As of mid-2025, Apple sells:
- AirPods (4th gen, 2024) – redesigned with better sound, USB‑C, and improved Find My.
- AirPods Pro (2nd gen, 2022) – with Adaptive Transparency, USB‑C case, and H2 chip.
- AirPods Max (2020) – Apple’s over-ear headphones, still awaiting an update.
🚨 What’s Coming Next?
1. AirPods Pro 3
- Release timing: Reports suggest they could launch as soon as late 2025, possibly at Apple’s September iPhone event (source: MacRumors).
- New features rumored:
- Health tracking (like hearing health monitoring).
- Improved noise cancellation with AI-powered adaptive sound.
- Longer battery life and faster charging.
- Potential support for lossless audio when paired with Apple Vision Pro or future devices.
- Conflicting reports: Some analysts (like Jeff Pu) think they may slip to 2026 instead (source: CNET).
2. AirPods Max (2nd gen)
- Expected release: Sometime in 2025–2026
- Rumored upgrades:
- USB‑C charging (to match the rest of the lineup).
- New colors.
- Better battery efficiency.
- Possibly lighter materials for comfort.
3. AirPods (5th gen)
- Likely release: Apple tends to refresh regular AirPods every 2–3 years. Since AirPods 4 launched in 2024, AirPods 5 may arrive in 2026, but rumors suggest Apple could bring them earlier if demand is strong
- What to expect:
- Better sound and microphones.
- Possibly a cheaper “SE” version to replace AirPods 2/3.
🔮 Big Picture Trends
- USB‑C everywhere – Apple is moving all AirPods to USB‑C.
- Health & wellness features – hearing tests, hearing aid functionality, and wellness tracking are on Apple’s roadmap.
- AI-powered audio – smarter adaptive noise cancellation and personalized sound profiles.
- Vision Pro integration – future AirPods may act as the default spatial audio companion for Apple’s headset.
✅ Summary:
- AirPods Pro 3 are the most anticipated, possibly dropping in late 2025 (though 2026 is also possible).
- AirPods Max 2 are overdue and could finally appear in 2025 with USB‑C and new colors.
- AirPods 5 are further out, likely 2026.
AirPods 4 Doesn’t Come With a Charging USB-C Cable
Apple’s latest AirPods 4 have made a splash in the wireless earbud market with sleek design updates and new features. However, they come with one surprising omission – they don’t include a USB-C charging cable in the box. Buyers will need to use their existing cables or purchase a separate USB-C cable to charge their new AirPods 4 case.
This change follows Apple’s shift from Lightning to USB-C ports across their product line. The AirPods 4 charging case now features a USB-C port, similar to the update made to AirPods Pro 2 last year. Apple explains on their website that they “encourage users to use any compatible USB-C charge cable or power adapter” rather than including a new one with each purchase.
Some tech analysts suggest this might actually be a positive environmental step, reducing electronic waste since many consumers already own multiple USB-C cables. The move also aligns with Apple’s previous decisions to stop including chargers with iPhones, indicating a continued push toward minimizing packaging and accessories.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods 4 feature a USB-C port but no charging cable in the box.
- Users need to supply their own compatible USB-C cable for charging the earbuds.
- This change may reduce electronic waste as most consumers already own USB-C cables.
Design and Features of AirPods 4
Apple’s AirPods 4 brings significant updates to the iconic wireless earbuds line with a refreshed design and enhanced capabilities. The latest generation includes models with and without Active Noise Cancellation, both featuring improved sound quality and the powerful H2 chip.
Evolution of the AirPods Design
The AirPods 4 introduces a refined design that builds on Apple’s minimalist aesthetic while improving comfort and fit. The earbuds have a slightly shorter stem compared to earlier generations, creating a more discrete profile when worn.
Apple has reimagined the contours to better match different ear shapes, addressing a common criticism of previous models. This new shape helps the earbuds stay secure during movement without requiring silicone tips like the Pro models.
Both AirPods 4 versions feature a glossy white finish that maintains Apple’s signature look. The charging case has also been redesigned with rounded edges and a more pocket-friendly shape.
The case now includes a USB-C port instead of Lightning, aligning with Apple’s move toward universal charging standards. However, buyers should note that no charging cable is included in the box—an important consideration for new Apple users.
Innovative Features and Active Noise Cancellation
The premium AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation represents a technical achievement: effective noise reduction in an open-ear design. This feature was previously available only in the closed-ear Pro models with silicone tips.
The H2 chip powers several impressive features:
- Adaptive Audio that adjusts sound based on your environment
- Conversation Awareness that lowers volume when you speak
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Both models offer improved sound quality with enhanced bass response and clearer mids. Battery life extends to 5 hours on a single charge, with the case providing additional charges for up to 30 hours total listening time.
The charging case supports multiple charging methods:
- USB-C wired charging
- Qi wireless charging
- Apple Watch charger compatibility (ANC model only)
Find My support helps locate misplaced earbuds, with precision finding available for the ANC model.
Comparisons with Previous AirPods Models
The AirPods 4 represents a middle ground between the basic AirPods and the premium AirPods Pro 2. This positioning is reflected in both features and price points.
Key differences from previous generations:
| Feature | AirPods 2 | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 w/ANC | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Chip | H1 | H2 | H2 | H2 |
| Charging | Lightning | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Water Resistance | None | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 5 hours | 5 hours | 5 hours | 6 hours |
The standard AirPods 4 offers significant improvements over AirPods 2, including better sound, the H2 chip, and water resistance. The ANC version adds premium features previously found only in the Pro line.
Unlike AirPods Max, which are over-ear headphones, all AirPods 4 models maintain the trademark in-ear design that has become synonymous with Apple’s audio products.
Connectivity and Charging Ecosystem
Apple’s AirPods 4 introduces several changes to how users charge and connect their devices. The most notable shift is the transition to USB-C for the charging case while simultaneously removing the charging cable from the package.
USB-C Charging Capabilities
The AirPods 4 features a USB-C port on the charging case, replacing the Lightning connector found on previous generations. This change aligns with Apple’s gradual transition across its product lineup and complies with EU regulations requiring standardized charging ports.
However, Apple has decided not to include a USB-C charging cable in the box. Users must either purchase one separately or use existing cables.
This decision follows Apple’s recent pattern of reducing included accessories, similar to removing power adapters from iPhone packages. While inconvenient for some buyers, it potentially reduces electronic waste from unused cables.
Battery life remains comparable to previous models, with approximately 5 hours of listening time per charge and 30 hours total with the charging case.
Wireless Charging and MagSafe Integration
The AirPods 4 case supports multiple charging methods beyond the USB-C port. Wireless charging compatibility means users can place the case on any Qi-certified charging pad for cable-free power.
The case also works with MagSafe chargers, allowing magnetic alignment for optimal charging efficiency. This integration brings the AirPods in line with Apple’s other MagSafe-compatible devices like iPhones and Apple Watch.
Charging Options:
- USB-C wired charging
- Standard Qi wireless charging
- MagSafe magnetic charging
For users with multiple Apple devices, the wireless charging capability means one less cable to manage in their daily routine. The charging case’s LED indicator shows charging status at a glance.
Compatibility with Apple Ecosystem
AirPods 4 seamlessly connects with all Apple devices through iCloud sync. This feature allows automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV without manual reconnection steps.
The earbuds pair instantly with nearby Apple devices through the H2 chip, which enables improved Siri integration compared to non-Apple earbuds. Users can activate Siri hands-free and receive notifications read aloud.
Connection to Apple TV enables private listening without disturbing others. The earbuds also work with Apple Watch for controlling music during workouts without needing the iPhone nearby.
While designed primarily for the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods 4 connects to non-Apple devices through standard Bluetooth pairing, though with reduced functionality. Some features like automatic device switching remain exclusive to Apple products.
