AirPods 4

Apple’s beta software cycle has had a busy week, with updates like iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 hitting first, then tvOS 26 beta 3 landing a day later. Now today, Apple has released new AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 beta firmware. Here’s what you should know.

iOS 26 introduces several new AirPods features that are currently being beta tested by developers, and Apple just released a new firmware build for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 users.

Today alongside iOS 18.4 and its various other software updates, Apple has shipped brand new firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4. Here’s what you should know.

Apple recently launched a new campaign to promote AirPods 4 with a short film starring Pedro Pascal. Now the company has also shared a behind-the-scenes video with director Spike Jonze, who was behind the movie “Someday.”

Adaptive Audio originally shipped for AirPods Pro 2 only, but has since expanded to AirPods 4 too. Apple built the feature to be a contender for default noise mode for users. But did you know you can customize Adaptive Audio to better suit your needs? Here’s how an iOS 18 change might help you stick with a single AirPods noise mode moving forward.

Apple is about to release a new short movie this week – not for Apple TV+, but to promote the company’s AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Starring Chilean actor Pedro Pascal, the new ad is directed by renowned filmmaker Spike Jonze.

Apple’s AirPods 4 are available in two different versions: one with ANC active noise cancellation and support for MagSafe chargers. And if you have AirPods 4, read on as we’ve put together a list of some of the best protective cases and lanyards for Apple’s wireless earbuds.

Apple’s AirPods lineup is stronger than ever following the launch of AirPods 4, which now include many features formerly exclusive to AirPods Pro 2. But for me personally, there are still three key Pro-exclusive features that make the more expensive AirPods worth the upgrade.

Last week, Apple announced a special edition version of the AirTag in Japan to celebrate the “Year of the Snake.” Apple has since followed that up with a limited-edition version of AirPods 4, available exclusively in select regions.

AirPods Pro 3 aren’t here yet, nor are a proper AirPods Max 2, but this was a solid year for AirPods anyways thanks to AirPods 4 and some strong software updates. One of my favorite new features this year, however, should have its biggest impact in the months ahead when iOS 18.4 launches.

Update: AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation currently reduced to $169 on Amazon.

So, Apple just updated its base model AirPods for the first time in years. There’s now two new models, one with Active Noise Cancellation, and one without – starting at $129.

ANC was the hero exclusive feature of AirPods Pro … until today. So how do the new AirPods (not Pro) stack up? Here’s all the differences.

Shopping for AirPods this holiday season? With Apple’s current lineup of wireless earbuds and headphones, choosing the right model can be confusing. However, this guide simplifies your options so you can find the perfect pair. Whether you’re gifting someone special or treating yourself, there’s an AirPods model to match every need and lifestyle.

Apple has released new firmware for AirPods Pro 2, the first update since iOS 18.1 added support for powerful new hearing health features. AirPods 4 got an update too. Here are the details.

Update 11/12: One day later, Apple has now released the same firmware builds for developers too.

Apple has released new firmware for AirPods 4, adding to the series of recent firmware releases for the entire AirPods product line. Here’s what you should know.

When people talk about augmented reality, they almost always focus on visual methods of AR. But there’s an entirely different type of ‘augmented reality’ experience: one for your ears. And this is where AirPods have proven so fantastic with their ever-expanding features. Here are all the ways AirPods are the ultimate AR device for your ears.

AirPods 4 are the best pound-for-pound product in Apple’s portfolio. These open-ear buds sound good and pack tremendous tech and software features into a ridiculously diminutive package. But it’s more than just that; AirPods are also a resilient piece of tech and stand up well under the rigors of day-to-day usage. Watch our hands-on AirPods 4 review as we discuss its top features, settings, and more.

Following teardowns of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, our friends at iFixit are back with a look inside Apple’s latest entry-level AirPods 4 and AirPods Max updates. The teardowns reveal there are only a few internal changes for the AirPods 4, and a continued general lack of repairability across the board.

Apple just released new AirPods Max last week. The minor revision includes USB-C, comes in fresh colors, and supports one new audio feature. But there are a whole lot of modern Apple features absent from these updated AirPods Max. Here’s everything that’s missing.

AirPods 4 are available today, and Engadget has a great new interview with the team behind the product. Details include the timing of when development started, how ANC is made possible on an open-ear design, use of the term ‘snorkel,’ and more.

I’ve been an AirPods user since 2016, and an AirPods Pro user since 2019. In-ear tips are a better fit for my ears, and Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes define the modern AirPods experience for me.

For some, however, in-ear tips are a non-starter. For others, the $249 retail price is a tall order for a pair of earbuds. Apple addresses both cost and design with the all-new AirPods 4.

The first reviews of Apple’s all-new AirPods 4 have arrived. As a refresher, AirPods 4 are available in two versions: one lower-end model priced at $129 and a higher-end version priced at $179 with Active Noise Cancellation.

Here’s what the reviews say…