AirPods generations and their differences

AirPods are some of the best models on the market in terms of ergonomics and comfort. They are so well designed that even Chinese copies sometimes outperform alternatives from other brands. Below we present all generations of Apple wireless headphones so that you can choose the best one for you.

The AirPods line includes nine models of headphones, most of which are still available in stores. The range is constantly updated, and with each generation the devices become smarter.

AirPods 1 (2017)

The first-generation AirPods revolutionized the wireless headphone market. They were powered by the W1 chip, which was tightly integrated into the Apple ecosystem and, therefore, provided a stable connection with Apple devices. As soon as you take the headphones out of the case, they immediately connect to a paired Apple smartphone or computer. And, when you put them in your ears, music automatically starts playing. These headphones work for up to 5 hours on a single charge, or a little longer when used with a fully charged case. The company's first wireless headphones had unusual features for that time: optical sensors and an accelerometer that detects when the user is wearing or taking off the headphones. Thanks to these features, the devices automatically recognize conversations or turn on noise cancellation only when necessary.

Processor: Apple W1

Bluetooth version: 4.2

Connector: Lightning

Battery life: 5 hours/24 hours

Features: quick access to Siri, automatic pairing

AirPods 2 (2019)

Two years later, the AirPods 2 generation appeared on the market, replacing the W1 with the H1 chip, which is more energy-efficient and faster. The new generation fixed the problems with the connection with the smartphone that periodically arose. Thanks to the H1, some gestures can now be replaced with voice control, for example, activating Siri by saying “Hey Siri”. Moreover, the outdated Bluetooth 4.2 was replaced by a more modern and energy-efficient Bluetooth 5.0. The new model had minor design changes. The only significant difference was the addition of an LED light on the front of the case. Previously, it was hidden under the lid. The case now comes in both a standard version and a wireless charging case. It still works with Lightning.

Processor: Apple H1

Bluetooth version: 5.0

Connector: Lightning

Battery life: 5 hours/24 hours

Features: quick access to Siri with your voice, faster processor

AirPods Pro (2019)

A few months after the release of the second-generation “basic” AirPods, the company released the “Pro” line of headphones. This was a significant breakthrough, if not in the headphone market, then undoubtedly in the manufacturer’s lineup. “Pro” headphones are radically different from regular headphones, both in appearance and functionality. AirPods Pro have a compact design with silicone tips. The case has also been redesigned, making it more compact. The headphones have received new features. For example, their main features are active noise cancellation and transparency mode. It is easy to control - just press the headphone firmly so that the sensor recognizes the gesture and switches modes.

The headphones are powered by the same H1 chip, but it’s more feature-rich. For example, Apple has combined the chip with an improved audio amplifier, which is needed to power the new drivers with increased amplitude. In addition, a pressure equalization system has been added, so the headphones are practically unnoticeable even after prolonged use.

Processor: Apple H1

Bluetooth version: 5.0

Connector: Lightning

Battery life: 5 hours/24 hours

Features: noise cancellation, transparency mode, pressure compensation system

AirPods Max (2020)

In early 2020, Apple introduced the premium AirPods Max headphones in the form of headphones. They meet all the company’s hallmarks: high-quality sound, excellent design. These headphones have a solid frame, active noise cancellation with nine microphones, transparency mode, and even spatial audio mode. The device is controlled by a digital crown, which is the same as on all Apple smartwatches.

Processor: Apple H1

Bluetooth version: 5.0

Connector: Lightning

Battery life: 20 hours

Features: noise cancellation, transparency mode, spatial audio, digital crown

AirPods 3 (2021)

In October 2021, the company re-released its “basic” headphones. These are the third series of AirPods, which have undergone changes in both appearance and hardware. The new generation of headphones is shorter and now looks more like the AirPods Pro. However, they are still classic headphones with all their advantages and disadvantages.

Unfortunately, noise cancellation and transparency mode are missing, but they include support for spatial audio and dynamic head tracking. Improved sound quality is also promised thanks to modified drivers and a more powerful amplifier. As with the Pro models, the stem of the headphones no longer has a button, but has a touch-sensitive section with pressure sensitivity.

In addition to the design and touch control capabilities, an important change is the increase in battery life. The headphones now work for an hour longer on a single charge, and up to 30 hours when using the case.

Processor: Apple H1

Bluetooth version: 5.0

Connector: Lightning/USB-C

Battery life: 3 hours/30 hours

Features: IPX4 protection, touch control capabilities, new design

AirPods Pro 2 (2022)

In 2022, the updated AirPods Pro 2 model appeared on the market. The update was mostly minor: new sizes of silicone earbuds were introduced, as well as improved sound quality. An increase in battery life was also announced. Like the AirPods 3, the new Pros offer an hour longer battery life than the previous generation, and up to 30 hours with the case. All this is thanks to the new H2 processor and Bluetooth 5.3 support. In terms of control and ergonomics, the volume can now be adjusted by swiping up or down. The case also has a speaker for playing sounds in Lost mode. These headphones recently received a software update that allows them to be used as a hearing aid.

Processor: Apple H2

Bluetooth version: 5.3

Connector: Lightning/USB-C

Battery life: 6 hours/30 hours

Features: noise cancellation, transparency mode, pressure equalization system, improved amplifier, hearing aid mode

AirPods 4 (2024)

The fourth-generation of AirPods, released in 2024, have largely remained unchanged in appearance, but have been technically improved. First, they now support noise cancellation - now it works like the AirPods Pro. However, this is only from a software point of view, since in practice you should not expect anything extraordinary from noise cancellation in open headphones. No matter what you do or what you turn on, external sounds still penetrate your ears. And not all versions of the headphones have noise cancellation: to get this feature, you need to buy a model with ANC support. Gesture and head control are supported. For example, you can nod your head to answer a call. The case has been redesigned and now looks more like the Pro case. By the way, it now has a speaker that plays sounds in Lost mode. However, not everyone will get it, only those who are willing to pay extra for the noise cancellation version.

Processor: Apple H2

Bluetooth version: 5.3

Connector: USB-C

Battery life: 5 hours/30 hours

Features: noise cancellation (optional), transparency mode, improved amplifier

AirPods Pro 3 (2025)

Apple introduced the third generation of AirPods Pro headphones. Perhaps following a long-standing marketing tradition, the new model was not a technical breakthrough. Rather, it was a planned annual update that brought several new sizes of headphones. The latter, in turn, improve the fit of the headphones in the ear and the quality of noise isolation in the ear canal. This improves the performance of ANC by up to two times. But this generation is not without innovations. The heart rate monitor should be the reason to buy the third generation of “Pros”. It is quite high-quality and measures heart rate as well as the Apple Watch. The headphones work for several hours longer, but the case has a smaller battery, so it offers 6 hours less battery life.

Processor: Apple H2

Bluetooth version: 5.3

Connector: USB-C

Battery life: 10 hours/24 hours

Features: heart rate monitor, improved water resistance, live translation:

Which AirPods model to buy

Apple's range of wireless headphones is huge. The AirPods 4 have long been established and prices have dropped, although the third generation is still relevant. However, if you're looking for the latest and greatest, then choose the fourth generation. They offer better sound and more features.

For those who prefer in-ear headphones, be sure to get the AirPods Pro 2 or, if you're willing to pay extra, the AirPods Pro 3. They have everything you need for complete comfort and convenience. The improved noise cancellation is especially impressive. It can easily drown out the noise of the subway. And the heart rate monitor is great for those who prefer to exercise and listen to music at the same time.

But if you want all the advanced features but in an over-ear design, you should go for the AirPods Max model. Just keep in mind that they don't have heart rate monitoring. However, the second version of the Max uses USB-C instead of Lightning, and also has improved ANC.