Apple courageously removes charging cable from AirPods 4 box
Apple giveth and Apple taketh away. It mostly taketh away at this point, though.
![Apple courageously removes charging cable from AirPods 4 box](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Apple-AirPods-Pro-2nd-generation-true-wireless-earbuds-case-lightning-speaker-scaled.jpg)
![Apple AirPods Pro 2nd generation true wireless earbuds case lightning speaker The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) charging case with its Lightning input and speaker.](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Apple-AirPods-Pro-2nd-generation-true-wireless-earbuds-case-lightning-speaker-scaled.jpg)
- Apple discontinued the AirPods 2 and 3 in favor of two AirPods 4 variants.
- Unlike their predecessors, both AirPods 4 models don’t include a charging cable in the box.
- The new AirPods models have USB-C ports, so most users likely won’t need to buy an extra cable separately.
Earlier this week, Apple introduced two AirPods 4 models, along with the iPhone 16 line and Apple Watch Series 10. It also discontinued the AirPods 2 and 3, which sold for $129 and $179, respectively. For the same price tags, users can now buy AirPods 4 with or without ANC — based on the tier they opt for. Notably, though, neither AirPods 4 model includes a charging cable in the box.
Apple’s technical specifications webpage highlights that the latest AirPods boxes no longer offer a USB-C charging cable. Those who don’t already own a compatible charger will need to buy one separately. For reference, the AirPods 2 and 3 did offer a charging cable, and the AirPods Pro 2 and Max continue to do so.