As Apple is eager to point out, not all AirPods are created equal. While all of the Bluetooth headphones are wireless, there are multiple generations of basic AirPods, and even multiple generations of theAirPods ProandAirPods Max(sort of). There can be substantial feature differences, to the point that even at a bargain, you might not consider earlier generations worth it.
So what’s the latest generation of AirPods in each category? We’ll clarify that situation, as well as what separates the new tech from the old.
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What’s the newest generation of basic AirPods?
A little more complicated than usual
Apple AirPods (4th Generation)
Apple AirPods (4th Generation with ANC)
That would be theAirPods 4, but there are actually two versions of it. Both of them share these upgrades over the third-gen AirPods:
Apple is hoping many people will step up to theAirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation. That feature enables Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Transparency modes, normally reserved for the AirPods Pro.
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You also get a better charging case, equipped with a speaker forFind Mytracking, and wireless charging if you have a compatible Qi or Apple Watch charger. It won’t lock into place with a MagSafe iPhone charger.
What’s the newest generation of AirPods Pro?
Be very careful when you’re shopping
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
You’ll want thesecond-generation AirPods Pro. On the surface, it’s very similar to the first-gen, but there are some important differences:
We should note that by the end of 2024, Apple will also be updating the firmware on the second-gen Pro to support its new Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features. You’ll need a device running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia.
Pay close attention if you’re going to order a pair, because there are both USB-C and Lightning versions of the charging case. You’ll want the former, especially if you want to take advantage of low-latency audio on theVision Pro.
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What’s the newest generation of AirPods Max?
There can only be one, apparently
AirPods Max
In Apple-speak, there’s actually no new generation of AirPods Max – we’re still on the first. The only things new in thefall 2024 refreshare several new colors – Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight – plus a USB-C port taking the place of Lightning. That’s welcome, given that virtually every other Apple product has made the switch, but the company is charging $549 for a product that’s otherwise gone unchanged since 2020. It still uses an H1 chip, not the H2, so you don’t get more advanced ANC technologies like Adaptive Audio or Conversation Awareness. It also won’t get Hearing Aid or Hearing Protection features.
The headphones still sound excellent – just don’t buy them at full price. Look for discounts on sites like Amazon and Best Buy, including refurbished units when they’re available.
