Earbuds / Compare

Apple AirPods 3 vs Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

A

Product A: Apple

AirPods 3

82 of 166 known

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B

Product B: Apple

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

86 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 with Active Noise Cancellation

General

3 of 8 differ

Series

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

AirPods4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 30 September 2026Identify your AirPods exact model subsection. Family name normalized from AirPods / AirPods Pro generation title.

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.

A3055, A3056, A3057, A30594Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 30 September 2026Identify your AirPods: AirPods 4 (ANC) A3056, A3055, A3057. Wireless Charging Case for AirPods 4 (ANC) A3059

GTIN / EAN

Not available

019594968967329Retailer pagefuture-x.de/Apple-AirPods-4-with-Active-Noise-Cancellation-True-Wireless-Kopfhoerer-mit-Mikrofon/999885569Read 7 October 2026Exact new EU MXP93ZM/A ANC package retailer product header GTIN 0195949689673. Cross-checked equivalent UPC 195949689673 on another new-package retailer. Refurbished/repacked 195949689284, other regional LL/A/D package identifiers and invalid shifted code 1959496896736 are not merged. Maker exact page has no GTIN. One proved EU package code, not asserted worldwide complete list.

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 30 September 2026Dated maker launch release header and introductory announcement of exact generation.

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.

Not available

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.

Not available

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.

$1792Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 30 September 2026$179 (U.S.)

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.

€1993Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 30 September 2026German price, 199 Euro inkl. MwSt.

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.

US, DE, CN30Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 7 October 2026Exact launch pricing and availability explicitly U.S. orders with USD 179 ANC edition.31Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 7 October 2026Exact Germany maker launch price EUR 199 incl VAT, exact ANC edition.32Review52audio.com/archives/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact China-market retail A3057/A3059 ANC package label identifies Apple authorized China distributor. No cross-model features borrowed.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Not available

White20Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-AirPods-4-ANC-review-Compact-design-colossal-sound.952120.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC review case paragraph explicitly only available in white. Apple product renders match but were not sole color-name evidence.

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-ear6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Unsealed earbuds

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

Stem6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Control design paragraph explicitly calls the control-bearing earbud extension a stem.

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 bud10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/play-audio-on-your-airpods-dev216d7c746/webRead 30 September 2026Play audio: wearing one AirPod plays and pauses audio through that earbud. Applies to AirPods 3/4/5 and Pro.

RGB lighting

Not available

Not available

Drivers and sound

2 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 with Active Noise Cancellation

Type	Count per earbud
Dynamic	1

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026One "custom high-excursion Apple driver" per bud. Role and type are not stated on this page. The type comes from the TechRadar spec table.18Reviewtechradar.com/audio/headphones/earbuds-airpods/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC edition review explicitly high-excursion dynamic driver. Existing one-per-bud count retained. No full-range role, size or diaphragm material guessed.

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.

Dynamic17Reviewtechradar.com/audio/headphones/earbuds-airpods/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC spec table explicitly High-excursion dynamic driver. Maker high-excursion alone is not technology proof. No diaphragm material, diameter or impedance inferred.

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Adaptive EQ.

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.

Yes14Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev00eb7e0a3/webRead 7 October 2026Exact supported AirPods 4 family Personalized Spatial Audio uses iPhone X or later camera representation of individual ear and head shape, profile syncs across Apple Account devices. Existing tech specification TrueDepth camera requirement preserved. This is ear/head scan personalization, not an assumed hearing test or simple preference EQ.

Onboard EQ

Not available

Yes8Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 30 September 2026Customize EQ note: settings are stored on the AirPods and carry over to other paired devices.

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/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 30 September 2026Customize EQ: Low, Mid and High controls. Supported-models appendix explicitly includes this model. Current feature, requires compatible Apple software and firmware.9Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-nz/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 30 September 2026Custom EQ supported models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 both editions, AirPods Pro 2/3 and AirPods Max 2.

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

Not available

Not available

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology explicitly lists Personalized Spatial Audio and Conversation Awareness.

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.

Noise cancelling

6 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.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Active Noise Cancellation.

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

Not available

Hybrid6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"the hybrid ANC unit"

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

Yes23Reviewscarbir.com/tws/apple-airpods-4-anc-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC model noise section explicitly continuously scans surroundings and standard ANC adjusts directly to new noise. Reviewer observes response after about one second to traffic/train/chatter. This supports ANC adjustment, independent of Adaptive Audio blended mode. Apple manual separately proves adaptive noise-control mode. Firmware unstated.

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.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names 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.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Adaptive Audio.

Conversation detection

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

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology explicitly lists Personalized Spatial Audio and Conversation Awareness.

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.

Yes23Reviewscarbir.com/tws/apple-airpods-4-anc-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC noise section explicitly detects wind and adjusts/filters it, in ANC and transparency. Separate phone-call paragraph reports wind suppression in microphone path. No attenuation dB or dedicated toggle inferred.

Measured

9 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.

Warm sound signature. Bass slightly underemphasized, treble very underemphasized.5Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-truly-wirelessRead 30 September 2026Sound signature: Warm. Detailed results are members only and were not read

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

-2dB5Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-truly-wirelessRead 30 September 2026Public summary on test bench 2.3: Slightly Underemphasized (-2 dB)

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

-6dB5Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-truly-wirelessRead 30 September 2026Very Underemphasized (-6 dB)

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

0.061%20Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-AirPods-4-ANC-review-Compact-design-colossal-sound.952120.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC THD table 0.061%, not THD+N 0.73%. Method low-harmonic 1 kHz sine, artificial head with linear mic approximately 1 cm away, source RMS -2.4 dBFS. App/firmware, volume and ANC state for THD unspecified. Date 6 February 2025. No percent of frequency response used.

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.

Background noise is filtered by processing on the iPhone, so the microphones perform better with an iPhone than with other devices.6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Microphone test paragraph: iPhone processing filters background noise. Paired iPhone microphone demos underpin comparison.

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 with Active Noise Cancellation

ANC	Codec	Hours (h)
No	Not available	6.35
No	AAC	6.9

Source6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 20266 h 21 min on one charge, without noise canceling or transparency mode21Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-AirPods-4-ANC-review-Compact-design-colossal-sound.952120.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC model Spotify loop at 65 dB(A), AAC with ANC off, 6.9 h. Review explicitly says wear detection prevented ANC during fixture test despite generic chart heading incl ANC. Test endpoint full discharge implied runtime procedure, precise first/last-bud cutoff, firmware and host model unstated. Existing SoundGuys 6 h 21 min ANC-off test is separate at 75 dB SPL standardized peaks, not replaced.

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)

6.9h=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)19Review52audio.com/archives/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC edition A3057 earbud/A3059 case teardown. Written measurement caption explicitly approximately 4.4 g for one earbud, separate from whole set 43.0 g and case weight. Scale image inaccessible, scale model and calibration unknown. Direct reviewer weighing report, not package weight or maker 4.3 g claim.

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/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC earbud complete teardown and summary physically enumerate three MEMS in one bud: inward S341, outward noise G205, tail call S341. Two earbuds give six physical microphones across pair, consistent with maker dual beamforming and inward microphone inventory. Shared roles counted once. No role-specific call/ANC count inferred.

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

AI6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"rely on AI processing that takes place on your iPhone"

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Controls: press once to mute/unmute.

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Chip: H2 headphone chip.

Connections

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

Bluetooth1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology.

Bluetooth

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

5.31Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology.

Bluetooth codecs

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

AAC6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"Bluetooth 5.3 over AAC"

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.

Yes11Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/switch-airpods-between-apple-devices-dev228ba3df8/webRead 30 September 2026Automatic switching supported for AirPods 3/4/5 and Pro with compatible Apple devices signed into the same Apple Account.

Fast pairing

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

Apple one-tap setup16Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104989Read 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 both editions setup instructions open case near iPhone, setup animation, tap Connect. Compatible iPhone at least iOS 18, later feature requirements separate. This is Apple setup interaction, not Google Fast Pair or Bluetooth pairing memory.

Audio sharingiShare one stream with a second pair

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

Yes6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 202612Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/share-audio-on-iphone-or-ipad-dev3786f35c8/webRead 30 September 2026Share Audio instructions and Change the volume/listening mode paragraph explicitly cover AirPods 4 ANC, AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro. Both headphone sets pair to a supported iPhone/iPad.

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Apple lists iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Vision Pro, and says AirPods work as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Android pairing described in the review

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 with Active Noise Cancellation

Not available

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 with Active Noise Cancellation

Feature	Needs
Live Translation	Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 and later
Personalized Spatial Audio profile	iPhone with TrueDepth camera
Find My	iOS 26 or later
Lossless audio with Apple Vision Pro	Compatible Apple Vision Pro and software. The maker names AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Ultra-low latency is unavailable in Japan. Ordinary Bluetooth playback uses AAC.

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Exact technical requirements cover compatible Apple devices and firmware, TrueDepth camera for the Spatial Audio profile and Apple Intelligence iPhone with iOS 26 for Live Translation. The Vision Pro lossless route is supported separately by the current maker 118522 article.33Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118522Read 7 October 2026Independently read during verification. Apple names AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for lossless audio with Apple Vision Pro. Ultra-low latency is unavailable in Japan. This proves the route, without a device-wide maximum bit depth or sample rate.

Official licence

Not available

Not available

Battery and charging

6 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 with Active Noise Cancellation

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC on	No	4
ANC off	No	5
ANC on	Yes	20
ANC off	Yes	30

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Battery and footnotes 13-14: single charge 4 h ANC on /5 h off, total with case 20 h on /30 h off. iPhone 16 Pro Max, 50% volume, 256 kbps AAC playlist, spatial audio and Conversation Awareness off.

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

4h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

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

20h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Talk time (claimed)

4h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Not available

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC Battery section: five minutes in the case provides around one hour of listening under the published test conditions.

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/121204Read 30 September 2026"5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time"

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.

345mAh19Review52audio.com/archives/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact China retail A3057 earbud/A3059 ANC case package. Written case-lid and actual S2103 battery captions explicitly rated 345 mAh, 3.852 V, 1.329 Wh. Charging input/output current separate. Direct public article independently downloaded and read. No non-ANC case or guessed typical capacity.

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case works with USB-C.

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

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case works with Apple Watch charger and Qi-certified chargers.

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

Qi, Apple Watch charger1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case works with Apple Watch charger and Qi-certified chargers.

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

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case includes a speaker for Find My.

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

No22Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 7 October 2026Exact ANC model connection paragraph explicitly AirPods do not relay wired source audio through charging case, only wireless source playback. Case USB-C charging and Find My speaker do not establish audio transmission.

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 commands1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Force sensor on the stem, "Hey Siri", and Siri Interactions head nods

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.

Voice6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026No swipe volume. Volume through "Hey Siri"

Gestures

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

Press once, Press twice, Press three times, Press and hold, Nod or shake head (Siri Interactions)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Controls enumerates one/two/three press, press-and-hold and Siri nod/shake interactions.

Remappable controls

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

Yes15Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 supported in press-and-hold function reassignment and call end/mute Press Once/Press Twice switching, on compatible iPhone/iPad/Mac. Camera Control action can be Press Once or Press and Hold. Not arbitrary independent remapping of every gesture.

Voice assistant

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

Siri1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Controls: Siri voice commands.

Sensors and health

3 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.

Yes10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/play-audio-on-your-airpods-dev216d7c746/webRead 30 September 2026Pause audio: specifically AirPods 3/4/5/Pro remove one to pause, return it to resume. Automatic ear detection can be disabled.

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Sensors explicitly list optical in-ear, motion-detecting and speech-detecting accelerometers and force sensor.

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.

No6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Exact-model FAQ: No hearing-aid functionality.

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

None6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"No stabilizer fin"

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC dust, sweat and water resistance is IP54 under IEC 60529. Other AirPods generations are excluded.

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/121204Read 30 September 2026"Products including charging case ... have a rating of IP54 under IEC standard 60529"

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio and Live Translation footnotes explicitly require latest AirPods firmware.

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.

Apple Find My1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Find My functionality requires iOS 26 or later

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.

No24Reviewengadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-airpods-4-review-pro-features-for-everyone-120032046.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC case offers proximity view, without Precision Finding.28Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/find-your-airpods-dev8e8b93d71/webRead 7 October 2026Exact current maker guide distinguishes general nearby finding from precise case arrows/distance limited to Pro 2 and Pro 3. Notebookcheck exact ANC model independently says no UWB. Audible case speaker and proximity view are separate.

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.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Live Translation feature named under exact model. Device, language and region conditions are retained in feature requirements and notes.

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Size and Weight named per-bud grams and case height, width, depth rows.

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Size/Weight: each bud H30.2/W18.3/D18.1 mm, 4.3 g.

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.

34.7g(1.2 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Size/Weight: case H46.2/W50.1/D21.2 mm, 34.7 g.

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/121204Read 30 September 2026Size and Weight named per-bud grams and case height, width, depth rows.

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.

BCG-A3055, BCG-A3056, BCG-A305925Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCGA3055Read 7 October 2026Public FCC grant mirrors identify BCG-A3055 and BCG-A3056 wireless earbuds, BCG-A3059 wireless charging case, Apple Inc., 9 September 2024 grants. Exact Apple model identification maps these to ANC edition. China A3057 not automatically assigned same FCC code. Proprietary 5/6 GHz authorization is not standard Wi-Fi/Auracast capability. Confidential descriptions not read.26Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCGA3056Read 7 October 2026Public exact Apple grant table identifies BCG-A3056. This is the listed earbud/case authorization, not an invented combined identifier.27Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCGA3059Read 7 October 2026Public exact Apple grant table identifies BCG-A3059. This is the listed earbud/case authorization, not an invented combined identifier.

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 with Active Noise Cancellation, Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker, Documentation1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026USB-C charge cable 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 with Active Noise Cancellation

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/1212041Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Archived exact 2024 ANC edition technical specifications. Current generic AirPods page describes AirPods 5.

Spec sheet

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

support.apple.com/en-us/1212041Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Opened document title identifies exact generation. Stored URL resolves to this technical specification.

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/web7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/webRead 30 September 2026AirPods User Guide, shared current guide includes AirPods 4 ANC.

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.

1year13Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/airpods/repairRead 7 October 2026Apple US AirPods service warranty explicitly one year from purchase against manufacturing issues, separate from consumer-law rights and optional AppleCare coverage. Source market US, standard hardware warranty.

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