What’s new in the latest generation of AirPods 4?

Two models of AirPods 4 – more options for different users

Apple plans to introduce two models of AirPods 4, allowing the company to maintain a wide product portfolio across different price ranges. The cheaper model is set to replace AirPods 2, which have been among the most popular wireless headphones on the market since their debut in 2019. Meanwhile, the more expensive version, offering more features, will replace AirPods 3, which debuted in 2021 as an upgraded version of the basic headphones, offering, among other things, better sound quality and longer battery life.

The success story of AirPods – from the first-generation model to now

The first AirPods debuted in 2016, bringing a revolution in wireless music listening. Although they were initially criticized for their appearance, they quickly became an icon of style and technology. Subsequent versions – AirPods 2 in 2019 and AirPods 3 in 2021 – added new features such as H1 chip, better integration with Siri, MagSafe wireless charging, and improved sound quality. AirPods Pro, introduced in 2019, introduced active noise cancellation (ANC), which was a significant step forward, and the AirPods Max model in 2020 brought this technology to the over-ear headphone segment.

New design and better fit

In AirPods 4, we can expect a refreshed design that will combine features of AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro. Shorter stems, more rounded shape – all to better fit the headphones to a wide range of users. Importantly, Apple is abandoning the interchangeable tips that appeared in the Pro models, but the design itself is expected to be comfortable enough to fit various ear shapes.

AirPods 2, which until now had longer stems and a somewhat outdated look, will be phased out of the offer. For many users who prefer minimalist headphones, the new design of AirPods 4 will be a step forward.

Advanced features for more demanding users

The biggest differences between the two models of AirPods 4 will concern their features. The more expensive version of AirPods 4 will be equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC), which until now has only been available in more expensive models such as AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Additionally, we can expect a transparency mode, which allows users to hear surrounding sounds without having to take off the headphones. This feature is ideal for those who want to be aware of their surroundings while listening to music.

Charging and USB-C – another step towards universality

Both models of AirPods 4 will feature a USB-C port for charging, aligning with Apple’s broader strategy to unify the charging standards of its devices. For users, this means convenience, as they will no longer have to use different cables – one USB-C cable will suffice for charging both the iPhone and AirPods.

Additionally, the more expensive model is expected to support MagSafe charging, making wireless charging even more intuitive and straightforward. It is possible that the charging case for the more expensive model will also be equipped with a speaker to help users locate their headphones more easily using the Find My feature.

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