AirPods · Standard

2024

AirPods 4

Apple H2 silicon, a 50-million-point ergonomic redesign, Voice Isolation, and the introduction of Active Noise Cancellation redefine the open-ear AirPods standard.

Announced
2024-09-09
Family
AirPods
Branch
Standard
Historical weight
Major evolution

Key specifications

Apple verification ↗
Chip / CPU
Apple H2
Ports & charging
USB-C charging case
Weight
Varies by model
Dimensions
Open-ear earbuds + USB-C case
Original OS
Driver/firmware support
Launch price
$129
Released
September 20, 2024

Generation delta

What changed?

Introduced

8
  • Apple H2 chip on standard tier

    Bridges the performance gap with Pro models, powering computational audio features including Voice Isolation and Siri Interactions.

    Silicon
  • Open-ear Active Noise Cancellation (on ANC model)

    Upgraded microphones, the H2 chip, and advanced computational audio reduce low-frequency environmental noise without an occluding silicone tip.

    Silicon
  • Open-ear Transparency, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness (on ANC model)

    Automatically adjusts noise control based on surroundings and lowers media volume when the user begins speaking.

    Audio
  • Ergonomic 3D modeled geometry

    Mapped and analyzed using 3D photogrammetry and laser topography across thousands of ear shapes and 50 million individual data points for superior universal fit and stability.

    Storage
  • Voice Isolation

    Computational audio isolates the user's voice and removes background noise during calls in windy or loud settings.

    Audio
  • Siri Interactions

    Head gestures allow users to nod "yes" or shake their head "no" to respond to Siri announcements and calls hands-free.

    Software
  • Redesigned compact USB-C charging case

    Over 10 percent smaller by volume than the AirPods 3 case, establishing USB-C across the lineup.

    Ports
  • Wireless Charging Case with Find My speaker (on ANC model)

    Adds Qi/Apple Watch wireless charging and a built-in speaker for Find My alerts in an ultra-compact 50mm-wide case.

    Connectivity

Changed

3
  • Acoustic architecture

    Low-distortion driver and high dynamic range amplifier with Personalized Spatial Audio.

    Audio
  • Port standard

    Lightning retired; USB-C wired charging standard.

    Ports
  • Durability

    Rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance on earbuds and case.

    Product

Retained

2
  • Open-ear non-occluding fit

    Delivers natural comfort without ear canal occlusion.

    Product
  • Stem force sensor

    Squeeze controls on the stem for media playback and call handling.

    Sensors

Technology DNA

Ideas carried by this generation.

Canonical predecessor

AirPods (3rd generation) AirPods 4

Other lineage references