Airpods 4 introduced: Two models, same name – with addition

In addition to the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10, Apple also expanded its Airpods range this evening.

As previously rumored, Apple is separating the regular Airpods into two different models. Against According to rumors, Apple is not calling the two Airpods 4 and Airpods SE or Airpods Lite, but rather according to their function: “Airpods 4” and “Airpods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation”. That will please editors around the world – and Apple, when everyone starts writing simply “Airpods with ANC”. The two new models replace the Airpods 3 and the Airpods 2, which Apple considers to be the cheapest model. very long has kept in the range.

Airpods 4 – what’s new

design

Overall, the Airpods 4 look very similar to the Airpods 3, although Apple claims to have reworked the design slightly to make them more still more ears. In both cases, these are still open-ear headphones, i.e. headphones that are not inserted into the ear canal, of which the Airpods Pro 2 are an example.

New is the Sensor on the handlewhich the Airpods 4 take over from the Airpods Pro 2. Apple is thus expanding the controls on the normal Airpods to include the same functions that previously only the Airpods Pro 2 had – including volume control on the headphones themselves.

What makes the Airpods 4 with ANC technically extremely interesting is the combination of open-ear design and ANC. Until now, this function was only correct This is reserved for in-ear headphones that are inserted into the ear canal with silicone or foam plugs. We are excited to see how well this works.

The biggest change to the case is the USB-C connector, which replaces the Lightning connector on the old Airpods. Both the Airpods 4 and the case are rated IP54, making them dust and water resistant for a certain period of time. You shouldn't go swimming with them, but falling into the pool with Airpods in your pocket isn't that bad.

Under the hood

Under the hood, Apple gives the Airpods 4 the H2 audio chipwhich is also already used in the Airpods Pro 2. In addition, the Overall sound has been significantly improved Its – “with a completely acoustic architecture, a low-distortion driver and an amplifier with a wide dynamic range,” says the press release. How this will work in practice remains to be seen.

Whether thanks to a larger battery or a more efficient chip – the Airpods 4 are said to be total up to 30 hours last, at least with ANC switched off. If you switch off the active noise cancellation, the battery life drops to “up to 20 hours“The headphones themselves are said to last up to 5 hours at once hold out, 4 hours with ANC on.

The two Airpods versions come with different cases: the Normal Airpods 4 can only be charged via USB-C that the Airpods 4 with ANC also wireless – Qi2 compatible – and, like the Airpods Pro 2, it also has a Speaker for the search function of “Where is?”

software

The biggest difference between the two models is undoubtedly active noise cancellation. Some have it – the Airpods 4 with active noise cancellation – and others don't – the Airpods 4.

While the normal Airpods 4 are the direct successors to the Airpods 3, the Airpods 4 with ANC are positioned between the normal Airpods 4 and the Airpods Pro 2. They probably take over the most important functions of their more expensive siblings: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and the Transparency modethe case receives Support for the “Where is?” network.

In addition, both models support personalized 3D audio with dynamic head tracking.

Price & Availability

Two models, two prices: the Airpods 4 cost 149 euroswas still well above the average price of comparable mid-range wireless headphones.

Die Airpods 4 with ANC, on the other hand, cost 199 eurosSo only 50 euros more than the ones without and 80 euros less than the Airpods Pro 2, with a similar range of functions – at least for those that are relevant to the general public. This makes them popular beyond the Apple cosmos, although we will certainly have to wait for tests.

Pre-orders for both models begin today, and they will go on sale alongside the iPhones on September 20.

You can find all information about the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max in our other article: “iPhone 16 Pro introduced: This is what Apple’s new top smartphone offers”.