In 2016, Apple launched the AirPods, marking its entry into the world of wireless earbuds. As with many of its products, Apple managed to turn the AirPods into a stylish symbol for music lovers. Now, eight years later, the tech giant introduced the fourth generation of AirPods.
The AirPods 4 hit the market at a similar price to the previous model. The design hasn’t changed much, and as anticipated, the new earbuds bring in several features from the latest AirPods Pro 2.
Apple rolled out its latest standard AirPods 4 alongside the iPhone 16 series on September 9, 2024.
Before this, the tech giant released previous versions in 2016, 2019, and 2021, so it was definitely time for the next generation to make an appearance.
Customers can now order the AirPods 4 through the Apple Store and the Apple Store app in the US and more than 58 other countries and regions. The official release date was Friday, September 20.
Device
Release date
AirPods (4th generation)
September 9, 2024
AirPods (3rd generation)
October 26, 2021
AirPods (2nd generation)
March 20, 2019
AirPods (1st generation)
December 13, 2016
AirPods 4 price
The AirPods 4 follow a similar pricing strategy to the previous AirPods 2 and AirPods 3. We have a dual-tiered pricing structure, with a budget-friendly option and a higher-priced variant:
Basic AirPods 4 is $129
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is $179
AirPods 4 design
The AirPods 4 promises to offer improved fit and comfort. | Image credit – Apple
When it comes to design, the AirPods 4 doesn’t show many significant changes from the AirPods 3, at least on the outside. However, the new open-ear earbuds are crafted using an impressive data set that employs advanced modeling tools like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography.
Apple says that this technology maps and analyzes thousands of ear shapes, totaling over 50 million individual data points. This process has fine-tuned the design to create the most comfortable AirPods yet, with a shape that fits an even wider range of users around the globe.
Additionally, the charging case has been reduced in size, now more than 10 percent smaller in volume compared to the previous model.
AirPods 4 hardware and specs
A lot of the upgrades in the third-generation AirPods drew inspiration from the first-generation AirPods Pro. So, it is no surprise that the fourth-generation AirPods are influenced by the second-generation AirPods Pro.
How exactly? For example, the new AirPods 4 adopts a key feature from the second-gen AirPods Pro: the H2 chip. The H2 chip makes pairing faster and helps make device swapping easier.
Additionally, the AirPods 4 introduces a completely new acoustic architecture, featuring a low-distortion driver and a high dynamic range amplifier, along with Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking for a truly immersive media experience.
With the H2 chip, the AirPods 4 also unlocks smart audio experiences like Voice Isolation for clearer call quality in any environment and Siri Interactions, which let users respond to Siri announcements with a simple nod or shake of the head.
For added convenience, the AirPods 4 also includes a new force sensor on the stem, allowing you to play or pause media and mute or end calls with just a quick press.
But that is not all, as for the first time, the pricier AirPods 4 model brings Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to an open-ear design. With enhanced microphones, the powerful H2 chip, and advanced computational audio, these AirPods cut down on background noise like airplane engines and city traffic.
AirPods 4 brings Active Noise Cancellation to an open-ear design. | Image credit – Apple
Plus, Apple introduced some smart features previously reserved for the Pro models like:
Transparency mode: Keeps you in the loop with your surroundings
Adaptive Audio: Adjusts between Transparency and ANC depending on what's happening around you
Conversation Awareness: Lowers the volume when you start talking to someone nearby
AirPods 4 battery and charging
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation can be charged using a USB-C cable, a Qi-certified charger, or even an Apple Watch charger. | Image credit – Apple
The AirPods 4 now come equipped with a USB-C port. Just like the latest AirPods Pro, which can be charged with an Apple Watch charger, the more premium AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation also supports this convenient charging method. Plus, the model with ANC can also be charged with a Qi-certified charger.
The new AirPods 4 promises to deliver up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge.
AirPods 4 review
Our AirPods 4 review is already here:
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC review: the most OK sounding buds: we review the fourth generation regular Apple AirPods. With the 4th gen, the base AirPods come in two versions – with ANC and without. We tested the ANC model and while the noise cancellation isn't quite as strong as what you'd get with in-ear buds, it is still surprisingly effective.
Overall, the AirPods 4 may not satisfy audiophiles, but they hold their own in terms of sound quality. Plus, they are incredibly convenient for users with multiple Apple devices, making them a solid choice if you are already in the Apple ecosystem.
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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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