Prepare your ears and your wallets: Apple’s latest earbuds, the much-talked-about AirPods 4, have hit a price point that has everyone doing a double-take. Reports from major retailers confirm these sought-after earbuds are available for an astonishing $100. This isn’t a drill – this is the lowest price tag ever seen for this generation of Apple’s popular audio gear, making premium sound more accessible than it’s been in recent memory.
For years, Apple’s AirPods have set the standard for true wireless earbuds, blending seamless connectivity with intuitive design. They appeared everywhere – on commutes, in gyms, and just walking down the street. But that Apple polish often came with a price tag that felt just out of reach for some. The arrival of the AirPods 4 was met with anticipation, bringing updated technology and a refined fit. Their initial price point, while competitive for new Apple hardware, still represented a significant investment for many consumers.
Now, something truly remarkable has happened. Walk over to Amazon, click around on Walmart’s site, or browse the Best Buy listings, and you’ll find the standard model of the Apple AirPods 4 listed for a cool $100. This represents a significant markdown from their official launch price of $129. While a $29 discount might not seem colossal on its own, for a brand-new Apple product, particularly one as popular as AirPods, reaching the $100 threshold is big news. It signals a potential shift in market dynamics or perhaps an aggressive push by retailers to capture market share.
Why is this $100 price point so compelling? It brings the AirPods 4 into a price bracket where they directly compete with, and in many cases undercut, offerings from other audio companies that don’t carry the same brand prestige or ecosystem advantages. It makes the decision to upgrade from older wired headphones or less-known wireless brands significantly easier. Think about it: for the cost of a few streaming service subscriptions, you could own a piece of Apple’s latest audio technology.
The AirPods 4 arrived with notable upgrades over their predecessors. Apple fitted them with the H2 chip, the same powerful silicon found in the more expensive AirPods Pro 2. This chip unlocks a range of enhanced audio capabilities. You get improved computational audio, contributing to clearer sound and better call quality. The inclusion of features like Voice Isolation means your voice comes through crisply during calls, cutting down on distracting background noise – a real game-changer for anyone taking calls on the go. Adaptive EQ also makes an appearance, tuning the music specifically for your ear shape, creating a more personalized listening experience.
Apple also paid close attention to the physical design of the AirPods 4. They feature a refined contour and a shorter stem compared to earlier standard AirPods models, borrowing cues from the Pro line. This redesigned shape aims for a more comfortable and secure fit for a wider range of ears. Anyone who has struggled with earbuds staying put during a workout or even just a brisk walk will appreciate this seemingly small but impactful change. The new force sensor on the stem also provides intuitive control over playback and calls with simple presses. Both the earbuds and the charging case now boast IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them more durable for everyday life and exercise.
Furthermore, the move to a USB-C charging case across both AirPods 4 models simplifies charging for users who have already transitioned to USB-C for their other devices, like the latest iPhones and iPads. The model with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which launched at $179, is also seeing discounts, though the $100 price appears specific to the standard version. The ANC model brings features like Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, and Conversation Awareness, along with a wireless charging case that includes a speaker for Find My alerts – features that command a higher price point but are also seeing favorable deals currently.
Looking back at the price history of previous AirPods generations, hitting the $100 mark this early in the product cycle for a non-refurbished, current-generation model is unprecedented. The second-generation AirPods, for instance, took a considerable amount of time after their release to see significant, sustained price drops approaching this level, and even then, it was often during major sales events. The third-generation AirPods, released more recently, have hovered above the $100 mark, making this current deal on the AirPods 4 particularly noteworthy.
This aggressive pricing strategy by retailers, potentially supported by Apple, could be aimed at capturing a larger segment of the wireless earbud market, especially as competition intensifies. It might also be a way to encourage adoption of the latest generation and the accompanying H2 chip technology, which integrates deeply with the Apple ecosystem.
For the consumer, this price drop is simply fantastic news. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a pair of quality true wireless earbuds, or specifically the latest from Apple, now might be the time to act. Getting the updated design, improved sound, and the convenience of the Apple ecosystem for $100 feels like getting a premium product without the typical premium price shock.
It’s important to remember that deals like this can be popular and stock might not last forever. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are reporting this price, which lends significant credibility to the offer. Checking their official websites directly is the best way to confirm availability and make a purchase.
Whether you’re an audiophile seeking better sound, a busy professional needing clear calls on the go, or just someone who appreciates the effortless experience Apple products provide, the AirPods 4 at $100 represent a value proposition that’s hard to ignore. It’s a chance to step into the latest generation of Apple’s iconic earbuds without emptying your wallet. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the difference the AirPods 4 can make in your daily listening and communication.
