Apple’s fourth-generation AirPods have arrived with significant improvements over their predecessors. Here’s an in-depth look at the most important features of these new wireless earbuds.
1. Refined Open Air Design
The AirPods 4 showcase a new design developed using advanced modeling tools and data from thousands of ear shapes. While similar in size to AirPods Pro 2, they feature an open-ear design that sits comfortably without entering the ear canal, eliminating pressure buildup common in in-ear designs.
2. Enhanced Comfort
Users report exceptional comfort with the new design. Despite their seemingly loose fit, they remain secure during activities like running or cycling. The universal shape has received positive feedback from various users, offering both comfort and stability.
3. Improved Sound Quality
The sound quality marks a significant upgrade from previous generations. Despite the open-ear design, these AirPods deliver impressive audio performance across bass, mids, and highs. Volume levels are robust, often requiring lower settings than maximum, particularly for bass-heavy genres.
4. H2 Chip Integration
The inclusion of Apple’s H2 chip brings several improvements:
- Enhanced connectivity
- Intelligent audio processing
- Better voice isolation
- Improved Siri integration
5. Spatial Audio Support
The AirPods 4 include spatial audio capability, creating an immersive listening experience that adjusts based on head movement. This feature is particularly effective for both music and movie watching, simulating a more natural listening environment.
6. Advanced Controls
The Force sensor implementation allows for various controls:
- Squeeze to play/pause
- Swipe for volume adjustment
- Double-tap for track navigation
7. Gaming-Ready Performance
With significantly reduced wireless audio latency and support for 16-bit 48kHz audio, these AirPods are well-suited for mobile gaming applications.
8. Extended Battery Life
The AirPods 4 offer up to 30 hours of total battery life with the charging case. Real-world testing demonstrates approximately 20-22 hours of heavy use, including high-volume audio playback and calls.
9. Versatile Charging Options
The charging case supports both:
- USB-C connectivity
- Wireless charging compatibility
10. Active Noise Cancellation
Available as an optional feature, the noise cancellation performs surprisingly well despite the open-ear design. Additional features include:
- Transparency mode
- Adaptive audio
- Conversational awareness that automatically lowers music volume during conversations
Audio Spill Consideration
Testing revealed significant audio spill at higher volumes, with measurements showing an increase from 46.2 dB (room tone) to 68.3 dB during playback. Users should be mindful of this in quiet environments.
Closing thoughts
Overall, I think the new Airpods 4 are a solid upgrade. If I didn’t already own Airpods Pro 2nd Generation, I would choose the Airpods 4 over the more expensive Airpods Pro.
