On September 10thApple's Fall UnveilingLast week, Apple officially announced the new generation of AirPods 4, a significant upgrade to the highly anticipated wireless headphones.
AirPods 4 not only breaks new ground in design and functionality, but also sets a new benchmark in audio products and technology by featuring active noise cancellation for the first time in a non-in-ear headset.
This article provides an in-depth look at AirPods 4's specifications, technical highlights, pricing information, and when it will be available for purchase and pre-order in Taiwan.
AirPods 4 Lazybones Form Information
| Project | Detailed Information |
|---|---|
| Pre-Order Date | September 10, 2024 |
| Taiwan Launch Date | September 20, 2024 |
| Standard Price | NT$4,490 (about US$129) |
| Noise Reduction Price | NT$5,990 (about US$179) |
| New fit design | Provides a more comfortable wearing experience |
| Active Noise Cancellation | First time active noise cancellation is added to an open headset (noise-canceling version) |
| Latest H2 chips | Dramatically improved sound quality and functionality |
| control method | Force sensor control for easy operation |
| Audio Technology | Personalized spatial audio and dynamic head tracking |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours (with charging case) |
| recharge (batteries) | Integrated charging cable, wireless charging with USB-C charging (Active Noise Cancellation version only) |
AirPods 4 features, specs
This year's AirPods 4 release comes with a number of anticipated upgrades, so take a look at what's changed in the specs!
1. AirPods 4 design: the most ergonomic headphones ever.
While the AirPods 4 sits somewhere between the AirPods Pro and the AirPods 3 in terms of looks and performance, Apple claims it features a new internal architecture and design.
By analyzing more than 50 million ear shapes through 3D photogrammetry and laser mapping, we found a design solution that fits most ear shapes, making AirPods 4 the most comfortable AirPods model, even over long periods of time.
Unlike the in-ear design of the AirPods Pro, AirPods 4 has an open design, making it more comfortable for users who don't like the feeling of foreign objects in their ears.
2. New force sensing control
The AirPods 4 experience is enhanced with a new force sensor on the headphone bar that allows users to control play, pause, mute and answer calls with a single tap. This innovative design improves convenience and precision, minimizes accidental contact, and makes it easier for users to take control of their music and calls.
3. Equipped with the latest Apple H2 chip.
AirPods 4 features Apple's next-generation H2 chip, which improves computing power and optimizes audio processing algorithms for deeper, richer bass and clearer, brighter highs for an even better listening experience.
4. Open-ended noise-canceling headphones with smart features
AirPods 4 breaks new ground by introducing active noise cancellation (Noise Cancellation) for the first time in an open headset. The combination of an upgraded microphone, the power of the H2 chip, and advanced computational audio technology cuts down on noises like airplane engines and city traffic. This innovation allows users to enjoy a more natural listening experience in an open design.
The AirPods 4's smart features include:
- transparency mode: You can hear your surroundings while listening to music.
- Adaptive Audio: Automatically adjusts the balance between the pass-through mode and the noise reduction function.
- Conversation Sense: Automatically reduces the media volume when talking to others.
- Siri Voice Control: Voice control with Hey Siri!
While the noise cancellation isn't as effective as the in-ear AirPods Pro 2, the design this time around is a big step forward for those who prefer open-ear headphones.
5.IP54 High-grade dustproof and waterproof.
The AirPods 4 charging case is IP54 rated for water and dust resistance, so you can take on wet environments while walking in the rain or playing high-impact sports. This upgrade not only improves the durability of the headphones, but also lets you enjoy high-quality music on the go without worrying about sweat or dust.
6. Spatial Audio and Dynamic Head Tracking
The H2 chip in AirPods 4 provides powerful audio processing that supports personalized spatial audio and dynamic head tracking to surround sound for a more immersive 3D listening experience. Whether you're listening to music, watching a movie or playing a game, it enhances immersion and realism, and adjusts sound in real time as your head turns to enhance the immersive experience.
AirPods 4 charging case and headphone body: lighter and more convenient
The main upgrades in this AirPods 4 charging case include:
- USB-C charging port: Enhances compatibility with a wide range of devices.
- Wireless charging (Active Noise Cancellation version only): Supports Qi-compliant wireless chargers and Apple Watch chargers.
- Looking for Speakers: Supports "Find My" function to help locate lost headphones.
AirPods 4 charging case
The AirPods 4 charging case is the smallest yet, measuring 50.1mm wide, significantly smaller than the AirPods Pro's 60.6mm, and its thickness has shrunk from 6 centimeters to 5 centimeters. It's also smaller than previous generations at 46.2mm in height and 21.2mm in thickness, and weighs just 34.7 grams, making it easy to carry around.
The active noise-canceling version of AirPods 4 also features a charging case that supports USB-C, Apple Watch chargers, and Qi-certified chargers, as well as a built-in speaker with a "Find" feature that emits a sound to help users quickly locate lost headphones. The non-Active Noise Cancellation version only supports USB-C charging and does not have these additional features.
AirPods 4 ontology
AirPods 4 is also smaller, with a height of 30.2mm, which is shorter than AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods 3, and a width of 18.3mm, which is similar to AirPods 3, but with a thickness of 18.1mm, which is thinner than AirPods Pro and AirPods 3. Weighing just 4.3 grams, it's lightweight and comfortable to wear, with virtually no foreign object sensation.
With the compact AirPods 4, users may be concerned about wearing comfort, fit in the ear, and the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation feature.
AirPods 4 has up to 30 hours of battery life!
Battery life on AirPods 4 is significantly better. The noise-canceling version lasts a little less than the 6 hours of AirPods Pro 2, but that's good enough for most users. And the charging case extends battery life so you can enjoy your music all day long.
- Standard Version: Up to 5 hours of listening on a single charge, comparable to AirPods 3.
- Active noise reduction version: Provides 4 hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancellation turned on.
With the charging case, AirPods 4 can last up to 30 hours of total use.
General AirPods 4 vs. Noise Cancellation, AirPods Pro 2 Specification Comparison
With the launch of the new AirPods 4, Apple is officially discontinuing the AirPods 3 and earlier AirPods 2. Here's how the AirPods 4 series differs from the AirPods Pro 2:
| Comparison Items | AirPods 4 | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active noise reduction | Supports active noise cancellation, but it's weak; half as effective as AirPods Pro 2 | Supports active noise cancellation, twice as effective as AirPods 4 |
| control method | Force sensor control (squeeze the headset handle to control music playback and calls) | Touch control (supports up and down volume adjustment) |
| Charging Box Function | Supports USB-C charging box with basic features, no MagSafe support, no lanyard hole | Supports MagSafe function, automatic charger alignment, with lanyard hole |
| Battery Life | Approx. 4 hours of listening time with noise reduction on; approx. 30 hours total listening time | Approx. 6 hours of listening time with noise reduction on; approx. 30 hours total listening time |
| Price | Standard version NT$4,490 (approx. US$129); Active noise reduction version NT$5,990 (approx. US$179) | NT$7,490 (about US$249) |
| CP value | Active noise reduction version is relatively low in price and has high CP value; basic model is more competitively priced. | Higher price, but offers enhanced noise reduction and more advanced features |
AirPods 4 Active Battery Drop vs. regular version
The active noise-canceling version of AirPods 4 is identical to the non-active noise-canceling version in terms of appearance, but there are significant differences in terms of features, including active noise-canceling, adaptive audio, pass-through mode, and conversation awareness. Considering the price difference of NT$1,000, we would recommend the active noise-canceling version priced at NT$5,990.
How much does AirPods 4 cost?
Apple dropped the AirPods 3 and AirPods 2 at the same time as the AirPods 4, giving the AirPods 4 more clarity and positioning.The main difference between the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 is whether or not they have "Active Noise Cancellation", but the rest of the design is almost the same.There are two versions of the AirPods 4, and the prices are as follows:
- AirPods 4 Standard: NT$4,490 (Approx. US$129)
- AirPods 4 Active Noise Canceling Model: NT$5,990 (Approx. US$179)
When is AirPods 4 coming out?
Pre-orders for AirPods 4 began on September 10, 2024 and will be available on September 20, 2024, according to Apple. Once available, consumers can purchase AirPods 4 directly from Apple's official website, Apple's retail stores and authorized resellers.
Is AirPods 4 worth buying?
Many people will ask after Apple's announcement, "Is AirPods 4 worth buying?" Having owned a number of Apple products, AirPods have been a smooth transition through the Apple ecosystem. While the sound quality of the AirPods 4 has not been confirmed, based on the performance of the AirPods Pro, the sound quality of the AirPods 4 should not be bad. If you have a lot of Apple products, the AirPods 4 is worth buying.
What about AirPods 4?
The biggest feature of AirPods 4 is the "Active Noise Cancellation" feature added to the open design, which solves the discomfort problem caused by wearing them for a long time. Compared to the AirPods Pro, the AirPods 4 is cheaper and breaks away from the traditional design of wireless headphones, which is expected to lead to a wave of earphone replacements. If you are on a budget and need better noise cancellation, AirPods Pro 2 is still a better choice.
AirPods 4 Conclusion
AirPods 4 brings a significant upgrade to Apple's audio lineup, adding active noise cancellation to open-back headphones for the first time, which not only improves wearing comfort, but also delivers superior sound quality. AirPods 4 is the perfect choice for those who prefer an open design and need noise cancellation.
If you're more interested in powerful noise cancellation and sound quality, AirPods Pro 2 is still the better choice. Overall, AirPods 4 reinvigorates Apple's headphone lineup with innovative design and affordable pricing.
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