Earbuds / Compare

Apple AirPods 3 vs Apple AirPods 4

A

Product A: Apple

AirPods 3

82 of 166 known

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B

Product B: Apple

AirPods 4

76 of 166 known

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All 166 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AApple AirPods 3

BApple AirPods 4

General

4 of 8 differ

Series

AirPods4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 5 October 2026

AirPods4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 5 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

A2565, A2564, A25664Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 5 October 2026Exact generation heading names the earbuds. Charging case heading gives A2566. No sibling generation or case revision is included.

A3053, A3050, A3054, A3058, MXP63LL/A4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 5 October 2026Exact generation heading names the earbuds. Charging case heading gives A3058. No sibling generation or case revision is included.16Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/purchase/contracts/docs/NASPO_PSS_Apple_Branded.pdfRead 7 October 2026Apple US NASPO price catalogue, Accessories row MXP63LL/A names AirPods 4. Separate MXP93LL/A row explicitly names AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Only standard USB-C case hardware is retained.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

19594968852217Retailer pageabt.com/Apple-Airpods-4-with-USB-C-Charging-Case-MXP63LLA/p/212160.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact standard AirPods 4 MXP63LL/A listing gives UPC 195949688522. The ANC edition is separate.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

18 October 20212Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpodsRead 5 October 2026

9 September 20242Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 5 October 2026

Status

Not available

Not available

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Apple AirPods 22Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpodsRead 5 October 2026Apple's October 2021 release announces the third generation of AirPods and cuts the price of AirPods 2nd generation.14Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-3rd-generation-truly-wirelessRead 7 October 2026Public opening and Differences comparisons identify AirPods 2nd generation as previous generation.

Apple AirPods 333Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS calls the AirPods 4 without noise cancelling the successor to the AirPods 3rd generation.34Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-3rd-generation-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS says the AirPods 3 were replaced by the AirPods 4.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Apple AirPods 414Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-3rd-generation-truly-wirelessRead 7 October 2026Public replacement notice and Differences explicitly name AirPods 4. The reference successor is the basic model, not ANC edition.32Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS calls the AirPods 4 without noise cancelling the successor to the AirPods 3rd generation.

Apple AirPods 5 (USB-C Charging Case)33Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS marks the AirPods 4 as replaced by the AirPods 5.35Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-5-review-163483Read 23 October 2026SoundGuys says the AirPods 5 replace the AirPods 4 as the entry point into Apple's lineup.

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$1792Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpodsRead 5 October 2026US launch price from Pricing and Availability.

$1292Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 5 October 2026US launch price from Pricing and Availability.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€1993Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpodsRead 5 October 2026German launch price including VAT from Preise und Verfuegbarkeit.

€1493Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 5 October 2026German launch price including VAT from Preise und Verfuegbarkeit.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US13Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpodsRead 7 October 2026Pricing and Availability explicitly names US orders and retail availability for original MagSafe-case product. Other 26 countries are not individually named.

US16Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/purchase/contracts/docs/NASPO_PSS_Apple_Branded.pdfRead 7 October 2026US Apple NASPO sales catalogue lists exact standard MXP63LL/A, corroborated by US Abt listing. No new regional variants are introduced.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Not available

White17Retailer pageabt.com/Apple-Airpods-4-with-USB-C-Charging-Case-MXP63LLA/p/212160.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact standard edition General Color table states White. SoundGuys standard review independently says only white is available.

Segment

Not available

Not available

Design

0 of 4 differ

Form factoriIn-ear seals the ear canal with a tip. Semi-in-ear rests in the outer ear without a seal. Open-ear leaves the ear canal unobstructed.

Semi-in-ear2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpodsRead 5 October 20268Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-3rd-generation-review-61295Read 7 October 2026

Semi-in-ear2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 5 October 2026

Bud shapeiStem describes an extending control or microphone stalk. Stemless describes a compact body without a stalk.

Stem2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpodsRead 5 October 2026

Stem2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 5 October 2026

Use one bud aloneiWhich earbud can operate alone. This does not mean two earbuds can play from different sources.

Either bud7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Set the microphone location. Either earbud can act as the microphone when used alone.

Either bud7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Set the microphone location. Either earbud can act as the microphone when used alone.

RGB lighting

Not available

Not available

Drivers and sound

6 of 17 differ

Drivers per budiAudio transducers in one earbud. Rows distinguish their type, acoustic role and published diameter. Do not count microphones.

AApple AirPods 3

Type	Count per earbud
Dynamic	1

Source15Reviewcnbeta.com.tw/articles/tech/1196103.htmRead 7 October 2026Earbud teardown extracts one moving-coil transducer. Existing one-driver count retained. Acoustic role and published diameter remain unknown.

BApple AirPods 4

Count per earbud
1

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026Audio Technology names one custom Apple driver per earbud. Driver technology and diameter are not published.

Driver typeiPublished transducer technology. High-excursion, composite and neodymium do not by themselves establish a driver type.

Dynamic15Reviewcnbeta.com.tw/articles/tech/1196103.htmRead 7 October 2026Public 52Audio teardown syndicated by cnBeta identifies moving-coil transducer. Original A2564/A2565 buds and A2566 MagSafe case. Measured approximately 11 mm unit size is not stored as claimed circular diameter.

Not available

Driver sizeiLargest explicitly published circular driver diameter in one earbud. A rectangular driver width is not a diameter.

Not available

Not available

Drivers per budiTotal audio transducers in one earbud, summed from explicit driver quantities. A row with an unknown quantity makes the total unknown.

1=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

1=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

Diaphragm material

Not available

Not available

Frequency responseiPublished acoustic frequency response of the earbuds. Codec transmission bandwidth alone does not qualify. Conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Impedance

Not available

Not available

SensitivityiPublished acoustic sensitivity. The electrical reference and frequency must be stated in sensitivity_reference or the source note.

Not available

Not available

Sensitivity reference

Not available

Not available

Max sample rateiHighest supported audio sample rate under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. This does not establish lossless playback.

Not available

Not available

Max bit depthiHighest supported audio bit depth under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. Bluetooth version alone does not establish this.

Not available

Not available

Adaptive EQiAn inner mic tunes the sound to your ear in real time

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Personalised soundiA profile from a hearing test or ear scan

Yes18Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-au/guide/airpods/dev00eb7e0a3/webRead 7 October 2026AirPods 3 supports a Personalized Spatial Audio ear/head scan profile. Setup needs an iPhone with TrueDepth camera and iOS 16 or later. Supported content, compatible Apple software and the same Apple Account are required. Apple silicon is required for supported Mac playback. This is spatial personalization, not custom EQ or a clinical test.29Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102596Read 7 October 2026What you need explicitly names AirPods 3 or later and TrueDepth iPhone with iOS 16 or later. Same Apple Account, supported content and listed compatible devices/software apply. Mac playback requires Apple silicon with Ventura or later.

Not available

Onboard EQ

Not available

Yes8Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/te819024i19r/webRead 5 October 2026Custom EQ settings are stored on the AirPods and carry across paired devices. Model eligibility is confirmed by the linked supported-model list.9Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 5 October 2026

Custom EQ bandsiNumber of independently adjustable custom equalizer frequency bands. Availability may require current firmware, an app or a compatible device.

019Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102663Read 7 October 2026Custom EQ section names three-band adjustment only for AirPods 4 or later, Pro 2 or later and Max 2. AirPods 3 lacks independently adjustable custom frequency bands. Adaptive EQ, host Music EQ and Headphone Accommodations tone/amplification are separate.

38Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/te819024i19r/webRead 5 October 2026Current guide is for iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. Three adjustable bands on eligible AirPods 4 and Pro 2.9Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 5 October 2026Supported list explicitly includes AirPods 4 both models and AirPods Pro 2. Requires current compatible Apple software.

EQ presetsiNamed equalizer sound presets. Noise-control modes and spatial-audio modes are separate features.

Not available

Balanced Tone, Vocal Range, Brightness28Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/set-headphone-accommodations-devcd05671ab/webRead 7 October 2026Maker Audio Tuning choices are Balanced Tone, Vocal Range and Brightness. Host Headphone Accommodations presets, separate from custom onboard three-band EQ. Requires compatible Apple host software. Preference-based Customize Audio is not a hearing assessment or ear scan, so sound_personalization is omitted.

Volume limit

Not available

Not available

Spatial audio

0 of 2 differ

Spatial audioiNamed spatial or surround audio processing supported with the source and platform conditions stated in the source note.

Personalized Spatial Audio1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

Personalized Spatial Audio1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Head trackingiSpatial audio changes with head movement. Static spatial processing alone does not qualify. Compatible device or content requirements belong in the source note.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Noise cancelling

1 of 11 differ

Active noise cancelling

No8Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-3rd-generation-review-61295Read 7 October 2026Noise isolation section describes unsealed fit without active noise cancellation.

No10Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_4Read 5 October 2026Background distinguishes basic model without ANC from the separately marketed ANC model.

ANC typeiFeedforward uses exterior microphones. Feedback uses interior microphones. Hybrid uses both. Adaptive control is separate from microphone placement.

Not available

Not available

ANC microphones in both earbudsiPhysical microphones used by ANC across the pair. A shared call and ANC microphone counts once. Case microphones and vibration sensors are excluded.

Not available

Not available

Adaptive ANCiANC strength or calibration adjusts automatically to noise, fit or ear acoustics. The source note states the adjustment conditions.

Not available

Not available

ANC levelsiNumber of selectable ANC strength levels. Excludes ANC off, transparency and activity profiles unless they explicitly set distinct strength levels.

Not available

Not available

ANC attenuation (claimed)iManufacturer maximum claimed noise attenuation. Frequency and measurement conditions belong in the source note. This is not reviewer-measured overall attenuation.

Not available

Not available

Transparency mode

No17Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-3rd-generation-review-61295Read 7 October 2026Noise-control discussion explicitly says no Transparency mode. Natural ambient audibility from unsealed fit is separate.

No21Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/switch-between-listening-modes-dev9812f5cc3/webRead 7 October 2026Current guide lists AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods 5, Pro and Max for listening modes. Standard AirPods 4 is excluded. SoundGuys standard review explicitly lists No ANC/Transparency. Passive open-ear construction is not electronic transparency.

Adjustable transparency

Not available

Not available

Automatic ANC and transparency blendiAutomatically blends active cancellation with ambient sound. Automatic activity-based switching between separate modes alone does not qualify.

No17Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-3rd-generation-review-61295Read 7 October 2026Review identifies Adaptive Audio among newer features absent on AirPods 3. Adaptive EQ is separate from ANC/transparency blend.

No21Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/switch-between-listening-modes-dev9812f5cc3/webRead 7 October 2026Current maker eligibility list names AirPods 4 (ANC) for the ANC/transparency blend. Standard AirPods 4 has neither ANC nor the electronic transparency mode.

Conversation detection

No17Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-3rd-generation-review-61295Read 7 October 2026Review identifies Conversation Awareness among newer features absent on AirPods 3.

No22Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/adjust-listening-mode-settings-dev6d977ff21/webRead 7 October 2026Current note explicitly says Conversation Awareness is only available on AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5, Pro 2, Pro 3 and Max 2. Standard AirPods 4 is excluded. Personalized Volume is a separate feature and is not conversation detection.

Wind noise reductioniA documented physical design or processing feature for reducing wind noise. The source note distinguishes mesh or shape changes from selectable processing.

Yes2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpodsRead 5 October 2026Breakthrough Audio Features. Acoustic mesh covers the microphone to reduce wind sound during calls.

Not available

Measured

6 of 23 differ

Frequency response notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

B&K 5128 retest shows weak sub-bass below 50 Hz and upper-mid/lower-treble emphasis relative to SoundGuys Consumer Curve v2.0. Unsealed fit strongly affects the result.17Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-3rd-generation-review-61295Read 7 October 2026Independently viewed 2021-model retest figure explicitly names B&K 5128 and SoundGuys Consumer Curve v2.0. Reviewer text names sub-bass roll-off below 50 Hz. Plot shows upper-mid/lower-treble emphasis relative to target, rather than all high frequencies elevated. Unsealed fit affects the result. Codec, firmware, playback level and spatial settings are not specified.

Not available

Bass amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the bass range. Positive means more bass. Target, test method and settings belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Treble amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the treble range. Positive means more treble. Values from different targets may not be directly comparable.

Not available

Not available

Deviation from target (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Consistency between fittings (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Harmonic distortion (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Sound leakage (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation, best (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Passive isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Call quality notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Windows Audacity recording had weak voice quality and poor noise reduction. iPhone Voice Memos was clearer. Phone-call comparison found iPhone slightly clearer than Samsung, with network signal a possible confounder.28Measurementheadphonesaddict.com/apple-airpods-3-reviewRead 7 October 2026Own microphone recordings compare Windows laptop/Audacity and iPhone/Voice Memos, plus Samsung/iPhone calls. Phone models, OS builds, codec and firmware unknown. Subjective assessment of actual recorded tests, not numerical mic extension or standardized speech-to-noise result.

iPhone Voice Memos recordings reject background noise but sometimes also cut out the voice.30Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-review-124236Read 7 October 2026Standard non-ANC sample. Review recordings use an iPhone Voice Memos app and ideal, office, street, windy and reverberant scenes. Text states background rejection is fairly good but occasionally the algorithm cuts the voice. iPhone model, codec and firmware are not specified. This is the tested host-side Voice Isolation path, not universal Android behavior.

Mic low-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic high-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic speech-to-noise ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Bluetooth latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

2.4 GHz latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency in game mode (measured)iThe best case the buds can reach. Measured by a reviewer

Not available

Not available

Battery life (measured)iReviewer-tested operation from one full charge of the earbuds. Excludes case recharges. ANC, codec, connection, volume and tested edition belong in the row or source note.

AApple AirPods 3

ANC	Hours (h)
No	6.35
No	6.8
No	6.23

Source8Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-3rd-generation-review-61295Read 7 October 2026Original MagSafe-case model review. Battery section reports 6 h 21 min continuous playback, table identifies 75 dB SPL. Test codec and firmware not specified.27Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-3rd-generation-truly-wirelessRead 7 October 2026Existing SoundGuys 6.35 h retained. Second row 6.8 h is public Office Work verdict continuous playback, original MagSafe model. RTINGS battery procedure uses looping track at calibrated 85 dB SPL and recordings to determine battery exhaustion. Exact source host/codec, firmware and spatial setting are not publicly stated. Third row belongs to separate HeadphonesAddict test and is documented by its source entry.28Measurementheadphonesaddict.com/apple-airpods-3-reviewRead 7 October 2026Third row is own Battery test 6 h 14 min at 50 percent host volume, original MagSafe case. Linked site method charges to full, plays music until depletion at normal room temperature. Test host, codec, firmware and spatial setting unknown. First/second rows belong to SoundGuys/RTINGS, preserved with their source notes.30Measurementrtings.com/headphones/tests/active-features/battery-lifeRead 7 October 2026Method for RTINGS second row: calibrated 85 dB SPL, 250-2000 Hz pink-noise calibration, looped playback track, time-lapse video and binaural recording until depletion. Continuous life excludes case recharges. Review public verdict supplies the actual 6.8 h value. Codec, exact host/firmware and spatial setting remain unknown.31Measurementheadphonesaddict.com/how-we-testRead 7 October 2026Procedure for third row: charge to 100 percent, play music at 50 percent volume until depletion, record start/end to the minute, normal room temperature around 20 C. Exact review gives 6 h 14 min. Test host, codec, firmware and spatial setting remain unknown.

BApple AirPods 4

ANC	Hours (h)
No	6.35

Source12Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-review-124236Read 5 October 2026Review explicitly tests standard non-ANC retail unit. Battery section reports 6 h 21 min continuous playback. Codec and firmware are not specified for the test, so they are omitted.

Longest tested use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only duration among stored reviewer tests. Modes and settings may differ between tests and products.

6.8h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

6.35h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

Battery life with case (measured)iReviewer-tested total including earbuds and case recharges. Do not calculate this by multiplying one-charge runtime by claimed recharge count.

Not available

Not available

Full charge time (measured)iBuds in the case, 0 to 100 %. Measured by a reviewer

50min8Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-3rd-generation-review-61295Read 7 October 2026Charging plot and text: about 50 minutes to full for earbuds in case. This is a review measurement and does not populate claimed charge time.

Not available

Weight per bud (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

4.4g(0.2 oz)20Measurement52audio.com/archives/214334.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact standard edition teardown states measured single-earbud mass approximately 4.4 g. Digital scale photograph and one-bud scope. No ear tips are installed. Claimed 4.3 g is preserved separately. Firmware is irrelevant to mass.

Microphones and calls

2 of 7 differ

Voice microphones in both earbudsiPhysical call and beamforming microphones across the pair. Excludes case microphones and vibration sensors. Shared ANC microphones can also count here when used for calls.

415Reviewcnbeta.com.tw/articles/tech/1196103.htmRead 7 October 2026Each earbud has two physical call microphones: rear microphone samples external noise for calls and stem microphone captures voice. Four across pair. Inward Adaptive EQ microphone and speech accelerometer excluded.

Not available

All microphones in both earbudsiEvery physical microphone across the pair, including call and ANC microphones. Shared microphones count once. Excludes the charging case and voice vibration sensors.

615Reviewcnbeta.com.tw/articles/tech/1196103.htmRead 7 October 2026Teardown summary explicitly identifies three MEMS microphones per earbud, including inward Adaptive EQ microphone. Six across pair. Case and vibration sensors excluded.

619Review52audio.com/archives/214334.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact standard A3054/A3058 teardown. One earbud disassembly identifies two S340 MEMS microphones and one inward S342 MEMS microphone. Summary states three MEMS microphones in an earbud. Pair total is 3+3=6 physical capsules. Call roles are separately described and are not inferred from total count.

Bone conduction voice sensoriA dedicated bone or jaw conduction sensor for detecting speech vibrations. A microphone or speech-detecting accelerometer alone does not prove this architecture.

Not available

Not available

Mic noise reduction

Not available

AI12Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-review-124236Read 5 October 2026Call section says the microphone signal is sent to the iPhone for AI processing. This does not promise equivalent filtering on Android.

Call audio bandwidthiHighest supported call-audio bandwidth. Compatible phone, operating system, call app or network requirements belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Mic mute controliAn earbud control that mutes the microphone during calls. Includes touch or pressure gestures and physical buttons. Phone/app-only controls do not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

SidetoneiHear your own voice in calls

Not available

Not available

Connectivity

4 of 18 differ

Chip

H11Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

H21Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Connections

Bluetooth1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

Bluetooth1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Bluetooth

5.01Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

5.31Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Bluetooth codecs

AAC, SBC8Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-3rd-generation-review-61295Read 7 October 2026

SBC, AAC23Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/earbuds/airpods-4-vs-beats-solo-buds-which-is-apples-best-budget-budsRead 7 October 2026Article explicitly profiles the non-ANC version. Connectivity comparison table states Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC. Standard SoundGuys review independently confirms actual AAC operation. Proprietary Vision Pro lossless protocol is not a Bluetooth codec.

Bluetooth profiles

Not available

Not available

LE Audio

Not available

Not available

Auracast

Not available

Not available

MultipointiConcurrent Bluetooth connections to multiple source devices. Pairing memory and switching through a manufacturer account alone do not qualify.

No17Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-3rd-generation-review-61295Read 7 October 2026FAQ explicitly states AirPods do not support Bluetooth multipoint. Apple account switching is separate and retained in its own field. HeadphonesAddict calls switching multipoint, but its described behavior is sequential account switching, not concurrent connections.

Not available

Multipoint devicesiMaximum source devices concurrently connected by Bluetooth, not the number remembered in pairing history.

Not available

Not available

Multipoint with LDACiMany buds turn multipoint off on LDAC

Not available

Not available

Paired devices rememberediMaximum remembered Bluetooth source pairings. This is separate from simultaneous multipoint connections.

Not available

Not available

Automatic switching between own devicesiThrough the maker's account

Yes9Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev228ba3df8/webRead 5 October 2026Opening section explicitly describes switching between Apple devices signed into the same account. Linked supported-model list includes these models. This differs from simultaneous Bluetooth multipoint.

Yes13Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev228ba3df8/webRead 5 October 2026Opening section explicitly describes switching between Apple devices signed into the same account. Linked supported-model list includes these models. This differs from simultaneous Bluetooth multipoint.

Fast pairing

Apple one-tap setup2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpodsRead 5 October 2026

Apple one-tap setup25Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-with-an-apple-device-dev7c85810f2/webRead 7 October 2026Maker setup instructions open the case next to iPhone/iPad until the setup animation, then follow the screen. Standard SoundGuys review calls this iOS pairing feature. Apple account pairing only, not Google Fast Pair or Microsoft Swift Pair.

Audio sharingiShare one stream with a second pair

Yes2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpodsRead 5 October 2026

Yes24Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/share-audio-on-iphone-or-ipad-dev3786f35c8/webRead 7 October 2026Official guide describes sharing one source with a second pair and links the supported headphones list, which explicitly includes AirPods (all models). Requires supported iPhone/iPad and a compatible second pair.

Wireless range (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Wireless receiveri2.4 GHz dongle

Not available

Not available

Receiver connector

Not available

Not available

Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audioiBoth connection types can play audio together. Quick switching between independent modes does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Latency

None of 3 known

Low latency mode

Not available

Not available

Claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Lowest claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Compatibility

3 of 4 differ

PlatformsiPlatforms with documented audio support. App availability and advanced features can be more limited. Edition-specific support is listed in variants.

iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, Other1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 202610Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev499c9718b/webRead 7 October 2026Android setup explicitly covers AirPods 3, AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2. Audio and calls supported, Siri unavailable on non-Apple devices.28Measurementheadphonesaddict.com/apple-airpods-3-reviewRead 7 October 2026Own Bluetooth microphone recordings and phone calls prove Windows, iOS and Android. Existing macOS and other Apple OS support comes from maker technical requirements source. other covers iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS, not all platforms.

iOS, macOS, Android1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 202614Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev499c9718b/webRead 5 October 2026Android setup explicitly covers AirPods 3, AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2. Audio and calls supported, Siri unavailable on non-Apple devices.

Connection per platformiDocumented audio connection for each platform. USB-C phone routes require a compatible port. Platform edition and microphone restrictions belong in source notes or feature requirements.

AApple AirPods 3

Platform	Connection	Microphone works
iOS	Bluetooth	Yes
Android	Bluetooth	Yes
Windows	Bluetooth	Yes
macOS	Bluetooth	Not available
Other	Bluetooth	Not available

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026System Requirements explicitly names Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Bluetooth is the published audio connection. other row covers iPadOS/watchOS/tvOS and does not make a universal microphone claim.28Measurementheadphonesaddict.com/apple-airpods-3-reviewRead 7 October 2026Actual Bluetooth recordings/calls establish microphone use on iOS, Android and Windows. macOS and other Apple OS Bluetooth audio support come from maker technical requirements, with microphone cell absent where not separately proved.

BApple AirPods 4

Platform	Connection	Microphone works
iOS	Bluetooth	Yes
macOS	Bluetooth	Yes

Source25Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-with-an-apple-device-dev7c85810f2/webRead 7 October 2026Guide opening explicitly supports listening and phone/FaceTime calls. Model-specific AirPods 4 pairing instructions use Bluetooth on iPhone and Mac. iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS lack distinct schema platform options and are reported rather than merged into an ambiguous Other row.

Features that need a specific deviceiDevice, operating system, firmware, codec, content, account or region requirements for a named feature.

AApple AirPods 3

Feature	Needs
Personalized Spatial Audio profile	Set up on an iPhone with TrueDepth camera and iOS 16 or later. Playback needs compatible hardware, software, content and the same Apple Account. Mac playback requires Apple silicon.

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 202629Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102596Read 7 October 2026Same explicit setup and compatible-device requirements for the ear/head spatial profile. This is not an unqualified promise for every iPhone released after iPhone X.

BApple AirPods 4

Feature	Needs
Personalized Spatial Audio profile	iPhone with TrueDepth camera. Compatible content, hardware and software.
Custom three-band EQ	Compatible iPhone or iPad with iOS 27 or iPadOS 27, or Mac with macOS 27. Current AirPods firmware.
Audio Sharing	Supported iPhone or iPad and a compatible second pair of AirPods or Beats.
Headphone Accommodations presets and preference-based setup	Compatible Apple host software. These are host accessibility audio settings.
Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency	Apple Vision Pro and current supported software. Uses a proprietary wireless audio protocol. Availability varies by region.

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 20268Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/te819024i19r/webRead 5 October 202632Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-with-an-apple-device-dev7c85810f2/webRead 7 October 2026Existing requirements retained. Current maker guide explicitly includes AirPods 4 for Vision Pro Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency using a proprietary wireless protocol. No unreported sample rate, bit depth or latency number is added. Other appended requirements follow the directly cited sharing and accommodations guides.

Official licence

Not available

Not available

Battery and charging

4 of 13 differ

Battery per budiBattery cell capacity of one earbud. The source note states typical or rated capacity. Charging input current is not capacity.

Not available

Not available

User-replaceable earbud batteryiThe maker documents normal battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime under the stated mode, codec and spatial processing state. Name the spatial or immersive processing mode and other conditions in source notes. Omit unspecified settings. with_case false means one charge of the earbuds. true means earbuds plus case recharges.

AApple AirPods 3

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC off	No	6
ANC off	Yes	30
Call	No	4
Call	Yes	20

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026Battery. Six hours without Personalized Spatial Audio and 30 hours including case. Five hours with Spatial Audio is not stored as an indistinguishable row.26Maker spec sheet (PDF)media.distrelec.com/Web/Downloads/_t/ds/AirPods-3rd_eng_tds.pdfRead 7 October 2026Apple technical sheet pages 2-3 states up to four hours talk per charge and up to twenty hours talk including case. Existing maker listening rows retained. MagSafe and later Lightning cases have same stated talk runtimes. Five-hour Spatial Audio listening claim is not duplicated as an indistinguishable anc_off row.

BApple AirPods 4

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC off	No	5
ANC off	Yes	30
Call	No	4.5
Call	Yes	20

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026Battery and footnotes 10 and 11. AAC playlist, 50% volume, Spatial Audio off, iPhone 16 Pro Max. Five hours earbuds only and 30 hours including case.31Maker product pageapple.com/bh/airpods-4/specsRead 7 October 2026Standard AirPods 4 section gives up to 4.5 h talk per earbud charge and up to 20 h including USB-C case. July/August 2024 preproduction standard A4 with preproduction iPhone 16 Pro Max, prerelease software, 50% volume, Spatial Audio off, cellular phone call until first bud stops. Case-inclusive test repeats charge cycles until both case and earbuds empty. Call codec not specified. Existing music rows retained. ANC edition rows excluded.

Longest claimed use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only runtime among all stored modes. This can be ANC off, Hearing Aid, heart-rate or call use. Read the battery table and source conditions.

6h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC enabled. Codec and spatial-audio conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Playback per charge without ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC disabled. Codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

6h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case (claimed)iHighest claimed runtime including the initial earbud charge and all case recharges. It is not the case recharge runtime alone.

30h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

30h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case and ANC (claimed)iClaimed total playback with ANC, including the initial earbud charge and case recharges.

Not available

Not available

Talk time (claimed)

4h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

4.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Full charge time, budsiTime to charge discharged earbuds to full in the case. Excludes charging the case itself or a combined buds-and-case result.

Not available

Not available

Charging guidanceiPublished charging guidance or estimates that do not separate earbuds and case. Preserve the maker’s component scope and limits. Do not assign an unspecified or combined estimate to a component-specific numeric field.

Not available

Not available

Quick charge timeiCharge duration corresponding to quick_charge_playback_h. Source note states earbuds-only or case-inclusive charging and playback settings.

5min1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

5min1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Earbud playback after quick chargeiEarbuds-only runtime after quick_charge_min of charging. A claimed case-inclusive total does not qualify. ANC, codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

1h1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026Battery. Approximately one hour of earbud playback after five minutes in the case. Claimed runtime, not a reviewer measurement.

1h1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026Battery. Approximately one hour of earbud playback after five minutes in the case. Spatial Audio off in footnote 12.

Charging case

4 of 10 differ

Case batteryiCharging-case battery cell capacity. The source note distinguishes typical, rated and output capacity. USB output capacity alone does not qualify.

345mAh16Reviewchargerlab.com/teardown-of-airpods-3-charging-caseRead 7 October 2026Original MagSafe A2566 teardown identifies A2516 cell with printed rated 345 mAh, 1.327 Wh and 3.85 V. Rated cell capacity, not USB output capacity.

345mAh11Press articlemacrumors.com/2024/10/02/airpods-4-teardown-ifixitRead 5 October 2026Exact non-ANC teardown paragraph reports 345 mAh case cell. Not an earbud capacity.19Review52audio.com/archives/214334.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact A3058 case and PWGL4 battery label: rated 345 mAh, nominal 3.852 V, rated energy 1.329 Wh. Existing value is unchanged and now has directly identified label evidence. Earbud A3087 cell is 32.1 mAh and is not rounded into the integer field.

User-replaceable case batteryiThe maker documents normal case battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Case charging port

Lightning1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

USB-C1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Case full charge timeiBy cable, 0 to 100 %. A time the maker gives with the earbuds inside the case counts, and the source note says so.

Not available

Not available

Wireless charging

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

No10Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_4Read 5 October 2026

Wireless standardsiDocumented case charging standards or supported chargers. Magnetic alignment alone does not establish Qi2 certification.

MagSafe, Qi1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

Not available

Wireless charging poweriHighest wireless charging input the maker states for the case. The output of a charging pad does not count.

Not available

Not available

Speaker in caseiAn audio speaker physically in the charging case, for locating or status sounds. A microphone in the case is separate.

Not available

No10Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_4Read 5 October 2026

Screen on case

Not available

Not available

Case works as audio transmitteriCase relays external source audio through USB or an analog audio input. A case microphone for recording or calls does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Controls

2 of 5 differ

ControlsiPressure is a force sensor that does not move, such as a stem you squeeze. Button is a key that moves when pressed.

Pressure, Voice commands6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/devb2c431317/webRead 5 October 2026Model-specific controls section. Force sensor on stem. Pro 2 adds volume swipe. AirPods 4 and Pro 2 support head gestures with Announce Calls and Announce Notifications enabled.

Pressure, Head gestures, Voice commands6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/devb2c431317/webRead 5 October 2026Model-specific controls section. Force sensor on stem. Pro 2 adds volume swipe. AirPods 4 and Pro 2 support head gestures with Announce Calls and Announce Notifications enabled.

Earbud volume controliHow earbud controls adjust volume, including a voice command if supported. Phone or app controls alone do not qualify.

Voice6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/devb2c431317/webRead 5 October 202611Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102628Read 5 October 2026Control audio with AirPods Pro 1, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 (both models), or AirPods 5. Explicit Siri volume commands. Requires compatible Apple device and Siri availability.

Voice6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/devb2c431317/webRead 5 October 202615Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102628Read 5 October 2026Control audio with AirPods Pro 1, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 (both models), or AirPods 5. Explicit Siri volume commands. Requires compatible Apple device and Siri availability.

Gestures

Single press, Double press, Triple press, Press and hold6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/devb2c431317/webRead 5 October 2026

Single press, Double press, Triple press, Press and hold, Nod or shake head6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/devb2c431317/webRead 5 October 2026

Remappable controls

Yes7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Change press-and-hold and mute/end call actions.

Yes7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Change press-and-hold and mute/end call actions.

Voice assistant

Siri1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

Siri1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Sensors and health

4 of 9 differ

In-ear detection

Yes7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Turn automatic ear detection on or off. Playback stops on removal and resumes on insertion.

Yes7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Turn automatic ear detection on or off. Playback stops on removal and resumes on insertion.

Sensors

Skin-detect sensor, Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer, Force sensor1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

Optical in-ear sensor, Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer, Force sensor1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Heart rate sensor

Not available

Not available

Skin temperature sensingiA documented skin temperature sensor. This is separate from the operating temperature range or a heart-rate sensor.

Not available

Not available

Hearing aid featureiAmplification for mild to moderate hearing loss

No21Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-nz/guide/airpods/devd9aac5b42/27/web/27Read 7 October 2026Clinical Hearing Aid eligibility names AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3. AirPods 3 is excluded. Ordinary Live Listen is a separate accessibility route.

Not available

Medical clearances

Not available

Not available

Hearing testiA documented hearing assessment feature, including consumer sound-personalization tests. Medical diagnostic clearance must be stated separately.

Not available

Not available

Hearing protectioniLimits sudden loud sounds

No21Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-nz/guide/airpods/devd9aac5b42/27/web/27Read 7 October 2026Active Hearing Protection eligibility names AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3. AirPods 3 is excluded. Host headphone-level monitoring is not sudden environmental sound reduction.

Not available

Health features

Live Listen, Headphone Accommodations20Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026Accessibility list explicitly names Live Listen and Headphone Accommodations. These require compatible Apple host settings and do not establish clinical Hearing Aid or medical clearance.

Not available

Fit and durability

3 of 7 differ

Ear tips includediTip sizes supplied with the product, including the pair fitted to the earbuds. Do not list separately sold sizes as included.

Not available

Not available

Ear tip materials

Not available

Not available

StabilisersiPhysical stabilizing fittings or structures. Stability bands are separate from fins, wings and ear hooks.

Not available

None29Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-review-124236Read 7 October 2026Exact standard review explicitly says these do not include swappable tips, fins or ear hooks to adapt fit. No physical stabilizing fittings, not a statement about electronic fit compensation.

Ear tip fit test

Not available

Not available

Dust and water rating, buds

IPX41Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026Resistance section. For non-water sports and exercise. Resistance is not permanent.

IP541Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026Resistance section. For non-water sports and exercise. Resistance is not permanent.

Dust and water rating, case

IPX41Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026Resistance section explicitly covers the charging case as well as earbuds.

IP541Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026Resistance section explicitly covers the charging case as well as earbuds.

Water resistance depth

Not available

Not available

Software

1 of 6 differ

Companion app

Not available

Not available

App platforms

Not available

Not available

User firmware updates

Yes22Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/106340Read 7 October 2026Firmware table includes AirPods 3 (6F21 on access date). Automatic updates require charging, Bluetooth range of Wi-Fi-connected iPhone, iPad or Mac. Apple service can assist without an Apple device. No Windows updater is implied.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Finding network

Apple Find My13Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2021/10/introducing-the-next-generation-of-airpodsRead 7 October 2026Find My with network of Apple devices, proximity view, Lost Mode and separation alerts. Requires compatible Apple device and Find My enabled. This is a crowdsourced network, not only last connected location.

Last location in the app26Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/find-your-airpods-dev8e8b93d71/webRead 7 October 2026Guide states models without Find My network show the last time/place connected. The exhaustive network eligibility list includes AirPods 4 with ANC, excluding standard 4. Standard supports app location and play sound, without crowd finding or case finding.

Precision findingiUWB in the case

No23Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev4a13375fb/webRead 7 October 2026UWB information explicitly restricts hardware availability to MagSafe charging cases for Pro 2 and Pro 3. Original AirPods 3 A2566 case is excluded. Bluetooth proximity view is not UWB Precision Finding.

No26Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/find-your-airpods-dev8e8b93d71/webRead 7 October 2026Current Find My guide names Pro 2 and Pro 3 charging cases for precise UWB-based finding. Standard AirPods 4 has only the basic app location/play-sound functions, confirmed by maker feature matrix.

Live translation

No24Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-ie/123185Read 7 October 2026Complete supported AirPods list includes AirPods 4 ANC, AirPods 5, Pro 2/3 and Max 2, excluding AirPods 3. Compatible iPhone, Apple Intelligence and firmware requirements do not change this model exclusion.

No27Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/translate-in-person-conversations-dev9c215ca94/webRead 7 October 2026Current supported models are AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5, Pro 2/3 and Max 2. Standard AirPods 4 is not supported. Playing general phone-translated audio is not this integrated AirPods feature.

Dimensions and weight

4 of 4 differ

Weight per budiMass of one earbud. Tip size and approximate values belong in the source note. Do not store pair or case-inclusive mass.

4.28g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

4.3g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Bud dimensionsiDimensions of one earbud on the explicitly identified width, height and depth axes. An unlabeled tuple cannot establish those axes.

Width18.26Height30.79Depth19.21mm(0.7 × 1.2 × 0.8 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026Size and Weight. Dimensions of one earbud in published metric units.

Width18.3Height30.2Depth18.1mm(0.7 × 1.2 × 0.7 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026Size and Weight. Dimensions of one earbud in published metric units.

Case weightiCharging case mass excluding earbuds. Case-inclusive product mass does not qualify unless the source explicitly gives the empty-case figure.

37.91g(1.3 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026Size and Weight. Maker charging-case weight, not combined case and earbuds weight.

32.3g(1.1 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026Size and Weight. Maker charging-case weight, not combined case and earbuds weight.

Case dimensionsiCharging-case width, height and depth on explicitly identified source axes. Report conflicting axis labels rather than reorder a tuple by appearance.

Width54.4Height46.4Depth21.38mm(2.1 × 1.8 × 0.8 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

Width50.1Height46.2Depth21.2mm(2 × 1.8 × 0.8 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Certifications

1 of 3 differ

Hi-Res AudioiThe Japan Audio Society logos. Hi-Res Audio Wireless is also written Hi-Res Wireless Audio.

Not available

Not available

Communication certifications

Not available

Not available

FCC IDs

BCG-A2564, BCG-A256525Owner's manualmedia.tatacroma.com/Croma%20Assets/Entertainment/Headphones%20and%20Earphones/User%20Manual/262016_User%20Manual.pdfRead 7 October 2026Apple 2021 leaflet AM034-04787-A identifies A2564, A2565 and A2566. Regulatory US table gives FCC IDs BCG-A2564 and BCG-A2565. No case FCC ID inferred.

Not available

Other certifications

Directive 2014/53/EU, UK Radio Equipment Regulations 2017, CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)25Owner's manualmedia.tatacroma.com/Croma%20Assets/Entertainment/Headphones%20and%20Earphones/User%20Manual/262016_User%20Manual.pdfRead 7 October 2026Same original-product leaflet contains EU and UK conformity declarations and Canada compliance statement. These are named radio/conformity declarations, not medical or acoustic certifications.

Not available

In the box

2 of 2 differ

In the box

AirPods 3, MagSafe Charging Case, Lightning to USB-C Cable, Documentation1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026Reference configuration is the original 2021 MagSafe case. Later Lightning-only case is not represented.

AirPods 4, Charging Case (USB-C), Documentation1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026USB-C charging cable is sold separately.

Cables included

AApple AirPods 3

Type	Count
Lightning to USB-C	1

Source20Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026In the Box lists one Lightning to USB-C Cable for original MagSafe case. Length is not specified.

BApple AirPods 4

Not available

Links

Not compared

Product page

support.apple.com/en-us/1118631Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

support.apple.com/en-us/1212031Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Spec sheet

support.apple.com/en-us/1118631Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111863Read 7 October 2026

support.apple.com/en-us/1212031Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

Manual

support.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/web5Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/webRead 5 October 2026

support.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/web5Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/webRead 5 October 2026

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

0 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/airpods/repairRead 7 October 2026Apple Limited Warranty section on US AirPods service page covers Apple-branded device and accessories for one year from purchase. US market. Excludes statutory rights and optional AppleCare.

1year18Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/accessory-warranty-english.htmlRead 7 October 2026Apple accessory warranty covers Apple-branded hardware for ONE (1) YEAR from original retail purchase. Retained MXP63LL/A is US hardware, with one-year parts/labor corroboration from Abt. Statutory consumer rights and AppleCare are separate.

Both are also in the API. Back to all earbuds.