Bottom line: The Black Friday offer behind the “up to 47% off” headline was standard Apple AirPods 4 for $69, down from Apple’s $129 list price. That is $60 off, or about 46.5%, rounded to 47%. It was a 2025 promotion and is not a live deal as of August 18, 2026, so treat $69 as a historical benchmark and verify any current listing before buying.
What the 47% AirPods deal actually included
The deal report from Yahoo Tech identified AirPods 4 at $69 during Black Friday 2025. Apple’s reference price was $129, making the saving $60:
$60 ÷ $129 = 46.5%, conventionally rounded to 47%.
The report described the price as a lowest-price event and warned that inventory could sell out. It did not establish every possible purchase condition—such as color, membership, coupon, payment method, or fulfillment option—so those details should be checked on the retailer’s checkout page whenever a similar promotion appears. A deal page that remains searchable after stock disappears is not evidence that $69 is still available.
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#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
It was not AirPods 4 with ANC
The $69 product was the standard AirPods 4. Do not assume a listing that says “AirPods 4” includes active noise cancellation (ANC); Apple sells a separate AirPods 4 with ANC configuration.
| Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Apple list price | $129 | $179 |
| Fit | Open fit, no interchangeable silicone tips | Open fit |
| Noise control | No ANC, Adaptive Audio, or Transparency mode | ANC, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency mode |
| Charging case | USB-C wired charging | USB-C case with wireless charging support |
| Listening time | Up to five hours per charge | Up to five hours, or up to four hours with ANC enabled |
These prices and specifications are from Apple’s AirPods buying page. “Up to” battery figures are maximum ratings that vary with volume, calls, and enabled features.
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
What you get—and give up—at $69
Why it was compelling
- It was nearly half the Apple list price for a new, current-generation open-fit earbud.
- The design suits listeners who dislike silicone ear tips or the pressure of sealed in-ear buds.
- AirPods convenience remains attractive for people using Apple devices for calls, podcasts, and music.
- The case uses USB-C, so it shares a cable standard with many recent devices.
The compromises
- No active noise cancellation, Adaptive Audio, or Transparency mode.
- No wireless charging case.
- An open fit provides less passive isolation and may feel less secure for some workouts than a sealed in-ear design.
- Apple-specific features depend on the connected device and operating-system version; basic Bluetooth playback does not guarantee access to every feature.
Current alternatives and Apple prices
Apple’s current comparison and buying pages list the following models and prices. They are not Black Friday prices.
| Model | Apple price | Best suited to | Main distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | $129 | Lowest-cost Apple earbuds | Open fit; no ANC |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | $179 | Listeners wanting ANC without silicone tips | ANC, Adaptive Audio, Transparency, wireless-capable case |
| AirPods Pro 3 | $249 | People seeking Apple’s strongest current in-ear feature set | Sealed fit, stronger ANC, five ear-tip sizes, hearing features, and heart-rate sensing |
| AirPods Max | $549 | Listeners who specifically want over-ear headphones | Over-ear design and up to 20 hours of battery life |
See Apple’s model comparison at Apple’s AirPods comparison page. Apple lists AirPods Pro 3 with up to eight hours of listening with ANC. Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection functions are regulated and availability varies by region; they are not a substitute for professional medical care.
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- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Which model is the better buy?
Choose standard AirPods 4
Buy the standard model when your priority is the lowest price, you prefer an open fit, and you do not need ANC or wireless charging. At the historical $69 price, it was the clear value choice for basic Apple earbuds.
Choose AirPods 4 with ANC
Pay more for the ANC version when you want noise reduction, Adaptive Audio, or wireless charging but do not want silicone ear tips. A smaller discount on this model can be better value than a deeper discount on standard AirPods if you would otherwise upgrade later.
Rank #4
- WHY APPLECARE+ - Get protection, service and support direct from Apple. AppleCare+ covers unlimited repairs for accidental damage, like a cracked display, and includes coverage for the hardware and battery. Get convenient service at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers around the world or Express Replacement Service so you don’t have to wait for a repair. Help is easy with 24/7 priority tech support from Apple experts.
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
Choose AirPods Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 make sense if you accept a sealed in-ear fit and want the most advanced current Apple earbuds, including stronger ANC, five ear-tip sizes, hearing-related features, heart-rate sensing, and up to eight hours of ANC listening. They cost substantially more than the $69 deal.
Choose AirPods Max
AirPods Max are a different category. Choose them for an over-ear listening experience and longer 20-hour battery rating, not for portability or a low purchase price.
Best Value
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION—AirPods 5 offer improved Active Noise Cancellation to help reduce outside noise, at their best value yet.
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency for the best listening experience in any environment.* Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing if you start talking.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION—Communicate across languages using Live Translation, enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- NEW SIRI AI—Get more done every day with hands-free access to an even more powerful and personalized AI assistant on your iPhone.* Ask open-ended questions, brainstorm, and have full conversations.
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY—Next-generation Adaptive EQ for better sound quality. Voice Isolation improves call quality in loud conditions,* using advanced computational audio to reduce background noise and clarify your voice.
Current price signals if you missed Black Friday
On August 18, 2026, Target’s AirPods pages displayed AirPods Pro 3 at $199.99, reduced from $249.99, and AirPods 4 variants from $99.99 to $149.99, reduced from $129.99 to $179.99. These were observed Target prices, not Black Friday offers; colors, stock, shipping, and fulfillment can change. Check the Target Apple AirPods category before relying on a price.
Target also advertises a 5% discount for eligible Target Circle Card purchases, free two-day shipping on eligible items, and an additional 30 days for certain returns. Restrictions apply, so compare the unconditional checkout total rather than treating card benefits as a universal discount.
Checklist before you pay
- Read the full model name. Confirm it says AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 with ANC, rather than the generic word “AirPods.” Apple’s identification guide is at Apple Support.
- Confirm the case. Standard AirPods 4 use wired USB-C charging; ANC and Pro cases add wireless-charging capability.
- Check condition and seller. Make sure the item is new and sold by an authorized retailer, not refurbished, open-box, used, or an unverified marketplace listing.
- Calculate the real checkout price. Include tax, shipping, membership fees, coupons, pickup requirements, and payment-method restrictions.
- Review returns and warranty. In-ear products can have special return rules. Confirm Apple limited-warranty eligibility and that the serial number corresponds to a genuinely new product.
- Verify compatibility. Apple’s current support documentation covers AirPods features on iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 or later, while older hardware or other platforms may support fewer functions.
- Check fit expectations. Standard AirPods 4 are open fit; AirPods Pro 3 include five silicone ear-tip sizes and seal the ear canal.
Verdict
The headline was accurate only when read precisely: standard AirPods 4 reached $69 in a 2025 Black Friday promotion, about 47% below Apple’s $129 price. That offer has passed. If you find a new, unconditional $69 listing in the future, it is an exceptional basic-earbud price. If you need ANC, wireless charging, a sealed workout fit, or Pro health features, choose the appropriate higher model instead of buying the cheaper configuration and upgrading later.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
