Unlike the MacBook and iPhone family of devices, a yearly AirPods refresh is never a given. The earbuds have been around almost as long as the Apple Watch, though it can be difficult to tell with only three generations of baseline models under their belt – until now.
Making its debut at the “Glowtime” event held on 9/10 September, the Apple AirPods 4 lineup includes an entry-level model and an active voice cancellation (ANC) option, featuring a revamped open design, wireless charging, and a built-in speaker on the case for Find My functionality. Both devices are powered by Apple’s more advanced H2 chip and boast spatial audio, improved acoustics, a USB-C charging port, and 30 hours of battery life.
The charging case is also smaller and more compact, with users able to shake or nod their head to answer or decline a call while using the newest AirPods. Additionally, Voice Isolation will automatically remove background noise, allowing for clearer communication when iOS 18 rolls around.
Alongside ANC capabilities, the step up model packs a handful of new features from the AirPods Pro, such as Conversation Awareness and Transparency Mode. It demands a higher price, coming in at US$179 as opposed to US$129 for the base iteration. Available from 20 September, the AirPods 4 is joined by a long-awaited update to the AirPods Max, which will retail for US$549 with a USB-C port. New colour options include Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight.
Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 2 is set to introduce a suite of hearing health-focused features. Users can expect Hearing Protection to be turned on by default across all listening modes, a scientifically validated Hearing Test, and an over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability, with the latter two rolling out this fall as part of the iOS 18 update.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
HSALS
