New fourth-generation AirPods are the latest models of Apple’s popular wireless earbuds. Two new models bring advanced new features to the lower-end models in the lineup.

Both models of AirPods 4 feature personalized spatial audio for music and gaming. The charging case also moves to USB-C for easier charging, while delivering over 30 hours of battery life. The higher-end models add active noise cancellation, with Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversational Awareness.

You can preorder both new models today, with deliveries on September 20. The entry-level AirPods start at $129, with the higher-end models priced at $179.

Apple introduces two new fourth-generation AirPods
AirPods 4 features.Image: Apple

Kate Bergeron, Vice President of Hardware Engineering, introduced the new AirPods models at Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event.

The new buds were shaped through rigorous photogrammetry research, “generating over 50 million individual data points,” said Bergeron. They are Apple’s “most comfortable AirPods ever.”

The earbuds have been updated to include the H2 chip, “the most advanced in the industry.” This chip powers its advanced noise cancellation features, and a “massive improvement in audio quality.”

The entry-level AirPods 4 are available to order at $129.

Higher-end AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation
AirPods 4 feature Active Noise Cancellation on the higher-end models.Image: Apple

The higher-end buds bring in some of the advanced features previously exclusive to AirPods Pro 2. Active noise cancellation is combined with Apple’s special software to power smart noise cancellation modes.

Active noise cancellation allows for listening at lower volumes in loud environments. Adaptive Audio intelligently turns up or down the environmental noise. It makes sure you don’t have to switch modes when you move between a busy city street or quiet café. Conversational Awareness passes through audio when people are talking to you, so you don’t have to adjust the volume when you place your order.

The higher-end AirPods come with a new case can be charged wirelessly. You can place it on any Apple Watch charging puck or Qi charger. It also has its own speaker, so you can find it easier with Find My.

The higher-end AirPods with these features are available for $179.

A more simple AirPods lineup

The AirPods lineup has been a little confusing before. Second-generation AirPods remained on sale at $129 simultaneously with the third-generation AirPods at a slightly higher $179. At the high end, AirPods Pro bring advanced features like noise cancellation, Spatial Audio and more, but at a premium $249.

Because of this strategy, AirPods 3 have reportedly not sold well. Most people opted for the cheaper, older model; those who wanted advanced features bought AirPods Pro.

These new AirPods 4 models replace both AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 in the lineup. Both models are available to preorder today. AirPods 4 will be available in-store and begin deliveries on September 20.

AirPods Max also received updates today, with new colors and a USB-C connector. AirPods Pro 2, with an upcoming software update, will be able to function as clinical hearing aids.