AirPods 4: 10 things you need to know about Apple's next-gen in-ears
Apple’s iconic wireless earbuds just got their biggest upgrade yet.
Apple’s AirPods weren’t the first wireless earbuds to hit the market, but in typical Apple fashion, they turned that market on its head when they arrived. And the new AirPods 4 release(s) bring some big upgrades to the lineup.
Apple’s 2024 AirPods revamp took the unusual step of launching two new pairs under the same AirPods 4 banner. They’re almost identical in all of the ways that matter, but there are some notable differences. And the overall package? Well, that’s quite the upgrade for those still rocking the OG AirPods or second-gen model.
And depending on who you are, one of the new AirPods 4 offerings might just have enough to tempt AirPods Pro owners, too. With prices starting from £129, here’s everything you need to know about AirPods 4.
1. There’s more than just one version
AirPods 4 come in two versions, one with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for £179 and the other without it for £129. For those who just want a pair of wireless earbuds, the cheaper option is hard to beat. But ANC is great for commuting and working in loud places, while Transparency mode makes it easier to hear the world around you when you need to. But, there are other changes worth noting as well…
2. You’ll need the ANC AirPods 4 if you often lose your earbuds
Alongside ANC, the more costly AirPods 4 also sport a big case upgrade in the form of a built-in speaker. That means that you’ll get an audible alert when you plug your AirPods 4 into a USB-C cable or wireless charger, sure. But more important? You can have the charging case make a sound when you lose it all thanks to the magic of Find My. That alone could be worth the price of admission — just think of it as getting ANC for free!
3. It’s all about the H2
The upgraded AirPods 4 have a number of changes under the hood that make for an improved audio experience, not least the H2 chip. That allows for the addition of a few features over the previous AirPods 3, not least the ability to say “Siri” to summon the digital assistant. The chip also means automatic device pairing and switching remains a feature of these latest AirPods, too.
4. Never pause your music again (Personalized Volume)
The AirPods 4 support a new Personalized Volume feature that can detect the noise around you and automatically adjust the volume of the audio accordingly. No fiddling with the volume slider because you’re passing construction. Have the ANC version? You can have that automatically kick in, too.
5. Chat away, worry-free
Having to pause and then restart your music just because you need to thank the barista for your coffee can be more annoying than you might realize, but it doesn’t have to be that way. AirPods 4 can automatically lower the volume of your audio when it detects that you’re speaking so that you can then have a conversation as normal. Your earbuds will ratchet the volume back up afterward as well.
6. Get outta my ears, AirPods
The AirPods Pro are pretty great, but not everyone likes the feeling of having earbuds in their ear canal. It’s an issue that has long put people off these kinds of personal audio devices, but AirPods 4 don’t create that same muffled sound and claustrophobic feeling, and that’s a huge benefit — and they still support ANC regardless.
7. Apple Watch charger support
Taking fewer chargers with you is always a good thing, and the ANC flavour of AirPods 4 will not only charge wirelessly using any Qi charger, but you can even charge using the Apple Watch charger as well. How cool is that?
8. Getting dusty with it
While previous AirPods were sweat and water-resistant, the new AirPods 4 up the ante to include an IP54 rating. That means that they’re designed to withstand dust as well. A huge feature? No. One that’s worth having just in case? Absolutely.
9. An Apple fan’s audio dream
A feature that AirPods fans have been enjoying for years, the seamless device switching offered by AirPods 4 shouldn’t be underestimated. Moving from an iPhone to a Mac to an Apple Watch and then sitting down to watch a movie on an Apple TV, all while wearing a single pair of earbuds? It’s the closest thing to real magic you’re ever likely to come across. They sound great as well. With a new acoustic architecture and low-distortion driver, these AirPods 4 sound better than ever.
10. An upgraded, built-in fidget toy
AirPods owners have always known the joy that is fiddling with a charging case, opening and closing the lid as if it’s the world’s coolest box of mints. The new AirPods 4 have a reshaped, smaller charging case that is every bit as fun to play with as its predecessor. Bonus tip? You can tell which AirPods 4 have ANC support thanks to the speaker holes on the bottom of their charging case.
When we said that AirPods were iconic, we weren’t joking. But what makes AirPods 4 so impressive is the way they offer improved audio compared to their predecessors without stepping on the toes of AirPods Pro. They still aren’t cheap, sure. But they’re better than ever and with ANC support, they’re a viable option for those who want the best features without having to pay the highest prices.
