There is no strong, independently verified evidence that Apple will release a cheaper AirPods 4 model in 2026. Apple’s existing AirPods 4 have already appeared in U.S. retail promotions near $99, but the best reason to choose them over other earbuds is their open fit—not an unconfirmed product rumor. If you dislike silicone tips and want Apple’s ecosystem features, a discounted pair may make sense. If you need serious noise isolation, look elsewhere.
Is Apple actually preparing a cheaper AirPods 4?
As of August 18, 2026, there is no official Apple announcement, product page, release date, or confirmed price for a lower-cost AirPods 4. Recent reporting says there are no meaningful current rumors of an update to Apple’s affordable AirPods; the more prominent AirPods rumor concerns a future camera-equipped model, not a budget version. 9to5Mac’s July 8 report is evidence about what was being reported then, not proof that Apple will or will not announce something later.
That distinction matters because “cheaper AirPods 4” can mean two different things: an existing model temporarily discounted by a retailer, or a new, less expensive Apple product. The former has happened repeatedly. The latter remains unconfirmed. An AirPods 5 or AirPods SE is speculation unless and until credible reporting or Apple establishes that such a product exists.
What AirPods can you buy from Apple in the U.S.?
Apple’s U.S. listings show three relevant models. These are Apple list prices, before sales tax; retailer promotions can change the price comparison.
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#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
| Model | Apple U.S. list price | Fit and main distinction |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | $129 | Open fit; no ANC |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | $179 | Open fit with ANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency, and a wireless-charging case |
| AirPods Pro 3 | $249 | Sealed fit with silicone tips, stronger ANC, hearing features, and heart-rate sensing |
Apple’s current product listings provide the details for AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3. The word “water-resistant” should not be confused with waterproof: AirPods 4 are rated IP54, while AirPods Pro 3 are rated IP57.
Retail discounts already make the standard model cheaper
Retail deal coverage in June and July 2026 repeatedly recorded the standard AirPods 4 at $99, $30 below Apple’s $129 U.S. list price. Reports also put the ANC version at $144.99–$148.99, compared with its $179 list price. Those were temporary promotions, not permanent price cuts, and a price seen earlier in the summer is not a promise of the price available today.
- MacRumors’ June 23 deal report recorded the standard model at $99.
- MacRumors’ July 19 report covered $99 standard AirPods 4 and a $144.99 ANC promotion.
- MacRumors’ July 14 report recorded the standard model at $99 and the ANC version at $148.99.
So the useful comparison is not just “new budget AirPods versus full-price AirPods.” It is whether an unannounced lower-cost model would be better value than the current AirPods 4 when those are on sale. A hypothetical lower price could also come with fewer features; there is no confirmed specification list to compare.
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
The one compelling reason to buy AirPods 4 is their open fit
AirPods 4 sit in the ear without silicone tips sealing the ear canal. That design can suit people who dislike the plugged-up sensation or pressure of in-ear earbuds, or who prefer to hear more of their surroundings while listening. It also pairs a comparatively unobtrusive fit with Apple conveniences such as automatic pairing and switching across Apple devices.
Open fit is a preference, not a guarantee of comfort or security. Ear shapes vary, and the earbuds have no interchangeable tips to help customize their hold. Some listeners may find them loose, including during exercise. The design also permits more outside sound and sound leakage than a sealed earbud, and some listeners may perceive less bass.
This is why AirPods 4 with ANC should be understood as open-fit earbuds with noise reduction—not as AirPods Pro at a lower price. ANC can reduce some noise, but it cannot provide the passive seal of silicone tips. Apple positions AirPods Pro 3 as offering up to four times more ANC than the original AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 with ANC; that comparison is Apple’s claim, not a guarantee of the same result for every listener. See Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 listing.
Rank #3
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 with ANC?
Both versions use Apple’s H2 chip, have an open fit, and support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Voice Isolation. Both have a USB-C charging case, IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance, and up to 30 hours of listening time with the case. Apple’s figures are maximums under its stated testing conditions; actual battery life varies with use and settings. A USB-C cable and power adapter are not included.
| Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Apple U.S. list price | $129 | $179 |
| Noise controls | No ANC | ANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency, and Conversation Awareness |
| Case | USB-C charging | USB-C and wireless charging with an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger; case speaker for Find My |
| Apple-rated listening time on one charge | Up to five hours | Up to four hours with ANC enabled |
Apple’s specifications and feature descriptions are on its AirPods 4 buying page. The $50 list-price difference buys added controls and case features, but not a sealed fit. If you want the ANC model, the historical $145–$149 promotions make the upgrade more attractive than paying the full $179; check the current seller, configuration, and price before buying.
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AirPods Pro 3 cost $249 at Apple in the U.S. and use silicone tips to seal the ear. That design is the more relevant option if your priority is reducing noise on flights, commutes, or in loud workplaces, rather than avoiding an in-ear fit. Apple lists up to eight hours of listening with ANC on, an IP57 rating, heart-rate sensing during workouts, and Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection features. Hearing features depend on regional availability and authorization and are not a substitute for professional medical evaluation. See Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 specifications.
Rank #4
- WHY APPLECARE+ - Get protection, service and support direct from Apple. AppleCare+ covers unlimited repairs for accidental damage, like a cracked display, and includes coverage for the hardware and battery. Get convenient service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers around the world or Express Replacement Service so you don’t have to wait for a repair. Help is easy with 24/7 priority tech support from Apple experts.
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
Choose Pro 3 only if the sealed fit works for you and its extra isolation or listed features justify the higher price. If silicone tips cause discomfort, the Pro model’s stronger noise cancellation does not solve the fit problem that led you to consider AirPods 4 in the first place.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy now or wait?
| Your priority | Practical choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Open fit and Apple integration | AirPods 4, especially near $99 | A reported summer sale price made the existing standard model substantially cheaper than its Apple list price. |
| Open fit plus some noise reduction | AirPods 4 with ANC, particularly near $145–$150 | You get additional listening modes and a wireless-charging case without moving to silicone tips. |
| Strong isolation and a sealed fit | AirPods Pro 3 | The silicone-tip design is better suited to listeners who need more noise reduction. |
| No urgent need, and willing to wait | Wait if you prefer, but treat a cheaper model as unconfirmed | There is no established 2026 launch date or confirmed product to plan around. |
For most people specifically considering AirPods 4, waiting solely because of this rumor is not a strong strategy. Buy when the price is right for your needs if the open fit is what you want; wait only if you do not need earbuds soon and are comfortable with the possibility that no cheaper model arrives.
Consider alternatives by fit, not just by price
If AirPods 4 appeal because they do not seal the ear, other open-fit designs may be worth comparing. Examples include Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, Sony LinkBuds, and Shokz OpenFit. These are not interchangeable with AirPods: check each model’s fit, device support, controls, and current price rather than assuming it provides Apple’s pairing and switching conveniences.
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- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION—AirPods 5 offer improved Active Noise Cancellation to help reduce outside noise, at their best value yet.
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency for the best listening experience in any environment.* Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing if you start talking.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION—Communicate across languages using Live Translation, enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- NEW SIRI AI—Get more done every day with hands-free access to an even more powerful and personalized AI assistant on your iPhone.* Ask open-ended questions, brainstorm, and have full conversations.
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY—Next-generation Adaptive EQ for better sound quality. Voice Isolation improves call quality in loud conditions,* using advanced computational audio to reduce background noise and clarify your voice.
If you decide that you need sealed earbuds and stronger ANC for less than Apple’s premium model, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are examples to compare. A category roundup is available from Tom’s Guide; check its review dates and current listings before treating any ranking or price as up to date.
What to check before placing an order
- Confirm whether the listing is for AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 with ANC; the cases and features differ.
- Check the live price and seller. The $99 and $145–$149 figures above were temporary 2026 deal prices, not guaranteed current offers.
- Choose based on fit first. ANC does not turn an open-fit AirPod into a sealed earbud.
- Check device and software requirements for features you care about. For example, Live Translation requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 or later, with language and regional availability limits.
- Do not assume every health feature is available where you live; Apple notes regional and authorization conditions for AirPods Pro hearing features.
Apple lists current AirPods 4 feature and compatibility details on its product page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
