Note: This article was first published on 10 September 2024.
The newest AirPods 4. Photo: HWZ
At Apple's Glowtime event earlier today, the tech giant launched its fourth-generation AirPods with two different models.
Both AirPods 4's casings feature a smaller form factor than its predecessor (Apple claims it is more than 10% smaller by volume) and the earbuds are powered by the same H2 chip used in the AirPods Pro 2. Apple also says the new AirPods will have "richer bass and clearer highs" thanks to an updated acoustic architecture. That said, the AirPods 4 will still retain an open-ear design similar to the Apple AirPods 3.
All the features at a glance. Photo: Apple
Oh, the charging case includes wireless charging capabilities and also connects via USB-C now, as part of Apple's reluctant move to switch its entire product line-up from Lightning to the more universal connector. The AirPods 4 with ANC's charging case has a built-in speaker for easier location through the Find My app too.
New to the AirPods 4 is the active noise cancelling (at least for the model with ANC) function. It probably won't sound as good as the AirPods Pro series with its open-ear design, but the Transparent mode with Adaptive Audio will still automatically adjusts the listening mode to the user’s surrounding environment.
No AirPods Max 2 but the original gets new colours
New colourways! Photo: Apple
Besides the AirPods 4, the AirPods Max also sees a quality-of-life update: USB-C charging. And brand new colours from Orange, Purple, Blue, Starlight, to Midnight colourway. That's it. If you, like us, were hoping for an AirPods Max 2 reveal, Glowtime proved disappointing.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders for the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC begin today, with general availability starting from 20 September. The AirPods 4 goes for S$199 while the ANC version will be available for S$249. Pre-orders starts now at the Apple online store.
Read more:
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max doubles down on performance and videography
- Apple’s iPhone 16 and 16 Plus get the expected AI boost along with a new A18 processor
- No Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year but there's a new and very sleek colour for the Ultra 2
- The Apple Watch Series 10 has a thinner design and an OLED display that's larger than the Ultra
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