The recently announced AirPods 4 wireless headphones, available in both standard and noise-canceling versions, will be shipped without a USB-C charging cable in the box.
The information is confirmed on Apple’s official AirPods comparison page, which states that “USB-C charging cable sold separately” for AirPods 4 models.
Apple is ditching the cable
Apple has just completed the transition to USB-C in all of its devices, and it’s already ditching the dongle. Of course, some users may already have a USB-C cable (or a dozen) lying around.
But what about those switching from older devices or new users joining the Apple ecosystem? For them, it means an additional purchase just to charge their AirPods and make them ready to go.
Apple may claim that they care about the environment by reducing packaging waste. It’s a fair point, and it’s certainly a trend we can all support. But is removing one cable the most effective step they can take? Definitely not.
The iPhone could be next. For now, iPhone 16 still comes with a USB-C cable, but who knows? At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple also removed the charging case for the headphones.
Apple AirPods 4 specifications
Despite the absence of a cable, the AirPods 4 themselves boast a number of features. The design remains faithful to previous models with semi-in-ear and silicone tips, but Apple claims it offers a more versatile fit.
Both versions are IPX4 waterproof and retain the faucet control function. Users can now add head nods for yes and head shakes for no to control Siri and calls.
The sound experience has received an upgrade with a personalized spatial sound feature with head movement tracking, which promises an immersive listening experience.
The standard AirPods 4 do not have ANC, while the premium option integrates noise cancellation technology that was previously exclusive to AirPods Pro. Both models offer Talk Mode to reduce the volume during a call, and the ANC version adds Transparency Mode and Adaptive Audio to further control the user.
Both models of AirPods 4 use the H2 chip, which aims to increase battery life, personalize audio, and facilitate faster pairing. In terms of battery life, Apple claims 30 hours with a wireless charging case and 6.5 hours of playback on the headphones themselves.
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