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How often does Apple release new AirPods?
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. If the company continues to follow this three-year cycle, we won't see new AirPods Pro until 2028 at the earliest.
- 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.
Should I buy AirPods in the Apple Store?
Do AirPods go on sale?
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, so they're typically still sold at full price. 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.
Factsheet
GoerTek (on contract)
GoerTek (on contract)
Key Changes & Upgrades:
Better Active Noise Cancellation – Apple claims up to 2x more effective noise cancellation compared to previous models.
Heart Rate Sensor – A new built-in sensor for fitness tracking. If you don’t own an Apple Watch, this could be very useful, but you’ll need to carry your iPhone along with your AirPods when going for a run or walk.
Size & Fit – Slightly updated design for improved comfort.
Battery Life – Up to 8 hours of listening (vs. 6 hours before). With heart-rate sensing enabled, it drops to 6.5 hours. The case now gives 24 hours of total listening, compared to 30 hours with older AirPods Pro—so less case battery this time.
Water Resistance – Upgraded to IP57 (from IP54).
Charging Case – Now powered by Apple’s U2 chip (previously U1), offering better finding/tracking and improved device interaction (works best with iPhone 15 or later and Apple Watch 9 or later, which also have the U2 chip).
In the Box – Includes 5 silicone ear tips (vs. 4 before). However, Apple no longer includes a USB-C cable in the box.
Other Features:
Live Translation – Works even with older devices, as long as the feature is available in your region.
Hearing Health – Hearing test, hearing aid, and hearing protection features are also supported on older devices.
Key Changes & Upgrades:
Better Active Noise Cancellation – Apple claims up to 2x more effective noise cancellation compared to previous models.
Heart Rate Sensor – A new built-in sensor for fitness tracking. If you don’t own an Apple Watch, this could be very useful, but you’ll need to carry your iPhone along with your AirPods when going for a run or walk.
Size & Fit – Slightly updated design for improved comfort.
Battery Life – Up to 8 hours of listening (vs. 6 hours before). With heart-rate sensing enabled, it drops to 6.5 hours. The case now gives 24 hours of total listening, compared to 30 hours with older AirPods Pro, so less case battery this time.
Water Resistance – Upgraded to IP57 (from IP54).
Charging Case – Now powered by Apple’s U2 chip (previously U1), so better finding/tracking or improved device interaction (iPhone 15 or later and Apple Watch 9 or later have the U2 chip).
In the Box – Includes 5 silicone ear tips (vs. 4 before). However, Apple no longer includes a USB-C cable in the box.
Other Features:
Live Translation – Works even with older devices, as long as the feature is available in your region.
Hearing Health – Hearing test, hearing aid, and hearing protection features are also supported on older devices.