AirPods 4: The Evolution of Sound on the Go

Apple has introduced a refreshed lineup of AirPods, including the all-new design for AirPods 4, a fresh set of colors for AirPods Max, and innovative hearing-focused features for AirPods Pro 2.

The Apple Watch Series 10 also comes in both aluminum and titanium finishes, each available in a range of eye-catching colors. The jet black polished aluminum finish stands out with its sleek, reflective look, while the titanium options—available in natural, gold, and slate—offer a luxurious, jewelry-like shine.

AirPods 4 are now the most advanced and comfortable headphones Apple has ever made, featuring an open-ear design and two models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The AirPods Max lineup now includes new colors like midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange, and supports USB-C charging for added convenience. Additionally, this fall, AirPods Pro 2 will introduce a world-first, end-to-end hearing health experience, offering active Hearing Protection, a scientifically validated Hearing Test, and a clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature.

Starting today, AirPods 4 and AirPods Max will be available for pre-order, with in-store availability beginning Friday, September 20. The new hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 will roll out this fall in more than 100 countries and regions.

“With AirPods 4, customers can enjoy Active Noise Cancellation and the most advanced audio experience in an open-ear design,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “And with a groundbreaking update to AirPods Pro, we're bringing revolutionary hearing capabilities, like Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features, to over a billion people affected by hearing loss.”

AirPods 4: A New Era in Design 

With superior sound quality, up to 24-hour battery life with the charging case, and the iconic design, the original AirPods set the standard for wireless convenience and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Now, AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC elevate that experience further, offering a redesigned fit and powerful new features.

 AirPods 4 are the most advanced and comfortable headphones Apple has ever created with an open-ear design.

The new AirPods 4 represent Apple's most advanced open-ear headphones to date, setting a new standard for comfort and fit. Using cutting-edge modeling techniques like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography, Apple analyzed thousands of ear shapes and over 50 million individual data points to create a design that comfortably fits a wider range of users worldwide. This meticulous process has resulted in AirPods 4 offering the most comfortable fit yet, with a single design that feels natural for more people.

In addition to enhanced comfort, AirPods 4 deliver a significant boost in sound quality. They feature an entirely new acoustic architecture, a low-distortion driver, and a high dynamic range amplifier, all of which contribute to an exceptional audio experience. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking further enhances immersion, adapting to the user’s movements for an even richer soundscape.

Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods 4 offer intelligent audio capabilities unique to Apple silicon. Features like Voice Isolation improve call clarity, even in noisy environments, while Siri Interactions allow users to simply nod their head for "yes" or shake their head for "no" in response to Siri prompts. For greater control, AirPods 4 include a new force sensor on the stem, allowing users to pause or play media, and mute or end calls with a quick press.

The H2 chip also enhances the gaming experience, offering low wireless audio latency and excellent voice quality for in-game communication. AirPods 4 support 16-bit, 48kHz audio, ensuring crisp sound during gameplay and communication with teammates.

The new AirPods 4 charging case is now more compact, offering over 10% reduction in size compared to its predecessor while still delivering up to 30 hours of battery life. The case now features USB-C charging for added convenience, and customers can also charge it using an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-certified charger. At just 50mm wide, the case is the smallest in the industry to support wireless charging, making it incredibly portable.

AirPods 4 also bring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to an open-ear design for the first time. With enhanced microphones, the H2 chip, and advanced computational audio, AirPods 4 with ANC effectively reduce ambient noise from sources like airplane engines or city traffic. The combination of hardware and software provides a natural, immersive listening experience.

In addition to ANC, AirPods 4 introduce intelligent features such as Transparency mode, which allows users to stay aware of their surroundings, and Adaptive Audio, which dynamically adjusts between Transparency mode and ANC based on the user's environment. Conversation Awareness is another new feature, automatically lowering media volume when the user starts talking to someone nearby, creating a seamless transition between personal audio and real-world interactions.

AirPods Max Get Five New Colors

 AirPods Max now come in five striking new colors: midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple, allowing users to choose a style that complements other Apple devices like Mac and iPad. Along with these vibrant finishes, AirPods Max have been upgraded with USB-C charging, offering greater convenience for charging at home or while on the go. This update aligns with Apple's broader shift toward universal charging, making it easier to keep your devices powered with a single cable.

AirPods Pro 2 Introduce the World’s First All-in-One Hearing Health Experience

According to the World Health Organization, around 1.5 billion people globally are affected by hearing loss. Building on its long-standing commitment to hearing health, Apple has developed a comprehensive solution that addresses prevention, awareness, and support. This initiative expands upon previous innovations like the Noise app on Apple Watch, monitoring of headphone audio levels with iPhone, various hearing accessibility features, and the Apple Hearing Study, creating an end-to-end experience for users to manage and protect their hearing health.

Prevention

The Apple Hearing Study reveals that one in three people are regularly exposed to high environmental noise levels that can harm their hearing. Everyday activities such as commuting on the subway, mowing the lawn, or attending sports events can contribute to this risk. To address this, AirPods Pro now include Hearing Protection, designed to help users avoid excessive noise exposure while maintaining the quality of their audio experience. The ear tips offer passive noise reduction, while the H2 chip actively reduces louder, intermittent noises at a rate of 48,000 times per second. This feature is enabled by default across all listening modes, making it beneficial in various loud environments. Additionally, with an advanced multiband high dynamic range algorithm, sounds at live events like concerts remain natural and vibrant, ensuring users can fully enjoy their experiences without compromising their hearing.

Awareness

Apple is introducing a scientifically validated Hearing Test feature with AirPods Pro, compatible with iPhone or iPad, allowing users to quickly and conveniently check their hearing from home in just minutes. The test uses pure-tone audiometry, a standard clinical method, combined with advanced acoustic technology to offer an interactive and straightforward experience. After completing the test, users receive a clear summary of their results in a personalized hearing profile, which is securely stored in their Health app. This profile can also be shared with healthcare providers to facilitate more informed discussions about hearing health.

Assistance

 “Hearing health is a crucial aspect of overall wellness, yet it is frequently neglected. According to the Apple Hearing Study, a remarkable 75 percent of individuals with diagnosed hearing loss do not seek treatment,” stated Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s Vice President of Health. “We are excited to introduce groundbreaking software features with AirPods Pro that prioritize hearing health, offering innovative methods for testing and managing hearing loss.”

AirPods Pro now include a pioneering over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Leveraging the personalized hearing profile generated by the Hearing Test, this new feature converts AirPods Pro into a clinical-grade hearing aid. Once configured, it provides real-time dynamic adjustments to enhance surrounding sounds, aiding users in conversations and maintaining their connection with their environment. The high audio quality of AirPods Pro ensures that this personalized hearing profile is automatically applied to music, movies, games, and phone calls across all devices without requiring manual adjustments. This software-based Hearing Aid feature offers a highly customizable experience at an accessible price. Users can also set up the Hearing Aid with an audiogram from a hearing health professional. Both the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are based on rigorous scientific research and are anticipated to receive approval from global health authorities soon. They will be available this fall in over 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, and Japan.

After completing the Hearing Test, users can utilize their personalized hearing profile to fine-tune their AirPods Pro listening experience. This feature is beneficial not only for individuals with hearing loss but also for those with little to no hearing issues. It allows for customized adjustments across specific audio frequencies, enhancing the overall sound experience.

To further elevate listening quality, Apple introduces a new feature called Media Assist. This feature amplifies particular elements, such as speech during phone calls or individual instruments in a soundtrack, making it easier for a wider range of users to enjoy a more refined audio experience.

Better for the Environment

AirPods are designed with environmental sustainability in mind. The new AirPods 4 feature 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, along with 100 percent recycled gold in the plating of multiple printed circuit boards. The charging case also incorporates 100 percent recycled tin in the solder for the main logic board and 100 percent recycled aluminum in the hinge. AirPods 4 are free from harmful substances like mercury, BFRs, and PVC.

For the first time, the AirPods packaging is made entirely from fiber-based materials, moving Apple closer to its goal of eliminating plastic from all packaging by 2025. The packaging volume has been reduced by more than 30 percent compared to the previous generation, helping cut down emissions from shipping. These efforts support Apple's broader commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Who Should Consider the AirPods 4?

The AirPods 4 are ideal for a diverse range of users. If you prioritize:

• Superior Audio Quality: With their rumored sound improvements, the AirPods 4 are a strong contender for audiophiles and those who seek a more immersive listening experience.
• Convenience and Portability: The AirPods 4 offer the convenience of a truly wireless design and a compact charging case, perfect for on-the-go use.
• Extended Battery Life: With the increased listening time and a powerful charging case, the AirPods 4 can keep up with your active lifestyle.
• Seamless Integration: Tight integration with Apple devices makes the AirPods 4 a convenient option for users within the Apple ecosystem.

Whether you're a music lover, a frequent podcast listener, or someone who relies on wireless earbuds for calls and meetings, the AirPods 4 offer a compelling package that prioritizes audio quality, convenience, and battery life.