The anticipation for the next generation Apple AirPods is now over and the Apple’s aficionados of the wireless earbuds now gets to choose two brand new Apple AirPods models. Indeed, you can now welcome Apple AirPods 4 as they boast new features impressive sound quality, and, most importantly, ANC which you would never expect to be incorporated into the non-Pro AirPods model.
Everyone has been talking about it, and this article will consequently provide the readers with an extensive insight into the AirPods 4, from the look and the cost to the various features and innovations present in the gadget. Forget the old models, these new earbuds could be just what you need whether you’re a passive listener, active exercise person or just plain audio enthusiast. So today, let’s start departing all the information that you have to know about the new Apple AirPods series.
Introduction to AirPods 4
Apple’s AirPods have been the pioneers of the wireless earbud market and with AirPods 4 Apple has once again made a revolution. For years now Apple fans have been waiting for updates on the AirPods line especially after the Airpods 3 and the AirPods Pro.
Now is the AirPods Pro 2 still one of the most beloved and popular technological gadgets among listeners; for the same the other AirPods non-Pro model were progressing for a new update. Enter the AirPods 4, offering two different models: the first one with ANC technology and the second one that lacks it, but flys within its suggested budget. This is a change of trends for Apple as ANC was only available in the Pro models previously.
That’s why in this detailed guide, we want to discuss all new features of these earbuds, as well as their improvements in terms of performance.
Apple AirPods 4 Release Date and Price
In case you are looking forward to purchasing the new AirPods 4, then know that your wait is not going to be too long. Further, it has been stated that both variants of the AirPods 4 will hit the shelves on September 20, 2024. Timing could not be better as it follows Apple’s tradition of releasing its new products in the early part of the fall, prior to the season’s holiday period.
In terms of pricing, Apple has struck a balance between premium features and affordability:
- AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are going to cost $179 in the US, £179 in UK, and AU$299 in Australia.
- The basic model that lacks ANC support costs $129 in the US, £129 in the UK and AU$219 in Australia.
This pricing keeps it affordable in the market making it suitable for users who are looking for a features enhanced earphone but not in the prowess of AirPods Pro. Certainly, the chance that Apple has made ANC at this price will be a pleasant revelation for many prospective consumers.
Design and Build Quality
Looking at the first feature it can be said that the exterior of the AirPods 4 seems to have been refined to the first degree. The form of the AirPods has been refined and updated by Apple for better ergonomics while maintaining the product’s usability.
A Familiar but Improved Design
From an aesthetics point of view, the AirPods 4 still look like part of the AirPods family. As always, the white design with its very post-modern look and feel to it is back, but that it is not entirely new as there are some changes. In terms of design, Apple has reduced the length of the stems slightly, a feature that was first seen with the AirPods 3 making the AirPods 4 less obtrusive in looks.
It has also made great efforts in the adaptation of the fit and this has been done with much emphasis in future. The AirPods have always been comfortable for many users, for this the company has conducted intensive studies, accumulating over 50 million size mapping charts to deliver what they are touting as the best fitting open ear AirPods ever. This should make the AirPods 4 even more comfortable during long listening sessions playing music, podcasts, etc on your way to work, during your workouts or just while you relax at home.
New Features of AirPods 4
The AirPods 4 also comes with novelties designed to enhance the listening and using the moments experience in its entirety. Here are some of the standout upgrades:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Google is opening ANC technology for the first time and outside the Pro AirPods.
- H2 Chip: Both AirPods 4 models are supported by the H2 chip, improving performance and energy efficiency, similar to Apple’s H2 chip.
- Conversation Awareness: This feature reduces the sound of music being played and if you have to talk for sometime without losing your ear buds you can do so easily.
- Find My Support: There is also now a built-in speaker which can emit a sound when you are trying to locate the charging case using the Find My app.
All these features help make AirPods 4 distinctive and convenient than previous models to the users to have more control.
Active Noise Cancellation in Non-Pro AirPods
And, easily the most interesting innovation of the AirPods 4 is the addition of active noise cancellation (ANC) in the upgraded model. For quite some time, this premium feature was only available for the AirPods Pro, nevertheless now Apple has made this option available to those who opt for the open-ear design of the regular AirPods.
How Does ANC Work in the AirPods 4?
ANC in the AirPods 4 is as similar as the ANC in the AirPods Pro but fine-tuned for the concept of the AirPods 4 being open-ear headphones. This is where H2 chip hugely comes in handy, for it seeks to use mathematical models to estimate external noises and filter them out instantly. It lets you listen to your songs, your pod casts or even attend to calls all without having to be interrupted by the noise outside.
Of course, the Airpods 4 do not have tips over the ears for noise isolation On the other hand, Apple’s ANC is very powerful, therefore, any user who encounters noise most of the time will benefit from the earbuds.
Apple’s H2 Chip: What It Brings to the Table
Sitting at the center of AirPods 4 is the Apple H2 chip, which is a leap forward from the H1 chip used in the previous models. This new chip is responsible for making most of the AirPods 4 enhancements in terms of sound quality to battery life possible.
Key Benefits of the H2 Chip:
- Enhanced Audio Quality: The H2 chip also tolerates the AirPods 4 to produce deeper and louder bass coupled with clearer higher pitch sounds.
- Energy Efficiency: Unlike the chip found in the iPhone 12 model, this one is much more power-efficient, meaning that battery power is conserved while supporting such extras as active noise cancellation and Spatial Audio that guzzle power.
- Improved Connectivity: This also enhances the wireless connection for the H2 chip since Bluetooth 5. 3 comes with an improved signal stability and lower power consumption which minimizes the chances of audio dropouts.
- Advanced Noise Cancellation: With the enhanced processing power the H2 chip provides users with better noise cancellation algorithms which ANC in the AirPods 4 takes to its advantage.
In short, thanks to the H2 chip, the AirPods 4 can boast almost the same performance level as the latest models of the company’s TWS earphones and offer customers comfortable listening to music.
Sound Quality: An In-Depth Look
When the AirPods 4 was released, Apple made some pretty lofty promises regarding its sound quality, and going by what we’ve witnessed, luck has delivered on the pledge.
The new acoustic architecture that has been brought to the AirPods 4 means that you get much better sound quality with a much better balance of bass, mid, and high frequencies. The H2 chip in the device means that audio also goes through less processing which means that sound is clear, even when at high volumes.
Since the AirPods Pro 2 will have an in-ear design and cost more and include higher-quality components, consumers will still consider them to be Apple’s flagships for audiophiles The AirPods 4 are the perfect middleman. Appealing though it is when the earbuds are designed in such a way that the tips are visible and/or outside the ears, if your’re an aficionado of good quality sound, then these are some of the best open ear designed earbuds.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is never a consideration when it comes to wireless earbuds and Apple has done an upgrade here as well.
Battery Life Breakdown:
- ANC model of the AirPods 4 provides up to 30 hours total listening time when fixing with the case of charging.
- If ANC is disabled, the battery life is higher, so you get even more hours of playback on the headphones.
Moreover, both ports for wireless charging have been included in both models and other features includes built-in speaker of the ANC model with Find My. This means that if you lost your AirPods it will be easier to find them since it connecting them to the iPhone is as easier as selecting them from a menu.
How AirPods 4 Compare to the Competition
The wireless earbud category is extremely saturated, and there are exceptionally good substitutes from companies such as Sony, Samsung and Bose. In what way does AirPods 4 stand?
- Sony WF-C700N: Another competitor that costs the same is the Sony WF-C700N which has noise cancellation and also gives quality sound. Still, due to its Apple H2 chip as well as compatibility with iOS devices, the AirPods 4 handily on the usability and general functionality front.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 2: More Samsun’s Galaxy Buds but this time, the Galaxy Buds 2 come with ANC and wireless charging. However, the AirPods 4 have it beat in most areas such as Spatial Audio and synchronizing with the Apple products.
Of course there are many more good options available out there and, still, the AirPods 4 are quite hard to beat especially if you are already an Apple user.
AirPods 4 and Personalized Spatial Audio
Among the enhances of the AirPods 4, one should mention Personalized Spatial Audio to provide listeners with a 3D, theater-like listening experience. With this feature, H2 chip is used to track the movement of your head and makes sound adjustment in such a way that it feels as if you are beside the music or audio.
Spatial Audio before was a feature that is available in the AirPods Pro, and now the AirPods 4 also feature Spatial Audio and it is relatively affordable. Spatial Audio can be used while watching a movie or when listening to music in a way that no other wireless earbuds could offer.
Software and Performance Improvements
Apart from hardware enhancements, there are many software improvements implemented in the AirPods 4 that helps to work better and offers a great user experience.
- Bluetooth 5. 3: Bluetooth has advanced to the new direction where connections are more reliable and battery friendly.
- Improved Device Switching: Some people have different Apple devices, be it an iPhone, a MacBook, an iPad or an Apple Watch and the AirPods 4 help you easily transition between them.
- Automatic Volume Adjustment: This means that not only can the AirPods 4 true volume adjust automatically depending on if one is in a noisy street or in a quiet room or a library, one does not have to change it manually.
When blended with H2 chips, these software enhancement makes AirPods 4 among the sophisticated wireless earbuds to be produced.
User Experience: Comfort and Usability
Compared to the sound quality, comfort is critical for the wireless earbuds, and Apple didn’t overlook this by creating the AirPods 4.
A Comfortable Fit for All-Day Wear
Apple’s study into the anatomy of the ear, namely the size and the shape, helped to make the AirPods 4 thinner and lighter. The earbuds are made of lightweight material and fits snugly into the ears thus comfortable to wear for a long period of time. When you are jogging or traveling in a car while listening to music, or making calls during the day, the AirPods 4 provide for comfort.
Conclusion
Apple AirPods 4 are a leap up for the Apple’s non-pro TWS earbuds range: Apple AirPods 4. This is thanks to features like Active Noise Cancellation, the mighy H2 chip, and Personalized Spatial Audio, meaning you get all the features you’d want for a lower price.
If you’re an existing consumer who wants an upgrade, the new AirPods 4 is perfect for you; particularly if you’re coming from a different brand. Superior sound quality, longer battery durations, and numerous intelligent capabilities which provide a perfect listening experience is what the headphones provide.
