The two devices only differ in their feature sets, specifically how they handle noise: The standard AirPods 4 offer spatial audio tailored to the listener, more comfort and all the core features that make Apple’s earbuds a success without active noise cancellation.

Apple's AirPods are getting a couple of new features and gestures, the Cupertino-based tech company announced at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday.

Discover how iOS 26 transforms AirPods with better sound, smarter noise cancellation, customization, and battery optimization features.

Today, we’ve found a deal that brings the exceptional Apple AirPods Pro 2 down from the usual price of $249 to $169. An $80 is nothing to sniff at at all, especially when that’s 32% of the normal price.

Apple today introduced new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, with an 8A5279d version number. The firmware is only available

This suggests that the AirPods Pro 3 could be coming soon, which would make sense, because the AirPods Pro 2 have been out for almost 3 years. Apple has also included phrasing like “ AirPods Pro 2 or later ” in some code, which could also nod to unreleased hardware.

One Apple rival taking the fight to the high-end AirPods Pro 2 is Bose, the US audio company famed for its over-ear headphones that pioneered noise cancellation technology. In recent years Bose has managed to shrink down this tech into tiny wireless earbuds, and now there is a brand new pair to take the fight to Apple.

Comparing AirPods 4 with ANC to AirPods Pro 2? Learn the key differences in features, fit, and price to see which one is right for you.

Apple just announced a bundle of new AirPods features at WWDC 2025 that will launch this fall, letting you get more out of earbuds you might already own. That includes a way to control your device’s camera by tapping the stem of your AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2.

The AirPods 4 with noise cancellation, without noise cancellation, and the AirPods Pro 2 are receiving the new software features. These three AirPods share Apple's advanced H2 audio chip, which is responsible for the computing power required for improved noise cancellation, microphone performance, and audio quality.

Learn moreApple's AirPods are some of our favorite wireless headphones. They're an especially good fit if you're looking for earbuds to use with another Apple device. AirPods offer good sound quality,