Honestly, the way Apple handled the apple new airpods 2024 release was a bit of a curveball. Most people were expecting a single successor to the AirPods 3. Instead, we got a split personality. Apple dropped two distinct versions of the AirPods 4, a refreshed AirPods Max that barely looks different, and a massive software overhaul that basically turned the AirPods Pro 2 into a medical device. It’s a lot to keep track of.
If you’re confused about which one actually belongs in your ears, you’re not alone. The marketing makes it sound like every model is a revolution, but the reality is more nuanced. Some are massive upgrades. Others? Mostly just a new coat of paint and a different charging port.
The AirPods 4 Divide: ANC in an Open Ear?
The biggest story of the year is the AirPods 4. Apple did something they've never done before: they released two versions of the "standard" bud. You’ve got the base AirPods 4 for $129 and the version with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for $179.
Here is the kicker. Both have an "open-ear" design. No silicone tips.
Getting noise cancellation to work without a seal is technically a nightmare. Usually, you need those rubber tips to physically block out the world. Apple’s H2 chip is doing some serious heavy lifting here, using computational audio to cancel out low-frequency engine drone and city hum. It’s weirdly effective, though obviously not as isolating as the Pro models.
Why the H2 Chip is the Real MVP
Basically, the H2 chip is why these things don't sound like tinny plastic toys. It enables Voice Isolation, which is a godsend if you're trying to take a call on a windy street corner. It also brings Siri Interactions. Now, you can just nod your head "yes" or shake it "no" to respond to a Siri prompt. It feels a bit dorky at first, but when your hands are full of groceries, it's actually pretty brilliant.
The fit has also been tweaked. Apple claims they analyzed 50 million data points to find the "perfect" shape. While "universal fit" is a lie—ears are as unique as fingerprints—these do feel more stable than the 3rd gens.
The cases got a makeover too. They are tiny. Like, "I’m going to lose this in my couch cushions immediately" tiny. The ANC version of the case even has a built-in speaker for Find My and supports wireless charging via an Apple Watch charger. The base $129 model? No speaker, no wireless charging. Just USB-C.
The "New" AirPods Max: A Refresh or a Rebrand?
We need to talk about the AirPods Max 2024. If you were hoping for a "Max 2" with the H2 chip and better noise cancellation, I have some bad news.
This was a "spec bump" in the most literal sense.
Apple swapped the Lightning port for USB-C and added five new colors: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange. That is basically it. It still uses the H1 chip from 2020. This means it misses out on the "Siri Interactions" (the head nodding thing) and the Adaptive Audio features found in the much cheaper AirPods 4.
"It's a tough sell for $549 when the $179 earbuds have a more advanced brain."
However, the addition of USB-C does mean you can finally carry one cable for your iPhone, Mac, and headphones. For some, that convenience is worth the price of admission. For everyone else, you're buying four-year-old tech in a pretty new wrapper.
AirPods Pro 2: The Medical Transformation
Even though the hardware didn't change in 2024, the AirPods Pro 2 became arguably the most important apple new airpods 2024 story because of a software update.
Apple received FDA authorization to turn these into over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
Think about how wild that is. A pair of $249 consumer earbuds can now perform a clinical-grade hearing test and then tune themselves to act as hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Hearing Test: A five-minute "pure-tone audiometry" test done right on your iPhone.
- Hearing Aid Mode: Uses the H2 chip to boost specific frequencies you struggle to hear in real-time.
- Hearing Protection: Actively dampens loud environmental noise (like a concert) while keeping the music sounding natural.
This is a massive deal for accessibility. Professional hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars. Using a "cool" tech product instead of a traditional medical device also removes a lot of the social stigma associated with hearing loss.
Battery Life and Real-World Use
Apple’s numbers are usually pretty honest, but they come with caveats.
For the AirPods 4, you're looking at about 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. If you have the ANC model and you actually use the noise cancellation, that drops to about 4 hours. The case gives you a total of 30 hours.
In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 still lead the pack with 6 hours per charge. The AirPods Max remain steady at 20 hours.
It’s also worth noting that the USB-C transition is now complete. Every model Apple sells—from the $129 AirPods 4 to the $549 Max—now uses the same connector. If you still have a graveyard of Lightning cables, it's officially time to let go.
Choosing the Right Pair
| If you want... | Buy this model |
|---|---|
| The best value | AirPods 4 (Standard) |
| Comfort without silicone tips | AirPods 4 (with ANC) |
| Serious silence and gym use | AirPods Pro 2 |
| The "flex" and home listening | AirPods Max (USB-C) |
The AirPods 4 with ANC are the "Goldilocks" choice for most people. They give you a taste of the Pro features without the "plugged ear" feeling that some people hate. But if you’re a frequent flyer, the Pro 2 is still the king of the lineup because of that physical seal.
📖 Related: Bluetooth Sony Wireless Headphones: What Most People Get Wrong About the Noise Cancelling King
What You Should Do Next
If you are currently using the 2nd generation AirPods (the ones with the long stems), the jump to the apple new airpods 2024 (AirPods 4) is massive. You'll notice the sound stage is wider and the bass is significantly tighter.
For those on the fence about the AirPods Max, wait for a sale. Paying $549 for H1-era tech is hard to justify when the rest of the lineup has moved on.
Check your "Hearing Health" section in the Health app if you own the Pro 2s. The hearing test feature is already rolling out in many regions, and it's worth taking just to see where your ears are at, especially if you spend a lot of time at loud venues.
Keep your firmware updated by leaving your buds in the case near your iPhone while charging; there is no manual "update" button, and you don't want to miss out on the new Siri gestures.