Apple is slashing prices on its AirPods 4 lineup just months after launch, with the entry-level model dropping to $89 at Walmart - a $30 discount that marks one of the steepest cuts yet for the company's newest earbuds. The move coincides with Apple's surprise budget iPhone announcement and signals an aggressive push to capture more of the sub-$100 audio market as competition from Samsung and budget brands intensifies.
Apple just made its newest earbuds a lot more accessible. The company's AirPods 4, launched less than six months ago, are now available for $89 at Walmart - a 23% price drop that undercuts even some of Apple's refurbished offerings. The premium ANC-equipped version has fallen to $119 at both Amazon and Walmart, down $60 from its $179 launch price.
The timing isn't coincidental. Apple simultaneously unveiled a new budget iPhone model, according to The Verge, marking a rare moment where Cupertino is pushing aggressively on price across multiple product categories. For a company that typically holds firm on pricing until product cycles end, the coordinated discounts signal heightened competition in the consumer electronics space.
The AirPods 4 represent Apple's most significant redesign of its entry-level earbuds in years. They pack fuller bass response and clearer audio than previous generations, while matching the more expensive AirPods Pro in voice call quality - a spec bump that surprised reviewers when the product launched. The upgraded IP54 rating means they can survive sweaty gym sessions and light rain, addressing one of the biggest complaints about earlier AirPods models.
But it's the ANC model at $119 that's turning heads. According to testing by The Verge's Chris Welch, the noise cancellation "dramatically cuts down on ambient and low-frequency noise on planes and in offices," particularly with music playing. While it can't match the flagship AirPods Pro, the performance gap has narrowed considerably - and the price difference just widened to $150 at current sale prices.
The discounts land at a crucial moment for Apple's audio strategy. Samsung has been gaining ground with its Galaxy Buds lineup, while budget competitors from Amazon and others have flooded the sub-$100 market with surprisingly capable alternatives. Apple's decision to drop the entry-level AirPods 4 below $90 puts them in direct competition with products they previously ignored on price.
Retailers appear to be pushing inventory ahead of a potential refresh cycle. While Apple typically maintains annual cadences for iPhone updates, the AirPods line has seen more irregular refresh patterns. The current discounts could signal either slower-than-expected sales or preparation for new models, though Apple hasn't announced any upcoming audio products.
The ANC model's feature set at $119 is particularly compelling. Beyond the noise cancellation, buyers get transparency mode for hearing ambient sound, wireless charging, tracking through Apple's Find My network, and upcoming support for live translation through iOS 26. That's a feature stack that would have cost $250+ just two years ago.
For Apple ecosystem users, the integration remains a major selling point. Automatic device switching, hands-free Siri access, and seamless pairing with Apple TV work exactly as expected - conveniences that Android-compatible competitors still struggle to match. But at $89, the base model now competes purely on merit rather than ecosystem lock-in.
The question is whether these prices stick or represent temporary promotional windows. Apple's historical pricing patterns suggest the discounts may be retailer-driven rather than company-mandated, meaning inventory could dry up quickly once current stock moves. Early reports indicate strong demand at the reduced prices, with some Walmart locations already showing limited availability.
Apple's aggressive pricing on the AirPods 4 marks a notable shift in strategy for a company that rarely discounts new products this quickly. Whether you're an iPhone owner looking for seamless integration or an Android user tempted by the improved specs, the $89 entry point makes these the most accessible premium earbuds Apple has ever offered. The real test comes in whether these prices represent a new normal for Apple's audio ambitions or just a temporary window before inventory resets at higher price points.
