Discover the game-changing Apple AirPods 4 with open-ear design, ANC, and health features. Learn about the new H2 chip, improved battery life, and how it transforms your audio experience.
In a groundbreaking move, Apple has unveiled its latest audio innovation at the “It’s Glowtime” event. The new AirPods 4 series promises to redefine personal audio with cutting-edge technology, comfort, and unprecedented features.
Let’s dive into the details of this exciting release and explore how it’s set to transform your listening experience.
The Evolution of AirPods: Introducing the AirPods 4
Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio technology is evident in the AirPods 4. This new generation of wireless earbuds brings a host of improvements and novel features that cater to audiophiles, tech enthusiasts, and everyday users alike.
Open-Ear Design: A New Era of Comfort
The most striking feature of the AirPods 4 is its revolutionary open-ear design. Apple has invested heavily in creating a fit that’s comfortable for a wider range of users:
- Utilizes data from over 50 million data points
- Employs advanced 3D photogrammetry and laser topography
- Analyzes thousands of ear shapes for optimal comfort
This meticulous approach ensures that the AirPods 4 offers a snug yet comfortable fit for users worldwide, addressing one of the most common complaints about earbuds.
Enhanced Audio Experience
The AirPods 4 doesn’t just look different; it sounds different too:
- New acoustic architecture featuring a low-distortion driver
- High dynamic range amplifier for crisp, clear sound
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
These features combine to create an immersive audio experience that adapts to your movements, providing a truly personalized listening environment.
The Power of the H2 Chip
At the heart of the AirPods 4 lies the new H2 chip, enabling a range of advanced features:
- Voice Isolation for crystal-clear calls
- Gesture-based Siri interactions (nod or shake to respond)
- Low wireless audio latency for gaming enthusiasts
- Support for 16-bit, 48kHz audio
Intuitive Controls and Extended Battery Life
Apple has refined the user experience with:
- A new force sensor on the stem for easy control
- Up to 24 hours of battery life with the charging case
- A more compact charging case (10% smaller in volume)
- USB-C charging compatibility
AirPods 4 with ANC: Silence Meets Open-Ear Design
In a first for open-ear designs, Apple introduces Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to the AirPods 4:
- Reduces environmental noise significantly
- Utilizes upgraded microphones and the H2 chip
- Offers Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio
- Features Conversation Awareness for dynamic audio adjustments
This model bridges the gap between open-ear comfort and the noise-cancelling capabilities typically associated with over-ear headphones.
AirPods Max: New Colors and USB-C Charging
Apple hasn’t forgotten about its over-ear offering. The AirPods Max gets a refresh with:
- Five new colors: midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple
- USB-C charging capabilities for improved compatibility
Hearing Health: A Focus on Well-being
Apple continues to prioritize user health with new features for the AirPods Pro 2:
Prevention
- “Loud Sound Reduction” feature protects against environmental noise
- Maintains sound quality while reducing potentially harmful noise levels
Awareness
- New Hearing Test feature for at-home hearing checks
- Generates a personalized hearing profile stored in the Health app
Assistance
- Over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability for mild to moderate hearing loss
- Real-time sound adjustments based on personalized hearing profiles
These features are set to roll out in over 100 countries, pending health authority approvals.
Environmental Commitment
Apple continues its push towards sustainability with the AirPods 4:
- 100% recycled rare earth elements, gold, tin, and aluminum
- Fiber-based packaging, eliminating plastic
- Over 30% reduction in packaging volume
Apple AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC: Specification Table
This detailed table highlights the key features and distinctions between the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC for a quick comparison.
| Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Features | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking |
| Chip | H2 Chip with Voice Isolation, “Hey Siri,” and Siri Interactions | H2 Chip with Voice Isolation, “Hey Siri,” and Siri Interactions |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth v5.3 | Bluetooth v5.3 |
| Battery Life (Single Charge) | Up to 5 hours of listening | Up to 5 hours of listening (4 hours with ANC enabled) |
| Battery Life (Total) | Up to 30 hours with charging case | Up to 30 hours (20 hours with ANC enabled) |
| Charging Case | USB-C Charging Case with external LED power indicator | Wireless Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker for “Find My” and external LED power indicator |
| Durability | IP54 Dust, sweat, and water-resistant (AirPods and Charging Case) | IP54 Dust, sweat, and water-resistant (AirPods and Charging Case) |
| Design | Open-ear design, enhanced fit through 3D photogrammetry and laser topography | Open-ear design with ANC, optimized for noise reduction |
| Controls | Force sensor for play/pause/mute/end calls | Force sensor for play/pause/mute/end calls |
| Low Wireless Latency | Yes (suitable for gaming) | Yes (suitable for gaming) |
| Audio Quality | Low-distortion driver, high dynamic range amplifier | Advanced computational audio, optimized for ANC |
| Charging Options | Supports Apple Watch charger and Qi-certified chargers | Supports Apple Watch charger and Qi-certified chargers |
| Colors | Available in standard colors | Available in standard colors |
| Case Size | 10% smaller in volume than previous model | Smallest wireless charging case in the industry (50mm wide) |
Additional Features
- AirPods Max Colors: New color options for AirPods Max – midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple, with USB-C charging.
- Pricing and Availability: Both AirPods 4 and AirPods Max will be available for pre-order, with in-store availability starting on Friday, September 20.
Pricing and Availability
| Model | Price (INR) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | 12,900 | Pre-order now, in-store Sept 20 |
| AirPods 4 with ANC | 17,900 | Pre-order now, in-store Sept 20 |
| AirPods Max (USB-C) | 59,900 | Pre-order now, in-store Sept 20 |
| AirPods Pro 2 | 24,900 | Available now, new features this fall |
New customers can enjoy three months of Apple Music for free with any AirPods purchase.
Making the Most of Your AirPods 4
To fully leverage the capabilities of your new AirPods 4:
- Ensure your Apple devices are running the latest software
- Experiment with the Personalized Spatial Audio feature in different environments
- Utilize the gesture controls for a hands-free experience
- Take advantage of the Hearing Test feature for personalized audio
- Consider AppleCare+ for extended support and protection
The Future of Personal Audio
With the AirPods 4, Apple has set a new standard in personal audio. The combination of open-ear design, advanced noise cancellation, and health-focused features represents a significant leap forward in how we interact with our audio devices.
As we look to the future, we can expect further integration of health monitoring capabilities, even more personalized audio experiences, and continued improvements in battery life and sustainability.
The AirPods 4 isn’t just a new product; it’s a glimpse into the future of personal audio technology. Whether you’re an audiophile, a health-conscious user, or someone who simply appreciates cutting-edge technology, the AirPods 4 offers something truly revolutionary.
