AirPods 4: Everything You Need to Know

Alongside the new generation of iPhones and Apple Watch, Apple also announced the latest version of regular AirPods - the AirPods 4. While the iPhone 16 Pro is taking over the headlines, it’s the AirPods 4 that has received the most useful updates. Here’s everything you need to know about the AirPods 4. 

Design improvements

AirPods 4 bring an entirely new design based on data generated by mapping and analyzing thousands of ear-shapes. According to Apple, the new AirPods 4 should fit people comfortably and stay in place even during high-intensity movements. 

I also love that the pressure-sensitive tips to control music playback and active noise cancellation come to the regular AirPods - no more hitting the side of your AirPods to pause your music or mute or end calls. 

AirPods 4 also get a USB-C charging port, making the one-cable charging dream almost possible. If only the Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard also get the new update. The case is also smaller, making it the smallest AirPods case yet. Despite the small case design, Apple says AirPods 4 will deliver the same 30 hours of battery life.

The new case also supports wireless charging and you can use any Qi-certified charger or the Apple Watch charging puck to charge the AirPods 4. Like the AirPods Pro 2, the new AirPods 4 case has built-in speakers for FindMy.

The new H2 chipset

AirPods 4 also get the latest Apple H2 chipset - the same chipset powering the pricier AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max. The chipset allows the new AirPods 4 to improve the sound quality with a richer base and crystal-clear highs. To achieve better audio output, Apple has improved the acoustic architecture of the AirPods.

The H2 chipset also allows Apple to bring the advanced audio features previously restricted to AirPods Pro and Max. Users can now enjoy Personalized Spatial Audio that mimics a surround sound experience. If you have not tried this feature, trust me it’s an experience. 

Users will also get a better calling experience thanks to features like Voice Isolation, which removes background noise. The Voice Isolation feature is quite handy, and I use it daily on my AirPods Pro 2. AirPods 4 also get the new shake head to decline or accept call feature. 

Active noise cancellation

AirPods 4 also get a second model that finally brings active noise cancellation to the open-ear design. I know several Apple users who don’t like the feel of silicon tips inside their ears and have stuck to the regular AirPods model, even though they want the active noise cancellation feature. 

With this update, such users no longer have to choose between comfort and features. Made possible by upgraded microphones and the new H2 chipset - active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and adaptive audio features have come to AirPods 4.

AirPods 4 also get the Conversation Awareness feature that automatically lowers the media volume when it detects you talking with someone. The feature works exceptionally well, and I love it on my AirPods Pro 2. 

Pricing

As mentioned, you can buy the AirPods 4 in two models. The basic model comes at the usual $129 price tag, while the new Active Noise Cancellation model costs $179.

Final thoughts

I love the new updates to the regular AirPods lineup. You no longer need to shell out $249 to get the active noise cancellation feature. It’s also a boon to users who don’t like the silicon tips design. 

What do you think of the new AirPods 4? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.