Apple’s wireless Bluetooth earphones, “AirPods,” have become an essential accessory for many people. Offering the freedom from cables while still enjoying music and staying connected through calls, AirPods are among the best-selling Bluetooth earphones.
As is customary, Apple updates its AirPods lineup every two years. If Apple intends to continue this trend, the fourth-generation AirPods must debut at the upcoming September 2024 event. Media reports suggest that Apple plans to launch two versions of the AirPods for the first time, possibly featuring active noise cancellation, a feature previously exclusive to the AirPods Pro series. The new charging case will support the “Find My” feature and include a speaker, enhancing both convenience and sound quality.
After launching the new AirPods 4, Apple plans to discontinue and remove the second and third-generation AirPods from its lineup. This move aims to prevent consumer confusion and discourage choosing older, less expensive models.
Design and Features of AirPods 4
According to a report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the AirPods 4 will be available in two versions: a basic model and a higher-priced model. The basic model will replace the AirPods 2, while the higher-priced model will phase out the AirPods 3. Additionally, the premium version is likely to feature active noise cancellation and wireless charging, which the entry-level version will not have. The two versions are also expected to feature some design differences.
Brand new design
The new AirPods 4 will also feature a redesigned appearance, resembling a blend between the AirPods and AirPods Pro. The design will feature shorter stems and an improved fit for the earbuds.
Equipped with the H2 chip
The new AirPods 4 will also feature the H2 chip, which currently powers the second-generation AirPods Pro. In contrast, the second and third-generation AirPods still use the H1 chip.
Apple has stated that the new H2 chip enhances features such as “Active Noise Cancellation,” “Transparency Mode,” and “Personalized Spatial Audio,” providing smarter noise cancellation, 3D spatial sound, and improved battery life with lower power consumption. The AirPods 4 will also include these advancements.
The AirPods 4 will feature a USB-C charging port
Apple will redesign the charging case, replacing the Lightning port with a USB Type-C charging interface.
The AirPods 4 will support charging with an Apple Watch charger
With the new charging case design, it will also support charging with an Apple Watch charger for the AirPods case. Additionally, it will still be compatible with MagSafe chargers, Qi wireless charging, and USB-C charging cables.
Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity technology
With Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity technology, the AirPods 4 will offer faster pairing and lower power consumption. Most Apple products already support Bluetooth 5.3, indicating that the AirPods 4 will also benefit from this upgrade. Bluetooth 5.3 provides faster and more reliable connections with Bluetooth accessories, as well as improved power efficiency, which can extend battery life.
Supports Find My AirPods
The MagSafe charging case will include a speaker to support the “Find My” feature. With an iPhone equipped with the U1 chip, you can use the Find My app to determine the location. The app will provide distance, directional, and height information, and even indicate if the AirPods are on a different floor.
Equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Apple plans to include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in the high-end AirPods 4, expanding the feature beyond just the AirPods Pro models. The main goal is to offer users noise-cancellation capabilities at a more affordable price.
Looking at the feature layout of AirPods products, this suggests that from 2024 onwards, active noise cancellation will become a standard feature. Apple will use health monitoring features to differentiate the Pro models.
AirPods will become an over-the-counter alternative to hearing aids
In addition, Apple plans to introduce hearing aid functionalities with the AirPods 4. Apple sees significant potential in the hearing assistance market and has yet to release detailed information officially. Currently, the AirPods Pro 2 includes a “Conversation Boost” feature, which enhances human voices and helps users with hearing difficulties receive clearer sound.
The force sensor supports swiping
Apple plans to add support for the swipe-to-adjust volume feature from the AirPods Pro force sensor to the AirPods. To increase or decrease the volume, simply swipe up or down on the touch area of either AirPod stem with your index finger.
Longer battery life
The H2 chip offers greater energy efficiency compared to the H1 chip. In the AirPods Pro models, the combination of the H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3 improves listening time with Active Noise Cancellation by about an hour and a half compared to the previous generation. This suggests that the AirPods 4’s battery life will also increase from 5 hours to approximately 6.5 hours.
Estimated price of the AirPods 4
Apple aims to release two versions of the AirPods 4 to replace the existing AirPods 3 and AirPods 2 models. There is also the possibility of retaining the AirPods 2, which would expand the AirPods product line to four models.
The AirPods 4 is expected to start at $129 for the basic model, making it more affordable than the AirPods 3. We anticipate pricing the advanced model around $209, making it more accessible than the AirPods Pro 2 and creating a clearer differentiation in the product lineup.
Here are the estimated prices:
- AirPods 2: $90
- AirPods 4 (basic model): $175 (estimated)
- AirPods 4 (advanced model): $203 (estimated)
- AirPods Pro 2: $234.50
Rumors about the AirPods 4 have generated significant discussion, with many Apple fans hoping that the AirPods 4 will continue the semi-in-ear design of the AirPods 3. They believe that the in-ear design with ear tips, like that of the AirPods Pro 2, can be quite uncomfortable to wear. “I hope that when they release the AirPods 4, they won’t have any rubber tips.”
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