Apple AirPods 4: New design and ANC for the open in-ears

Apple is retiring the AirPods 2 from 2019 and the AirPods 3 from 2021. This will be replaced by a new fourth generation of AirPods, which will feature two models and largely adopt the design of the AirPods 3, but inherit some features from the AirPods Pro.

New design for both models

Apple looked at thousands of ear shapes and then came up with “Millions of records“To create a new shape for the AirPods 4 that should feel even more comfortable. Apple continues to focus on an open listening experience, i.e. dispenses with the silicone ear tips known from the AirPods Pro. The design also largely corresponds to the previous look of the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3. Both get the well-known pen, which allows music to be controlled via a pressure sensor.

AirPods 4 without ANC

As expected, Apple is launching the AirPods 4 in two versions. The first model replaces the old AirPods 2 and thus makes the biggest leap, as Apple only uses the H2 chip previously known from the AirPods Pro, thus providing better sound and now also enabling Personalized Spatial Audio on the affordable AirPods. In addition, the AirPods 4 without ANC will support the new iOS 18 functions for Siri such as nodding. Compared to the second generation AirPods, the battery life per charge remains the same at 5 hours.

The charging case has also been redesigned and now features USB-C on both models and is said to offer a battery life of up to 30 hours.

AirPods 4 with ANC

The second model of the AirPods 4 will then also receive support for active noise cancellation (ANC), giving it a function that was previously reserved for the Pro models AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. The design remains open, as with the AirPods 4 without ANC, and Apple is daring to use the concept of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live (test), which also combined ANC and an open design without ear tips. Nevertheless, the noise cancellation should be on the level of the first generation AirPods Pro.

In addition to noise cancellation, the AirPods 4 with ANC also have transparency mode and, thanks to the H2 chip, adaptive mode, which automatically turns the ANC up or down depending on the noise level. Conversation detection is also included, which automatically turns transparency mode on when conversations are detected. Compared to the third generation AirPods, the battery life drops by one hour to 5 hours.

The case of the AirPods 4 with ANC also has an integration into “Find My?” like the Pro and can be pinged via iPhone. Apple Watch chargers are also supported again, as are Qi chargers, so that the case can also be charged wirelessly. However, there is no trace of MagSafe compared to the third generation AirPods.

Both models will be available from September 20th and can already be pre-ordered directly from Apple. The AirPods 4 without ANC are available for 149.00 euros and the AirPods 4 with ANC for 199.00 euros.