbuds. The name on Apple’s site and on the box says AirPods 4, with an option that adds noise cancelling. If you want the official rundown, check the Newsroom post that launched them and the live comparison page. Match the number to the right branch, and you’ll always know where a model sits. If a retailer uses both phrases on one page, they are still describing the same step in the non-Pro lineup.