Apple Introduces AirPods 4 Featuring ANC, While AirPods Max Update Falls Short of Expectations.
In the recent Apple event, the tech giant discontinued the second and third generation AirPods and unveiled two new models of AirPods 4. These new models feature an open-ear design, departing from the in-ear design of the Pro 2, the flagship model of the company. The updated cases now come with a USB-C port instead of the previous Lightning port to adhere to the universal charging standard.
The Features of the High-end AirPods 4
The premium AirPods 4 are priced at $180, while the base model is available for $130. Both variants are currently open for pre-orders and are scheduled to be released on September 20. The key features that set apart the $180 high-end AirPods 4 from the basic model include active noise cancellation (ANC) and a deluxe charging case. These are Apple’s first open-ear headphones to offer ANC, along with a transparency mode and adaptive audio capabilities that automatically adjust the sound based on the surroundings. Additionally, they come with conversation awareness, reducing the music volume when detecting a conversation.
The charging case for the premium version supports the “Find My” feature and includes a built-in speaker for alerts when misplaced. It is also wireless, enabling compatibility with Apple Watch and Qi-certified chargers for recharging.
Features of the Low-End AirPods 4
The lower-priced AirPods 4 also feature an open-ear design but lack ANC. They are equipped with the same H2 chip found in the premium model, along with the two-year-old AirPods Pro 2, indicating no significant performance improvement. However, Apple claims that the audio quality of the entire new AirPods series has seen a substantial enhancement. To conform with EU regulations, these headphones now support USB-C charging.
The over-ear headphones, which are four years old, have not undergone significant updates. New color options (Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight) have been introduced, in addition to the switch to USB-C charging. Priced at $550, they are available for pre-order and will be released on September 20.
