Apple's standard AirPods are now in their fourth generation, the AirPods Pro are in their third generation, and the AirPods Max are still in their first generation.

• AirPods: Apple's fourth-generation AirPods launched in September 2024 during the brand's iPhone 16 launch event. The release cycle for new AirPods is typically two to three years, so we don't expect another model until 2026 at the earliest.
• AirPods Pro: Apple released the first-generation AirPods Pro in 2019, followed by the second-generation model in 2022, and the third-generation model in September 2025. Another brand-new generation model is unlikely to launch this year, but a report by Bloomberg indicates that an upgraded model with infrared cameras could be in the works. The cameras would be used to enable more AI functions.
• AirPods Max: Apple released the AirPods Max in December 2020 and launched a refreshed Max model with USB-C charging and new colors in 2024. There's currently no indication that a new model is forthcoming.

Although Apple rarely offers direct discounts on AirPods through its online or physical stores, the headphones frequently receive great deals through other retailers, such as Amazon and Walmart. In fact, it's actually rare to find the AirPods 4 selling at full price through those stores.

Based on typical street prices, we don't recommend paying more than $120 for the AirPods 4 or more than $170 for the AirPods 4 with ANC. The lowest price we've ever seen the AirPods 4 discounted to was $69, while the AirPods 4 with ANC have dropped to $99 for a limited time.

The new AirPods Pro 3 just launched in September 2025, so they've received fewer discounts so far. However, you may be able to find the older AirPods Pro 2 at a discount. If you're aiming to buy that model, we don't recommend paying more than $200.

The AirPods Pro 2 have been replaced by the new AirPods Pro 3, but the Pro 2 are still in stock at some online retailers and are often sold at a discount. Although the new Pro 3 model is a better buy for most people, the AirPods Pro 2 remain a worthwhile pair of earbuds as long as they're on sale. The Pro 3 have better ANC, longer battery life, and added heart rate tracking, but the AirPods Pro 2 are otherwise similar.

As long as you can find them for less money than the Pro 3, the Pro 2 are a good alternative for people who want an in-ear pair of AirPods but don't want to pay full price for the Pro 3.