AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (2024)
Apple introduced AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation on 9 September 2024 as a distinct second version beside AirPods 4 without ANC. Orders were announced that day, with availability from 20 September at US $179. They are not AirPods Pro or a software upgrade for the model without cancellation.

Resized, no crop or retouching.
Original labelled schematic, not a photograph or scale drawing.
Specs
| Chip | Apple H2 |
| Connection | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Design | Open-ear |
| Noise control | ANC · Transparency · Adaptive Audio |
| Case charging | USB-C · Qi · Apple Watch |
| Weight per earbud | 4.3 g |
| Case weight | 34.7 g |
| Listening with ANC | Up to 4 h (Apple) |
| Listening, noise control off | Up to 5 h (Apple) |
| Total with case and ANC | Up to 20 h (Apple) |
| Total, noise control off | Up to 30 h (Apple) |
| Protection | IP54 |
History and documentation
Apple introduced AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation on 9 September 2024 as a distinct second version beside AirPods 4 without ANC. Orders were announced that day, with availability from 20 September at US $179. They are not AirPods Pro or a software upgrade for the model without cancellation.
Design and specifications
The open-ear design combines H2, ANC, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. A force sensor controls media and calls; Personalized Spatial Audio needs compatible hardware and content. Check features against the actual firmware and system rather than treating every current capability as original 2024 equipment.
Use and context
The USB-C case also accepts Qi or Apple Watch chargers and has a Find My speaker. Apple lists up to four hours listening with ANC, five with noise control off, and twenty or thirty respectively including case recharges. These are test maxima, not figures to add together or a guarantee for an aged battery.
Notes and image
The consulted specifications list Bluetooth 5.3, 4.3 g per earbud and a 34.7 g case. IP54 is not permanent waterproofing. The USB-C cable is sold separately. Live Translation now listed in support requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, compatible iOS 26 and firmware, remains in beta and depends on language and region; it was not a launch feature.
Sources
- Apple · AirPods 4 announcement · 9 September 2024
- Apple · AirPods 4 with ANC technical specifications · consulted 7 November 2026
- dimensionapple.com · Original schematic illustration
- airpods-4-2024
- airpods-4-2024 ⇄ AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation