Apple Introduces New AirPods 4 Models, Refreshes AirPods Max With USB-C

At the event we were told that AirPods 4 has benefitted from a data set utilising advanced modelling tools, such as 3D photogrammetry and laser topography. Using this, Apple could map and analyse thousands of ear shapes for the new design. With over 50 million individual data points in total, the new design is supposed to deliver an even more comfortable wearing experience that will fit even more people.

The earbuds also support Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and boast an entirely new acoustic architecture, low-distortion driver and high dynamic range amplifier. The H2 chip from the AirPods Pro 2 comes to the AirPods 4, allowing new software features like Voice Isolation for clearer call quality and Siri Interactions and enabling you to nod or shake your head to respond to announcements.

Apple claims the new H2 chip supports 16-bit, 48kHz audio for better voice quality when gaming. In addition to that, the force sensor also comes to the AirPods 4, allowing for pressure-based squeeze controls similar to the AirPods Pro models.

The AirPods 4 charging case joins the latest iPhone ranges and now uses a USB-C charging port, giving the buds a total of 30 hours of battery life.

There's a separate AirPods 4 with ANC model that adds active noise cancellation (ANC) to the open-ear design of the AirPods. It will certainly be interesting to see how effectively the earbuds can cancel out noise, considering the fact that an open-ear design doesn't lend itself very well to effective noise cancellation due to the lack of seal and passive isolation.

Other nice features come along with this model by virtue of having ANC, such as Apple's Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Another exclusive feature of the AirPods 4 with ANC is that the charging case for this model will support wireless charging either with an Apple Watch charger or another compatible Qi-certified charger.

If you're an AirPods Pro 2 user or considering purchasing them, there was no hardware update to that model, but significant software updates are coming our way. While not FDA-approved just yet, Apple is introducing a new feature that will allow the AirPods Pro 2 to be used as a "clinical-grade" hearing aid.

Based on results from an included hearing test, the feature is supposed to boost specific sounds, such as voices or parts of the environment, at individual frequencies. There's also a Media Assist feature, which can help boost speech on phone calls or instruments within music if needed.

This feature is planned to launch later this year via a software update in over 100 countries.

AIRPODS MAX REFRESH

Meanwhile, the over-head AirPods Max headphones have been given a slight refresh thanks to the introduction of a bunch of new colours and a more welcome addition in the form of a USB-C charging port.

There's no other change internally, meaning new users should still get that excellent build quality, sound quality and ANC performance that the first AirPods Max headphones offered.

The AirPods 4 retails at $129 USD, while the AirPods 4 with ANC goes for $179 USD, with both models available starting 20 September 2024.

The AirPods Max with USB-C charging retails at $549 USD and will also be available from 20 September 2024.