Apple’s AirPods 4 feature a hardware upgrade, including two variants: standard and Active Noise Cancellation. The earpods are designed for improved comfort and sound quality, with personalized Spatial Audio and new acoustic design. ANC allows for noise cancellation during music playback and calls, and the case offers 30 hours of battery life.
This year, Apple has given the regular AirPods a lot of attention. In fact, the AirPods 4 are the only pair that receives a significant hardware upgrade. They now come in two variants – standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation.
The new AirPods 4 are touted as the best-sounding non-Pro AirPods to date, and the most comfortable ones too. Apple has used advanced mapping technology to study the ears of a large pool of users and create more comfortable earpods. The company has also implemented a new acoustic design that dramatically improves sound quality.
One of the new features is Personalized Spatial Audio, which is designed to further improve sound quality to individual preferences.
Another key update is the addition of active noise cancellation, previously available only on the AirPods Pro. Active noise cancellation works both ways, silencing surroundings during music playback and calls. This feature comes with additional features like Transparency Mode and Adaptive Audio. Transparency Mode amplifies outside noise for better awareness, while Adaptive Audio adjusts the audio settings based on the environment. For example, if it detects a conversation, it will reduce music volume and focus on the conversation.
The AirPods 4 case has also been redesigned and is now the lightest and most portable one yet. With this case, the buds can play continuously for 30 hours, without compromising battery life. The case features a small speaker to locate the AirPods easily, as well as a USB-C connector for wired charging. The AirPods can now be charged both wirelessly and with a wired connection.
The standard AirPods 4 will retail for $129, while the ANC version will cost $179. Pre-orders start today, with shipments beginning on September 20.
