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Apple has launched AirPods 4 in entry-level and mid-tier versions. Here’s what we saw at Apple Event 2024.
Three years after the debut of AirPods 3, Apple has unveiled the AirPods 4, which comes in two variants. There’s also an updated version of the AirPods Max.
The AirPods 4 retains a similar design to the previous model, with shorter stems, a more universal fit, and an improved audio architecture with richer bass. There’s also support for USB-C charging. Notably, Apple has fully phased out the Lightning cable, switching to USB-C across these devices.
AirPods 4? Come in Two versions
Summary of the new AirPods 4. #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/EYe3zVsbtP
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 9, 2024
Price:
- $129 for entry-level
- $179 for mid-tier
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
Apple has introduced budget AirPods 4, replacing AirPods 2, which lacks active noise cancellation (ANC).
The mid-tier AirPods 4, now replacing the AirPods 3, includes ANC, a previously only feature in the more expensive AirPods Pro. This allows users to enjoy noise cancellation in everyday environments like commutes or busy offices without upgrading to the more expensive model. Transparency with Adaptive Audio and Conversational Awareness also leaps, so you can amplify the outside world as necessary or when you start a chat.
USB-C and faster charging
The AirPods 4 now support USB-C charging as Apple moves away from the Lightning connector. The entry-level model relies on USB-C charging, while the mid-tier version can also charge wirelessly. This aligns with Apple’s shift toward USB-C across its devices.
H2 chip
The second and third-generation AirPods were equipped with the H1 chip, while the newer AirPods Pro relied on the H2 chip. Both AirPods 4 variants incorporate the H2 chip. The H2 improves battery life, personalizes listening experiences based on user preferences or the environment, and provides faster pairing and better audio quality.
AirPods Comparison: AirPods 3 vs. AirPods 4
To provide a clear comparison between the AirPods 3 and the two new versions of AirPods 4, we’ve put together a detailed comparison chart:
| Feature | AirPods 3 | AirPods 4 Entry-level | AirPods 4 Mid-tier |
| Chip | H1 | H2 | H2 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No | No | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | No | No | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes, with head tracking | Yes, with head tracking | Yes, with head tracking |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Battery Life (earbuds) | Up to 6 hours | Up to 6.5 hours | Up to 6.5 hours |
| Battery Life (with case) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Charging Case | MagSafe, Qi, Lightning | Qi, USB-C | Qi, USB-C |
| Find My alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ear Tip Design | Open-ear design | Open-ear design | Open-ear design |
| Price | $179 | $129 | $179 |
| Release Date | October 2021 | September 20th, 2024 | September 20th, 2024 |
AirPods Max
AirPods Max gets new colors and USBC. That’s it. pic.twitter.com/WrPrfbqDRR
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 9, 2024
Price: $449 – $549
The long-expected iteration of AirPods Max delivers just a handful of updates, including USB-C charging support and a range of new colors, including orange and Starlight.
The AirPods Max continues to use the H1 chip, suggesting that the advanced sound-tuning feature based on external noise levels will remain exclusive to the second-generation AirPods Pro. However, this feature is now also available in the mid-tier AirPods 4.
AirPods Pro 2 Health Features
AirPods Pro 2 gains three new health features:
– Hearing Protection
– Hearing Test
– Hearing Aid feature pic.twitter.com/WQ1eibAY7o— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) September 9, 2024
The AirPods Pro 2 remain physically unchanged. However, they now include health features like Hearing Protection (enabled by default) to limit volumes, a doctor-ready hearing test, and the ability to double as a clinically-approved hearing aid.
In hearing aid mode, the earbuds amplify voices, movies, and similar content. Apple expects to receive FDA clearance and approval from 100+ countries this fall.
The Bottom Line
The AirPods 4 could easily represent a worthwhile purchase if you’re either new to wireless earbuds or upgrading from an old pair. The new entry-level and mid-tier versions let you avoid paying for unnecessary features.
This release also marks Apple’s transition from the Lightning cable to the more widely used USB-C standard. The AirPods Max aren’t?
