Apple’s latest wireless earbuds are here. The AirPods 4 bring new features and improvements to the popular line. These earbuds now come in two versions – a standard model and one with active noise cancellation.
The new AirPods 4 have been redesigned for a better fit. They use Apple’s H2 chip for improved sound and connectivity. The earbuds are dust and water resistant. This makes them good for exercise and outdoor use.
Apple has added USB-C charging to the AirPods 4. The battery life is also better than previous models. Prices start at $129 for the basic version. The noise-cancelling model costs $179. Both will be available on September 20.
Apple’s AirPods Family Gets a Refresh
Apple announced several updates to its AirPods lineup, including a new design for the AirPods 4, noise-cancelling capabilities for a second AirPods 4 model, and a refresh to the AirPods Max.
AirPods Range Grows
AirPods 4
Apple released the fourth version of its popular earbuds. The AirPods 4 have a new shape to fit more ears. They use the H2 chip for better sound. Users can control Siri with head movements thanks to a built-in gyroscope. The case is smaller than before and lasts 30 hours on one charge. It now has a USB-C port.
- New Design: A fresh look to fit more ears comfortably.
- H2 Chip: Delivers improved sound quality and overall performance.
- Head Gesture Controls: Built-in gyroscope enables Siri control through head movements.
- Smaller Case: A more compact case with a 30-hour battery life.
- USB-C Port: The charging case now features a USB-C port for convenient charging.
AirPods 4 with Noise Canceling
A second AirPods 4 model adds active noise canceling. It has the same shape but more features. These include:
- Active Noise Canceling: Blocks out unwanted background noise for immersive listening.
- Transparency Mode: Lets you hear your surroundings while still enjoying your audio.
- Adaptive Audio: Dynamically adjusts noise control and transparency based on your environment.
- Conversation Awareness: Automatically lowers the volume and amplifies voices when you start talking.
- Wireless Charging Case: The case supports both wired and wireless charging.
- Find My Integration: A speaker in the case helps you locate it if lost is built into the case now.
Airpods Versions Compared
AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2
| Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 (ANC) | AirPods 3 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | New | New (same as AirPods 4) | Existing | Existing |
| Chip | H2 | H2 | H1 | H2 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Adaptive Audio | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Conversation Awareness | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Head Tracking | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Siri with Head Movements | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Battery Life (earbuds) | 30 hours | 30 hours | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Battery Life (case) | 30 hours | 30 hours | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Charging Case | USB-C | USB-C, Wireless | Lightning | MagSafe, USB-C |
| Case with Speaker | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Price | $199 | $249 | $169 | $249 |
Refreshed AirPods Max
Apple updated its over-ear headphones. The new AirPods Max come in fresh colors and switch to USB-C charging. The price stays at $549. No other major changes were announced for this model.
- New Colors: Available in a range of vibrant colors to suit your style.
- USB-C Charging: Switches from Lightning to USB-C for more convenient charging.
- Price: Remains at $549.
AirPods Pro as Hearing Aids
AirPods Pro can now help people with mild hearing loss. A new feature turns them into basic hearing aids. Users can take a 5-minute hearing test in the app. This test is approved by doctors to check hearing. It may help people who need a slight boost but don’t want full hearing aids yet.
- Hearing Aid Capability: A new feature allows AirPods Pro to function as basic hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Hearing Test: A 5-minute in-app hearing test helps assess your hearing needs.
- Personalized Audio: Tailors the audio output to your specific hearing profile.
Our Take
Apple’s latest AirPods announcements bring a welcome mix of innovation and practicality. The redesigned form factor of the AirPods 4 aims to improve comfort. The inclusion of the H2 chip, personalized spatial audio, and head gesture controls for Siri interaction are exciting additions. However, the simultaneous introduction of AirPods 4 with ANC, which sports the same design but includes additional features like active noise cancellation and wireless charging, raises questions about the base model’s positioning.
The refreshed AirPods Max, which comes with new colors and USB-C charging, is welcome, but the lack of other significant changes might leave some feeling underwhelmed, especially at the unchanged $549 price point. On a positive note, the introduction of hearing aid capabilities for AirPods Pro is a groundbreaking move, potentially aiding individuals with mild hearing loss who might be hesitant to embrace traditional hearing aids. The built-in, clinically-approved hearing test adds further value to this accessibility feature. Overall, while the dual-model approach of the AirPods 4 might be slightly confusing, the advancements in technology and accessibility across the lineup highlight Apple’s commitment to user experience and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods 4 come in two models with improved fit and sound
- New features include USB-C charging and water resistance
- Prices range from $129 to $179 with a September 20 release date
Design and Build
Apple has revamped the AirPods 4 with a focus on comfort and style. The new design aims to fit more ears while offering fresh color choices.
Color Options and Materials
AirPods 4 come in new colors. Purple, Midnight, Orange, and Starlight join the classic white option. This wider range lets users match their style or devices.
The earbuds use smooth plastic that feels nice to touch. Apple chose materials that are light yet strong. This helps the AirPods stay comfy during long listening sessions.
Each color has a matching case. The case protects the earbuds and charges them. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket or bag easily.
Comfort and Fit
The AirPods 4 have a new shape to fit more ear types. Apple used advanced tools to study thousands of ears. They looked at over 50 million data points to make the best fit.
This open-ear design doesn’t use ear tips. It lets users hear their surroundings while enjoying music. The stem is shorter than older models. This makes the AirPods less noticeable when worn.
The improved fit helps the earbuds stay in place better. Users can move around without worrying about them falling out. This design also aims to reduce ear fatigue during long use.
Technical Specifications
The AirPods 4 come with several new features and upgrades. These include better sound, noise control, and faster connections. Let’s look at the details.
Audio and Hardware Enhancements
AirPods 4 have improved sound quality. They use a new Apple-made speaker that plays music more clearly.
The earbuds now offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This helps block out background noises. There’s also a Transparency mode to hear your surroundings when needed.
Spatial Audio makes sound seem like it’s coming from all around you. It works with movies and music that support this feature.
A new Adaptive Audio mode changes how much noise is blocked based on where you are. It switches between ANC and Transparency automatically.
Chip and Connectivity
AirPods 4 use Apple’s new H2 chip. This chip makes the earbuds work faster and smarter.
The H2 chip powers Computational Audio. This makes music sound better and adjusts noise control in real-time.
Bluetooth 5.3 is now included. It gives a stronger and more stable connection to devices.
Pairing is quick and easy with Apple devices. The earbuds can switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac smoothly.
Battery life has gotten better too. Users can listen for longer before needing to charge.
New and Improved Features
Apple’s AirPods 4 bring a host of updates to enhance the user experience. These changes span health features, ecosystem integration, and software improvements.
Health and Hearing
The AirPods 4 now include a built-in hearing test. This test helps users check their hearing health right from their earbuds. It’s quick and easy to do.
A new hearing protection feature alerts users when sound levels are too high. This helps prevent hearing damage over time.
The earbuds also offer improved Conversation Awareness. This feature automatically lowers music volume when the user starts talking. It makes it easier to chat without removing the AirPods.
Integration with Apple Ecosystem
AirPods 4 work seamlessly with other Apple devices. They connect instantly to iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Siri integration has been enhanced. Users can now ask Siri to read messages or make calls hands-free. Voice isolation technology ensures clear audio during calls.
The Personalized Spatial Audio feature creates a custom sound profile for each user. It uses the iPhone’s camera to map ear shape for better audio.
Software and Performance
AirPods 4 use the new H2 chip. This chip powers improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes.
ANC blocks out more background noise than ever before. Transparency mode lets in outside sounds when needed. Users can switch between modes easily.
Sound quality has been upgraded. Bass is deeper and treble is clearer. This gives a more balanced audio experience across all types of music.
Software updates can now be done directly through the AirPods. This means new features can be added without needing to update the iPhone.
Charging and Battery Life
AirPods 4 bring new charging options and longer battery life. The case got an update too. Let’s look at what’s changed.
Charging Case Innovations
The AirPods 4 case now has a USB-C port. This makes charging easier with one cable for many devices. The case is smaller than before. It fits in pockets better.
Wireless charging still works. Users can place the case on a Qi charger. MagSafe charging is an option too. The case snaps into place on MagSafe chargers.
The case holds more power now. It can charge the AirPods for up to 30 hours of total listening time. This is great for long trips or busy days.
Battery Performance
AirPods 4 last longer on a single charge. Users get up to 5 hours of listening time before needing the case. This matches the previous model.
The real boost is in total use time with the case. AirPods 4 can play for up to 30 hours before the case needs charging. This is a big jump from older models.
Battery life can change based on use. Turning on some features may use more power. Apple tested the AirPods with an iPhone 16 Pro Max at 50% volume. They turned off Spatial Audio to get these results.
Release and Pricing
Apple has set dates for the AirPods 4 launch. The new models come with different price points to suit various budgets.
Market Release Schedule
Apple plans to release the AirPods 4 on September 20. Fans can mark their calendars for this big day. The company will start taking pre-orders soon. This gives buyers a chance to secure their pair early.
Apple often follows a pattern with its product launches. They announce the item, open pre-orders, then start shipping. This method helps build excitement and manage stock.
Pricing and Availability
The AirPods 4 will come in two versions with different prices:
These prices make the AirPods 4 more budget-friendly than past models. The lower cost may help Apple reach more customers.
Buyers can get the AirPods 4 from Apple stores and their website. Many other shops will likely stock them too. Apple often makes sure there are enough units for launch day.
Frequently Asked Questions
The latest AirPods model brings some new features and improvements. These updates cover areas like design, battery life, and sound quality.
What are the new features in the latest AirPods model?
The AirPods 4 have better dust and water resistance. They now have an IP54 rating. This means they can handle sweat and light rain.
The new model also has improved sound. The speakers produce clearer audio with less distortion.
How does the price of the latest AirPods compare to the previous generation?
The AirPods 4 cost slightly more than the last model. The price increase is small, about $20-$30 more.
This higher price reflects the new features and better build quality.
What improvements have been made in terms of battery life for the latest AirPods?
The AirPods 4 have longer battery life. They can play music for up to 7 hours on one charge.
The charging case gives extra power. It adds 30 more hours of listening time.
How do the latest AirPods perform compared to the AirPods Pro series?
The AirPods 4 are closer in quality to the Pro series. They have better sound than before.
But the Pro series still has some extra features. These include active noise cancellation and spatial audio.
What connectivity enhancements are included in the most recent version of AirPods?
The new AirPods have faster pairing with Apple devices. They connect more quickly when you open the case.
They also have improved Bluetooth range. This lets you move farther from your device without losing sound.
Are there any design changes in the latest iteration of AirPods?
The AirPods 4 look a bit different. They have a slightly shorter stem than the old model.
The case is also new. It’s smaller and easier to carry in a pocket.
