Following their decision to exclude power adapters from iPhone boxes a few years ago, Apple is taking a further step towards its minimal packaging approach with the new AirPods 4.
The recently announced AirPods 4 wireless earbuds, available in both standard and noise-canceling variants, will ship without a USB-C charging cable in the box.
The information is confirmed on Apple’s official AirPods comparison webpage, which lists “USB-C Charge Cable sold separately” for the AirPods 4 models.
Apple has just completed the switch to USB-C across its devices, and it’s already dropping the supporting cable. Sure, some users might already have a USB-C cable (or ten) lying around.
But what about those upgrading from older devices or new users entering the Apple ecosystem? For them, it means an extra purchase just to get their AirPods charged up and ready to go.
Now, Apple might argue that they’re being environmentally conscious by reducing packaging waste. That’s a fair point, and it’s certainly a trend we can all get behind. But is removing a single cable the most impactful step they could take? Certainly not.
Next up could be the iPhone. The iPhone 16 still ships with a USB-C cable for now, but who knows? At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple also removes the charging case for earphones next.
Apple AirPods 4 Specifications
Despite the lack of a cable, the AirPods 4 themselves boast a range of features. The design stays true to the previous models with a semi-in-ear stem and silicone tips, but Apple claims it offers a more universal fit.
Both versions are IPX4 water-resistant and retain the tap control functionality. Users can now add a head nod for “yes” and a head shake for “no” to manage Siri and calls.
The audio experience receives an upgrade with Personalized Spatial Audio featuring head tracking, promising an immersive listening experience.
The standard AirPods 4 lack ANC, while the premium option integrates the noise cancellation technology previously exclusive to AirPods Pro. Both models offer a “Conversational Mode” to reduce volume while talking, with the ANC version adding Transparency Mode and Adaptive Audio for further user control.
The H2 chip powers both AirPods 4 models, aiming to improve battery life, personalize audio, and facilitate faster pairing. In terms of battery life, Apple claims 30 hours total with the wireless charging compatible case, and 6.5 hours of playback on the earbuds themselves.
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