The Apple AirPods 4 are Apple’s fourth-generation open-ear earbuds, released in September 2024 to replace both the AirPods 2 and the AirPods 3. Inside is the H2 chip, the same processor Apple put in the AirPods Pro 2, bringing Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, and Voice Isolation to the standard AirPods line. The charging case now uses USB-C and is more than 10 percent smaller than the previous one. Battery life reaches 5 hours per charge with another 25 hours in the case.
Head over to Amazon to get the Apple AirPods 4 for just $99, down from the usual $129. That’s a $30 discount and 23% off.
Iconic earbuds from Apple that look great and sound even better
Apple redesigned the earbud for the AirPods 4, using a scanner to collect data from thousands of ears to determine a shape that fits most people. In addition to redesigning the earbud, Apple also made the stem shorter than the one on the previous version, the AirPods 3. This design fits better in your ear when running or commuting. With the force sensor on each stem, you can start playing content, answer calls, or use Siri without tapping the earbud. Because the force sensor requires a squeeze rather than a tap, moving the earbuds in your ears won’t make you accidentally skip to a different song.
The biggest change under the hood is the H2 chip, down from the AirPods Pro 2. Personalized Spatial Audio uses your iPhone’s camera to scan the shape of your ears and create a profile. Using that profile, the audio system creates a surround sound experience when you watch movies, play video games, or listen to music. Adaptive EQ also adjusts the frequency response of the AirPods in real time, so if you place them in a slightly different position in your ear, they’ll adjust the output accordingly.
For battery life, Apple says the buds last for 5 hours before needing to be charged again. The charging case has enough room to store another 25 hours’ worth of battery power. If you need a quick boost, a 5-minute charge in the case will give you about an hour of listening time after you put them back in your ears. The case also uses USB-C, so the same cable that charges your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook charges these too.
All devices connected to your Apple ID will automatically pick up the AirPods 4. For example, if you answer a call on your iPhone or start a movie on your iPad, the audio will transfer to the earbuds. In addition to answering calls and controlling media playback using voice commands via Siri, the AirPods 4 can also be used to dictate emails, messages, notes, and reminders.
Live Translation in iOS 18 or later lets you use your AirPods 4 as a live translator, translating in-person conversations across several other supported languages. Currently, the Apple AirPods 4 can be purchased for $99, compared to their usual price of $129. That puts them squarely in gift range, whether that’s a first pair for somebody, an upgrade from wired iPhone earbuds, or a replacement for an older set that’s lost battery capacity over the years. The buds and the case are both IP54 rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance.
