Apple announced its newest AirPods – what to know and how to order

Apple recently unveiled its new lineup of tech launches at the company’s Apple Event held this past week. Among the announcements was the latest iteration of the brand’s bestselling AirPods.

The AirPods 4, the 4th generation of AirPods, will be the newest wireless earbud to join the Apple family, along with the AirPods Pro 2. They are both currently available for pre-order, shipping later this month.

According to Apple, the AirPods 4 earbuds differ from other AirPod models in a multitude of ways, starting with how they’re designed; they now have a shorter stem and a more “refined” shape of the earbud tip, meant to sit more comfortably in your ears than previous versions.

Apple also made upgrades to the charging case for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with active noise cancelation. It’s now 10% smaller and can be charged with a USB-C cable, which Apple updated it’s newest phones to use, an Apple watch charger or a Qi-certified charger. Plus, it delivers up to 30 hours of battery life.

However, one of the biggest changes the brand announced was the addition of “hearing protection modes.” The new Airpods Pro 2 will have the added feature of updated hearing protection modes, the ability to test your hearing from home and a hearing aid built-in.

The new Apple AirPods are just one of the number of products and new features introduced at the event. The tech giant also announced it was rolling out an updated version of the AirPods Max, iPhone 16 — which comes in Plus, Pro and Pro Max versions — and an update to its Apple Watch. It also is coming out with its own version of AI nicknamed “Apple Intelligence.”

Shop Apple AirPods 4 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 | How to pre-order | More new Apple releases | More Apple products to shop | How we chose

Apple AirPods 4

The new earbuds are available in versions with active-noise-canceling and without. The active noise cancelation version includes transparency and adaptive audio modes, each offering unique settings to ensure high-quality audio during phone calls, while on runs or when wanting absolute silence, according to the brand. The standard edition does not include these settings.

The Apple AirPods 4 are also equipped with Apple’s conversation awareness setting, that allows users to hear their surroundings while wearing the earbuds. Apple says this feature is most useful when in settings where you still need to remain aware, such as city sidewalks, the airport, or on public transit.

Plus, phone calls will remain crystal clear for both parties thanks to the included H2 chip, that prioritizes your voice rather than background noise.

Both versions of the Apple AirPods 4 promise up to five hours of listening on a single charge, and are dust, sweat and water-resistant according to the brand.

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple is introducing new upgrades to its AirPod Pro’s- with more of an emphasis on hearing health. Coming this fall, users will have the option to turn on settings that promote safer listening levels and modes.

This version of AirPods even has an increased battery life, with up to six hours of listening off a single charge.

The Apple AirPods 4 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 are currently available for pre-order, and will be able to purchase on Sept. 20. Simply select the version you want on the site, and they will ship or can be picked up in-store starting on Sept. 20.

Apple Watch Series 10

Available for pre-order now, and available on Sept. 20, this upgraded addition to their Apple Watch line includes improved health benefits and a number of different ways to further customize preferences to match any active lifestyle.

Apple notes that this edition is their slimmest watch, yet has the largest display, adding that it’s also their fastest-charging watch, going from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Made for the ultimate adventurer, Apple says this new and improved version of their Ultra watch has the most accurate GPS, meaning you can log runs, hikes, swims and more with more accurate location information.

It’s even designed to withstand any activity, thanks to its durable, titanium case and water-resistance feature. It promises up to 36 hours of use, and an extended battery life of up to 72 hours when on low power modes.

Apple iPhone 16

Like clockwork, Apple’s latest iPhone model was announced at their annual Apple Event, with new features such as “Apple Intelligence,” a Camera Control button dedicated for managing photo settings, a new Ultra Wide camera lens and the promises of a longer battery life.

You can pre-order it starting on Sept. 13th, and it will become available to order on Sept. 20th.

Hagibis Cleaning Pen for AirPods

Writer Emma Stessman was appalled (and disgusted) at the amount of debris, dust and gunk she removed from her AirPods after using this tool to clean them.

Complete with a metal pen tip tool, flocking sponge and a brush, this all-in-one tool makes it easy to keep them looking spotless.

iPhone 15 and 16 USB-C Charging Cable

iPhone 15 and 16 models require a USB-C charger- something that’s different compared to previous models. Your phone will go from dead to 60% in the span of 30 minutes with this 10-ft. long charger, according to the brand.

Apple AirTag

This Apple accessory earned the award for best tech for checked bags during Shop TODAY’s 2024 Travel Gear Awards, allowing editors peace of mind when traveling- especially internationally.

” I have three — one on the keys to my apartment, one on the keys to my mom’s house and one in my suitcase for travel,” says associate editor Kamari Stewart. “I’m so afraid of losing those things so I love to be able to double check and make sure they are where I think they are, especially when i’m traveling.”

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

A more standard version of AirPods, these ones promise up to five hours of listening off of a single charge and be able to switch effortlessly between Apple products such as iPhones, iPads, Macbooks and more.

They’re currently 31% off, making them less than $100.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)

Monitor key health information such as heart rate, or keep track of workout trends such as steps walked, amount of minutes per day spent active and more with an Apple Watch, that also has fall and crash detection in case of emergencies.

This wearable tech can be customized to your preferences, with the ability to change the band and the interface, to access apps essential to you.

Apple iPad (9th Generation)

Save $100 or more on this version of Apple’s iPad- that’s available in either 64 or 256 gigabyte options. The brand promises a battery that will lat you all day, no matter if you’re streaming shows while on a road trip, or taking meetings.

It even employs the brands ultra wide camera lens for taking photos and videos, that you can proudly show off on its 10.2″ screen.

The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.