AirPods
Every AirPods generation with chip, connector and key features.
| AirPods | Chip | Connector | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 with ANC (2024) |
H2 | USB-C | Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency, IP54, MagSafe case with speaker |
| 4 (2024) |
H2 | USB-C | Redesigned open-ear fit, Personalised Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation, IP54 |
| 3rd gen (2021) |
H1 | Lightning | Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe case, IPX4, shorter stem |
| 2nd gen (2019) |
H1 | Lightning | “Hey Siri” hands-free, faster switching, optional wireless charging case |
| 1st gen (2016) |
W1 | Lightning | First truly wireless Apple earbuds, optical sensors, beam-forming mics |
AirPods 4 with ANC (2024)
ChipH2
ConnectorUSB-C
FeaturesANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency, IP54, MagSafe case
AirPods 4 (2024)
ChipH2
ConnectorUSB-C
FeaturesOpen-ear fit, Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation, IP54
AirPods 3rd gen (2021)
ChipH1
ConnectorLightning
FeaturesSpatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe case, IPX4
AirPods 2nd gen (2019)
ChipH1
ConnectorLightning
Features“Hey Siri”, faster switching, optional wireless case
AirPods 1st gen (2016)
ChipW1
ConnectorLightning
FeaturesFirst truly wireless Apple earbuds
| AirPods Pro | Chip | Connector | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd gen (2025) |
H2 | USB-C | 4x better ANC, heart rate sensor, hearing health, IP57, 8hr battery, Live Translation |
| 2nd gen (USB-C) (2023) |
H2 | USB-C | 2x better ANC, Adaptive Transparency, IP54, lossless audio support |
| 2nd gen (Lightning) (2022) |
H2 | Lightning | 2x better ANC, Adaptive Transparency, touch volume, U1 Precision Finding, IPX4 |
| 1st gen (2019) |
H1 | Lightning | First ANC AirPods, Transparency Mode, silicone ear tips, IPX4 |
AirPods Pro 3 (2025)
ChipH2
ConnectorUSB-C
Features4x ANC, heart rate sensor, IP57, 8hr battery, Live Translation
AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) (2023)
ChipH2
ConnectorUSB-C
Features2x ANC, Adaptive Transparency, IP54, lossless audio
AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning) (2022)
ChipH2
ConnectorLightning
Features2x ANC, Adaptive Transparency, touch volume, U1 Precision Finding
AirPods Pro 1st gen (2019)
ChipH1
ConnectorLightning
FeaturesFirst ANC AirPods, Transparency Mode, silicone tips
| AirPods Max | Chip | Connector | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max 2 (2026) |
H2 | USB-C | 1.5x better ANC, Live Translation, Lossless Audio via USB-C, Conversation Awareness, Personalised Spatial Audio, 20hr battery |
| USB-C (2024) |
H1 | USB-C | USB-C port, lossless audio via cable, new colours (Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Orange, Purple) |
| Lightning (2020) |
H1 | Lightning | Over-ear, ANC, Spatial Audio, Digital Crown, stainless steel headband, 20hr battery |
AirPods Max 2 (2026)
ChipH2
ConnectorUSB-C
Features1.5x ANC, Live Translation, Lossless Audio via USB-C, 20hr battery
AirPods Max (USB-C) (2024)
ChipH1
ConnectorUSB-C
FeaturesUSB-C, lossless audio, new colours
AirPods Max (Lightning) (2020)
ChipH1
ConnectorLightning
FeaturesOver-ear, ANC, Spatial Audio, Digital Crown, 20hr battery
Apple launch day prices for comparison. All prices in GBP (£) with USD ($) in brackets.
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| AirPods 4 with ANC (2024) | £179 ($179) |
| AirPods 4 (2024) | £129 ($129) |
| AirPods 3rd gen (2021) | £169 ($179) |
| AirPods 2nd gen — wireless case (2019) | £199 ($199) |
| AirPods 2nd gen (2019) | £159 ($159) |
| AirPods 1st gen (2016) | £159 ($159) |
AirPods
4 with ANC (2024)£179 ($179)
4 (2024)£129 ($129)
3rd gen (2021)£169 ($179)
2nd gen w/ wireless case (2019)£199 ($199)
2nd gen (2019)£159 ($159)
1st gen (2016)£159 ($159)
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Pro 3rd gen (2025) | £229 ($249) |
| Pro 2nd gen USB-C (2023) | £229 ($249) |
| Pro 2nd gen Lightning (2022) | £249 ($249) |
| Pro 1st gen (2019) | £249 ($249) |
AirPods Pro
Pro 3 (2025)£229 ($249)
Pro 2 USB-C (2023)£229 ($249)
Pro 2 Lightning (2022)£249 ($249)
Pro 1st gen (2019)£249 ($249)
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Max 2 (2026) | £499 ($549) |
| Max USB-C (2024) | £499 ($549) |
| Max Lightning (2020) | £549 ($549) |
AirPods Max
Max 2 (2026)£499 ($549)
Max USB-C (2024)£499 ($549)
Max Lightning (2020)£549 ($549)