# AirPods 4

The text version of the iDevice Guide at https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4. Same data as the page, last updated 2026-09-25.

> AirPods 4 brings ANC to the open-fit design for the first time. At $179 it is the easiest upgrade in the lineup.

- Status: On sale
- List price: $129 (The maker's own starting price.) Source: [apple.com](https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-4).
- Released Sep 20, 2024 (source: [Apple Newsroom](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2/))
- Guide: https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4
- Last updated: 2026-09-25

## Key specs

| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | $129 | [apple.com](https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-4) |
| ANC price | $179 | [apple.com](https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-4) |
| Battery | Up to 5 hours | [apple.com](https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-4) |
| Chip | H2 | [apple.com](https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-4) |
| Durability | IP54 | [apple.com](https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-4) |
| Charging | USB-C | [apple.com](https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-4) |

## Can it do this?

- **How long does the battery last?** AirPods 4 lasts up to 5 hours on one charge. The noise-cancelling model lasts up to 4 hours with noise cancelling on, and the charging case provides up to 30 hours total or up to 20 hours with noise cancelling enabled. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#can-how-long-does-the-battery-last))
- **Can it get wet — shower, pool, swimming?** It can handle sweat and splashes, but it is not made for showering or swimming. AirPods 4 and the charging case are rated IP54. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#can-can-it-get-wet-shower-pool-swimming))
- **Does it work with my phone?** It works best with Apple devices. It can also connect to Android phones over Bluetooth for basic audio and calls, but Apple-only features are limited. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#can-does-it-work-with-my-phone))
- **How heavy is it?** Each AirPods 4 earbud weighs 4.3 grams, so that weight sits on each ear rather than being shared across the pair. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#can-how-heavy-is-it))
- **Does it have noise cancelling?** Yes, but only on the AirPods 4 model with Active Noise Cancellation. The standard AirPods 4 does not have noise cancelling. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#can-does-it-have-noise-cancelling))
- **How good is the camera?** AirPods 4 does not have a camera, so there is no camera for photos or video. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#can-how-good-is-the-camera))
- **How does it connect?** It connects over Bluetooth 5.3, which is the wireless link it uses with your phone. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#can-how-does-it-connect))
- **Does it do spatial audio?** Yes. AirPods 4 supports Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#can-does-it-do-spatial-audio))
- **Does it track heart rate?** No. AirPods 4 does not have a heart-rate sensor, so heart-rate tracking is not available. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#can-does-it-track-heart-rate))
- **Can it see and answer questions about what I am looking at?** No. AirPods 4 has no camera, so it cannot see what is in front of you. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#can-can-it-see-and-answer-questions-about-what-i-am-looking-at))

## Works with

Made for iPhone. They also work with Android, but you lose Siri, Apple settings, automatic switching and Find My.

- **Do AirPods 4 work with Android?** With a limit. Listening and calls work over Bluetooth, but Apple-only features do not. Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108786). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#q-android))
- **Can you connect AirPods 4 to a PC?** With a limit. Listening and calls work over Bluetooth, but Apple-only features do not. Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108786). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#q-windows-pc))
- **Do AirPods 4 work with iPhone?** Works. Works fully with iOS 18.0 or later. Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/121204). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#q-iphone))
- **Which iPhones do AirPods 4 work with?** Works. They work with every iPhone that runs iOS 18.0 or later, from the iPhone XR on. Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/121204). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#q-which-iphones))
- **Do AirPods 4 work with Xbox?** Doesn't work. Xbox consoles do not support Bluetooth audio. Source: [Microsoft](https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/accessories/connect-compatible-headset). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#q-xbox))
- **Do AirPods 4 work with a TV?** With a limit. They work best with Apple TV 4K, or as basic Bluetooth headphones. Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108786). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#q-tv))
- **Do AirPods 4 work with Samsung Galaxy phones?** With a limit. Listening and calls work over Bluetooth, but Apple-only features do not. Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108786). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#q-samsung-galaxy-phones))
- **Do AirPods 4 work with Google Pixel phones?** With a limit. Listening and calls work over Bluetooth, but Apple-only features do not. Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108786). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#q-google-pixel))
- **Do AirPods 4 work with a companion app?** With a limit. Full settings are built into iPhone and Mac, not a separate app. Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-au/104989). Checked 2026-09-21. ([on the Guide](https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4#q-companion-app))
- **How do AirPods 4 charge?** With a limit. Both cases charge by USB-C, and only the noise-canceling case also charges wirelessly. Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/121203). Checked 2026-09-21.

## Top reports

- **AirPods 4 rest in the outer ear rather than sealing the canal** (Right.) They are more comfortable all day, but they block less noise than sealed designs. First reported by [MacRumors](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/08/apple-to-bring-custom-eq-to-airpods/) on Jun 8, 2026.
- **Both AirPods 4 models run the H2 chip** (Right.) It is the same chip as AirPods Pro 3, and it runs spatial audio and head gestures. First reported by [9to5Mac](https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/28/airpods-ultra-launching-later-this-year-sounds-more-likely-than-ever/) on Apr 28, 2026.
- **Only the more expensive AirPods 4 has active noise cancellation** (Right.) Without a physical seal it will not match AirPods Pro, but it works in offices and cafes. First reported by [MacRumors](https://www.macrumors.com/2024/09/20/apple-explains-airpods-4-noise-cancellation/) on Sep 20, 2024.
- **The ANC model adds Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness** (Right.) Both were previously exclusive to AirPods Pro. First reported by [AppleInsider](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/06/08/airpods-finally-gain-custom-eq-feature-in-ios-26?utm_source=rss) on Jun 8, 2026.
- **Both models support Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking** (Right.) The iPhone's TrueDepth camera scans your ear shape to build the profile. First reported by [AppleInsider](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/06/08/airpods-finally-gain-custom-eq-feature-in-ios-26?utm_source=rss) on Jun 8, 2026.
- **Both cases charge over USB-C, but only the ANC case charges wirelessly** (Confirmed.) The ANC case also works with an Apple Watch charger. First reported by [AppleInsider](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/06/08/airpods-finally-gain-custom-eq-feature-in-ios-26?utm_source=rss) on Jun 8, 2026.
- **The earbuds are rated IP54 for dust and water** (Right.) It is safe for sweat and light rain but not for swimming. The case has no rating. First reported by [MacRumors](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/08/apple-to-bring-custom-eq-to-airpods/) on Jun 8, 2026.

---

Source: iDevice (https://idevice.com). Every spec, rumor and grade above links to where it came from. Full Guide: https://idevice.com/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap/airpods-4. This file: https://idevice.com/guide-text/apple-airpods-4.md.

## Questions and answers

### Using it

**Does it have noise cancelling?** Only one of the two versions has it. It is sold both with and without it, so check which model you are buying. Source: AirPods

**Does it work with my phone?** It works fully with an iPhone and partly with Android. It pairs with Android, but the app and the iPhone-only features are not there. Source: AirPods

**How heavy is it?** It weighs 4.3g. Source: AirPods

**How good is the camera?** It has no camera. Source: AirPods

**How does it connect?** It connects over Bluetooth 5.3. Source: AirPods

**Does it do spatial audio?** Yes, it does spatial audio. Source: AirPods

**Does it track heart rate?** No, it does not track your heart rate. Source: AirPods

**Can it see and answer questions about what I am looking at?** No, it cannot see what you are looking at. Source: AirPods

### Battery and charging

**How long does the battery last?** It runs 30 hours with the case and noise cancelling off. That is 4 hours of listening with noise cancelling on, and 5 hours of listening with noise cancelling off. Source: AirPods

### Water

**Can it get wet — shower, pool, swimming?** Yes for sweat and rain, but not for the shower. Its rating is IP54. It is rated for splashes, not immersion. Source: AirPods

### Price and models

**When did the AirPods 4 come out?** It went on sale September 20, 2024. Announced September 9, 2024. Source: iDevice

**Is there a newer one?** Yes: the AirPods 5, out September 18, 2026. Source: [iDevice](/earbuds/apple-airpods/roadmap)

**How much does the AirPods 4 cost?** List price: $129 / $179 with ANC. Current price we last read at Amazon: $89, September 26, 2026. Source: AirPods

### Works with

**Do AirPods 4 work with Samsung Galaxy phones?** Listening and calls work over Bluetooth, but Apple-only features do not. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108786)

**Do AirPods 4 work with Google Pixel phones?** Listening and calls work over Bluetooth, but Apple-only features do not. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108786)

**Do AirPods 4 work with a companion app?** Full settings are built into iPhone and Mac, not a separate app. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-au/104989)

**How do AirPods 4 charge?** Both cases charge by USB-C, and only the noise-canceling case also charges wirelessly. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/121203)

**How do you connect AirPods 4 to a Mac?** Pair them in Bluetooth settings on macOS Sequoia or later. Works Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/108786)

**How do AirPods 4 update their firmware?** Updates install automatically through a nearby Apple device. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-au/106340)

**Do AirPods 4 support Spatial Audio and head tracking?** Both models support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. Works Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/121203)

**Do AirPods 4 support automatic switching between devices?** They switch automatically between Apple devices on the same Apple Account. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/airpods/dev228ba3df8/web)

**Do AirPods 4 support Siri?** Siri works with Apple devices, not non-Apple devices. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108786)

**Do AirPods 4 support Live Translation?** Only the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation support it. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ie/123185)

**Do AirPods 4 work with Find My?** Both work with Find My, but the ANC case has extra finding features. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/121203)

**Do AirPods 4 support hearing and accessibility features?** Audio accessibility features work, but Apple's Hearing Aid feature does not. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-us/121203)

**Do AirPods 4 support lossless audio?** Lossless Audio is documented only with Apple Vision Pro. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-with-an-apple-device-dev7c85810f2/27/web/27)

**Do AirPods 4 support a low-latency gaming mode?** Ultra-low-latency audio is documented only with Apple Vision Pro. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-with-an-apple-device-dev7c85810f2/27/web/27)

**Do AirPods 4 work with PlayStation 5?** PS5 does not accept standard Bluetooth audio devices directly. Doesn't work Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108786)

**Do AirPods 4 work with Nintendo Switch?** Bluetooth audio works, but the microphone does not. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108786)

**Does the AirPods 4 case work with the AirPods 4 ANC earbuds?** Each AirPods 4 model needs its matching charging case. Doesn't work Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ie/109525)

**How does replacing a lost AirPods 4 earbud or case work?** Order a replacement earbud or charging case from Apple. Works Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-ie/109525)

**Do AirPods 4 support the same features on every phone and in every region?** Core Bluetooth audio works broadly, but some Apple features need more. With a limit Source: [Apple](https://support.apple.com/en-au/104989)