AirPods 4 and AirPods Max: New Apple earphones with USB-C and optional ANC
Apple is expanding its range of earphones with new models: the AirPods 4 are available with or without ANC, and there is a small update for the AirPods Max.
Apple is expanding its AirPods model range with new earphones. The AirPods 4 are available in two versions for the first time: The more expensive model inherits features from the AirPods Pro. The cheaper model does without some features. The AirPods Max over-ear headphones are also getting a successor after almost four years.
AirPods 4: With and without ANC
The AirPods 4 are outwardly reminiscent of their predecessors. However, Apple has slightly revised the design. As before, the new earbuds have a short bridge in which the microphone is located. There is a pressure sensor on the bridge for operation. The AirPods 4 have a white, rounded plastic housing. They are protected against dust, water and sweat according to IP54 certification. Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, the AirPods 4 do not require silicone tips to seal the ear canal.
Apple has replaced the H1 Apple chip of the predecessors with the more modern H2. On top of this, they now use Bluetooth 5.3 instead of 5.0. In addition to the normal AirPods 4, there is also a version with active noise cancellation (ANC), which also offers a transparency mode. This version also dispenses with silicone tips.
Apple claims to have optimized the sound and uses a low-distortion driver for this purpose. Like the expensive AirPods Pro 2, the AirPods 4 support personalized 3D audio in Apple Music or for films and series. They are also capable of dynamic head tracking: the earbuds use built-in acceleration sensors and reproduce the surround sound relative to the position of the head in relation to the screen. The acceleration sensors also allow you to answer calls by nodding your head, which Apple calls "Siri Interactions". The AirPods Pro 2 get this function with the update to iOS 18. The AirPods 4 also inherit conversation recognition and voice isolation from the more expensive earbuds, which filters out background noise during phone calls. However, the last two functions are only available on the models with ANC.
Cover: USB-C, Qi, MagSafe
The battery life is said to be up to 30 hours with music playback if you charge the AirPods 4 in the battery case in between. This would correspond to the runtime of the 3rd generation. Apple has replaced the Lightning connector on the charging case with a USB-C connector. A charging cable with a Type-C plug on both sides is included with the earbuds. As before, the case can also be charged via induction; in addition to the Qi standard, Apple's MagSafe and the Apple Watch charger are also supported. – Like other AirPods models –, the earbuds can be located via the Wo-ist network using an app if they are misplaced. There is also a small speaker in the case that plays a search tone. The AirPods 4 do not have an ultra-wideband chip (UWB), which allows a precise search with directional arrows via app at a distance of a few meters.
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Update for AirPods Max
Apple has also slightly revised the AirPods Max wireless headphones after almost four years. They are still simply called AirPods Max and look the same as before. The headband is covered with a soft plastic mesh. The ear cups are made of coated aluminum. There is a button and a digital crown on the right-hand side for operation and volume control. The AirPods Max are also available in new color variants (midnight, polar star, blue, purple and orange). For transportation, the AirPods Max can be placed in a case that puts them in standby mode.
Like the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, the AirPods Max supports transparency mode, personalized 3D audio and active noise cancellation. Instead of a Lightning port, the AirPods Max has a USB-C socket.
Unlike the AirPods 4, however, the AirPods Max does not have an H2 chip, but retains the H1. There are two of these in each earcup. Bluetooth also remains as before in version 5.0.
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AirPods Pro 2: hearing protection and hearing aid via update
Although nothing changes on the hardware side for the AirPods Pro 2, which were updated last year, Apple wants to add three new hearing health functions to this model via an update. The company is drawing on findings from its "Hearing Study".
The first new function, "Hearing Protection", is switched on by default and reduces louder noises in the environment. The second function is an integrated hearing test which, according to Apple, has been clinically validated. The test is carried out with a paired iPhone and provides a personalized hearing profile at the end. The test can be repeated regularly, and the results can be shared with doctors. With the third new function, "Hearing Aid", the AirPods Pro 2 can be used as a hearing aid for "mild and moderate hearing loss". Apple plans to deliver the new functions as an update in over 100 countries in the fall, and the update will also be available in Germany.
Prices and availability
All new AirPods models can be ordered from Apple from today and will be delivered from September 20. The AirPods 4 cost 149 euros without ANC and 199 euros with ANC. As before, Apple is charging 579 euros for the new AirPods Max.
Apple has now discontinued the AirPods 2 introduced in 2019, which until recently were still available from the manufacturer as an entry-level model for around 150 euros. The AirPods 3, which cost €200, are also no longer available from Apple. However, remaining stock should still be available from retailers.
(hze)
