Apple revamped its AirPods lineup on Monday, introducing two different pairs of wireless earbuds called the AirPods 4, a small refresh for the over-ear AirPods Max, and some new features for the existing AirPods Pro.
Both models of the fourth-generation AirPods look like slightly smaller versions of the third-generation models from a distance, though Apple says the shape has been refined to improve overall comfort. They also include Apple’s H2 chip, a smaller charging case with USB-C, and the promise of improved sound quality.
The higher-end version of both AirPods comes with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which was previously limited to the AirPods Pro and Max. Its case also supports wireless charging and has a speaker that should make it easier to find the whole thing if you lose it.
Meanwhile, the revamped AirPods Max now charge over USB-C and come in a few new colors. Finally, while there aren’t brand new AirPods Pro, Apple says the existing model will have new software features focused on hearing health, including the ability to work as a “clinical-grade” hearing aid.
Of course, the best way to find out how much these updates matter is to actually listen to the new headphones. For example, unsealed earbuds like the AirPods 4 naturally let in a lot of external noise, so we’ll be curious to see how well its ANC feature works over time.
We have some initial impressions of the new AirPods 4 right now, but we’ll have a full review in the coming days. However, if you’re already determined to upgrade anyway, we’ve prepared a quick and simple analysis of the updated AirPods lineup.