AirPods 4 Now Has the Best Feature of AirPods Pro
At today’s iPhone 16 launch event , Apple also took the time to update some of its AirPods, releasing the new AirPods 4 and a slightly redesigned version of the AirPods Max. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 will receive some software updates, including an update that will allow them to function as hearing aids.
AirPods 4
AirPods 4 now has two base-level versions of Apple’s earbuds, which will finally replace the 2nd and 3rd generation AirPods models. These include a standard model and a model with active noise cancellation, a feature usually reserved for the Pro.
Both versions of AirPods 4 feature Apple’s H2 chip, which supports features like personalized spatial audio. On models with ANC, you also get features that were previously reserved for the Pro, such as Conversation Awareness. This lowers the music volume when the AirPods detect that you’re talking.
H2-based AirPods can also use head gestures to interact with Siri, so you can move your head up and down for a “yes” or left to right for a “no.”
AirPods 4 have a new acoustic architecture that should provide better overall sound. The charging case for all AirPods 4 has a USB-C port, while the case for the ANC model also includes a speaker for Find My and wireless charging support.
Standard AirPods 4 will cost $129, while AirPods 4 with ANC will cost $179. Both are available for pre-order today and will ship on September 20th.
Updated AirPods Max
If you were hoping to get the brand new AirPods Max, you’ll be disappointed. The specifications haven’t changed, and the headphones still feature Apple’s H1 chip, including features like active noise cancellation and transparency mode.
What’s new is that the AirPods Max now come in five new colors: Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange and Starlight. There’s also support for personalized spatial audio (which comes with the iOS 18 update) and a USB-C port.
The updated AirPods Max cost $549, with pre-orders available today and shipping starting September 20th.
AirPods Pro 2 software updates
Apple launched the AirPods Pro 2 last year at its iPhone 15 event, and while there’s no new model yet, the company is adding a couple of new health features that will come in an update later this year, pending FDA approval.
The first is Hearing Protection, which is enabled by default and uses the H2 chip in the headphones and machine learning to provide passive noise cancellation. For example, if you’re at a loud concert, your AirPods Pro 2 will reduce the volume of the music to a healthy level without turning it off completely.
The new hearing test in the Health app will also let you take a test to check your hearing loss. The test takes about 5 minutes and uses your iPhone and AirPods Pro 2.
Finally, you’ll also be able to use the AirPods Pro 2 as “clinical-grade” hearing aids. This will be a headphone update and accompanying iOS 18 update. Hearing aid mode for AirPods Pro 2 will be available in 100 regions.