The AirPods 4 have a hidden capacitive button for pairing. With the fourth-generation AirPods, Apple has removed the physical setup button found on the back of the charging case in earlier models. Instead, Apple opted for a hidden capacitive button.
According to Gear Patrol, this hidden button for pairing and resetting the AirPods 4 is located at the front of the charging case. To initiate pairing mode, you can open the AirPods 4 case and double-tap the front where the hidden control is. This same button can also be used for a factory reset; Gear Patrol mentions that a triple tap or a long press gesture will trigger the reset.
The status light on the AirPods 4 charging case is more discreet as well. There isn’t a visible LED when the case is closed or not charging. The light only appears beneath the white plastic when the case is opened or placed on a charger.
There are two versions of the AirPods 4, one with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and one without. Prices start at $129, and pre-orders are now available. The AirPods 4 are set to launch on Friday, September 20.