AirPods 4: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
Apple once again leads in innovations in technology, to be showcased with a bang on September 9, 2024, during the launching of the much-anticipated AirPods 4. This, of course, is because it will also launch side by side with the new iPhone 16 series and with the new Apple Watch Series 10.
Two models are going to be launched during this long-expected launch, which will not only show tremendous and outstanding changes in their design but also carry an immense number of feature enhancements from the previous series. For Apple, it is nothing else but one great leap compared to its very good set of wireless earbuds. It will continue to be at the forefront of offering state-of-the-art technology in audio sound.
New Design, New Fit
New Design and Fit
Both AirPods 4 models run with design languages extracted from the best of both AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, and it offers the user a sleeker form factor with much shorter stems. Neither will include replaceable ear tips like the Pros didRealme 13 Plus 5G Full Review: An In-Depth Look at Performance, Camera, and More, but each has been custom-designed to be more comfortable to wear and stay snug in the ear. That innovative design alone could supposedly allow for better compatibility with different ear sizes and shapes, thus providing a high degree of wearability even in a whole-day scenario.
Two Different Models: Common Functions and Differentiating Features
Two Models: Features and Differentiation
The upcoming AirPods 4 will also be released in two variants.
Standard Model:
A newly designed model is said to take the place of AirPods 2. It is going to be priced even cheaper, though having only highly necessary features like USB-C charging but losing most of those luxury features, including ANC, which would make it fitting for someone who just wants a solution with no expensive wireless earbuds.
Premium model:
It features active noise control, transparency mode, and a MagSafe case with speaker to enable further abilities with Find My. Chances are this one will also pack in Apple’s H2 chip for features like Adaptive Audio, personalized Spatial Audio, and gesture controls such as nodding to engage with Siri. Both models will allegedly use voice isolation technology in which case it should make the call quality better due to background noise filtered out.
USB-C and Improved Charging Capabilities
Perhaps the most obvious change introduced, and quite significant, is the shift to USB-C charging, as Apple actively solicits development in moving away from their traditionally used Lightning connector for this long. This will significantly make the experience of charging extremely versatile for the end-user, because they would charge their AirPods 4 with the very same cables they generally use for their iPhone or MacBook devices. The case also gets fitted with a MagSafe case with wireless charging support, further enhancing the Find My tracking by having a speaker that is designed to deliver more accurate sound alerts to the user.
Performance and battery life
Yet, even though the final state of the official battery specs is not out, there are still rumors milling around that speak of a battery performance roughly the same as past generations. One, of course, is able to have up to 30 hours in total combined use if considering the charging case here. This strong performance would be good enough to meet what other premium models such as the AirPods Pro 2 have offered with largely adequate listening duration for most users.
Product Price and Product Availability
The base AirPods 4 model will be priced starting at $129, while the price for the higher-line premium model will be about $179. It will come with many additional features, including ANC and MagSafe. The other offers are bound to have every model released from the 20th of September 2024, leaving them quite reachable when they hit the market.
Final Thoughts
In fact, this makes the AirPods 4 quite balanced in appeal for those who would like to enjoy premium audio without entering the AirPods Pro series. Practical updates in design, fit, and functionality have been made with this earbud, which will be equally appealing across a wide range of tastes. Each day, user, or sound enthusiast appreciates almost the right mix of performance and price that this latest version offers.
Should you buy it?
Sure, if you want inexpensive earbuds that get the job done—running your errands for you, perhaps—then the plain-jane version of the AirPods 4 surely will not disappoint. But for those functionalities that are more advanced, like active noise cancellation or seamless incorporation with the Find My application, the high-end model indeed provides such value and quality that the price difference doesn’t seem too big of a deal.
