Apple’s AirPods are some of my favourite Apple products. I never leave home without them and if I do, I’d almost always go back for them. For day-to-day, it’s the Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) that I’d pick, while for travelling, the AirPods Max are second to none for me.
Imagine my delight then, when Apple not only announced two new models of in-ear AirPods in the AirPods 4, but it also refreshed the AirPods Max colours and added, wait for it, USB-C. There have been some software enhancements to the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) too, which will add some extra features. I tried the new AirPods 4 out in a demo area after the 9 September Glowtime event, and I’ve seen the new AirPods Max colours too. Here’s everything you need to know, and my first impressions.
Apple AirPods 4: What you need to know
The AirPods 4 come in two models and while that is a little confusing, those two models replace the AirPods 2nd generation that launched in 2019, and the AirPods 3rd generation that came out in 2021. One of the AirPods 4 models has active noise cancellation and the same microphones as the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C), while the other one doesn’t have ANC and it offers different microphones.
IMAGE CREDIT: THE DISCONNEKT
Otherwise, the sound architecture is the same across the two AirPods 4 models. They both offer the H2 chip, which is particularly important because that chip allows for a range of features, including Conversation Awareness mode and Adaptive Audio, matching the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C). Those extra features extend to the new Siri Interactions that will arrive with iOS 18, allowing you to nod to say yes and shake your head to say no, along with Voice Isolation for clearer calls in busy environments.
Apple has described the AirPods 4 as the most comfortable AirPods ever, and when I put them in my ears, they were comfortable and didn’t show any signs of slipping out. They weren’t as snug as AirPods Pro 2 but that’s to be expected given they don’t have silicone tips to create a seal. I loved the AirPods 3rd generation and my first impressions would have me say the AirPods 4 are more comfortable than those but I’ll need to test them properly to be sure.
IMAGE CREDIT: THE DISCONNEKT
They have been redesigned compared to the AirPods 3rd generation, though they have a closer resemblance to those than the originals. It means the longer stems of the original AirPods have officially been phased out with these models so no more toothbrush heads.
Sound quality is said to have improved over AirPods 3rd generation too. There’s claimed to be richer bass and more detailed high frequencies but while I popped these in my ears during the Apple event, that’s a tricky thing to test in that short amount of time and in such a busy environment. The active noise cancellation was impressive based on what I heard though, especially given how noisy the environment was.
Like the AirPods 3rd generation, the AirPods 4 have sensors on the stems to allow for controls like play and pause, and switching between the various noise modes but there’s no volume control like the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C).
IMAGE CREDIT: THE DISCONNEKT
When it comes to the AirPods 4 case, it’s much smaller than previous AirPods cases, and there are a few differences too. There’s no button on the back anymore and the LED light on the front only appears when the case is open. The standard AirPods 4 without ANC don’t have a speaker on board the case and the case is not wireless charging compatible either, but the ANC model does have a wireless charging case and a speaker, allowing them to be located easier through Find My. Both AirPods 4 cases are compatible with the Apple Watch chargers now, which is a welcome change.
AirPods Max colours
AirPods Max were updated with new colours, with Blue, Purple, Orange, Midnight and Starlight replacing the previously bold and colourful range. What was interesting about AirPods Max however, is that while USB-C was added to comply with EU regulations, they don’t get the extra features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness mode or the new Siri Interactions.
IMAGE CREDIT: THE DISCONNEKT
This is because they have the H1 chip having launched initially in 2020 and those features need the H2 chip. It’s not clear why Apple chose not to upgrade the chip in the AirPods Max at the same time as introducing USB-C given they are the most expensive AirPods in the range and they now have the least amount of features, but there we go.
AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) new features
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) didn’t get an upgrade in terms of design either – not all that surprising seeing as they were only updated last year, but some extra software features were announced for them.
These include the ability to take a hearing test on your iPhone and consequently set them up as hearing aids. There is also an active Hearing Protection feature coming, though it will vary by region as to what that will offer.
The hearing test involves tapping the screen on your iPhone when you hear the tones emitted during the test. Of course there’s more to it than that, but the general gist is that this is designed to be a simple and easy test, offering simple results that are quick and easy to understand. If your specific results are mild to moderate hearing loss, you will get prompted to set up the Hearing Aid feature. This too will be region dependant however.
AirPods 4 pricing and availability
The AirPods 4 are available to pre-order now and they will hit stores on 20 September like the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10 models. The AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation start at £129 / $129. The AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation start at £179 / $179.
The AirPods Max in the new colours will also be available from 20 September and they cost £549 / $549.
