It’s fair to say that Apple AirPods, both pro and non-pro versions, are some of the most popular headphones on the market since the first AirPods were released in 2016. So rumors about the Apple AirPods 4 are leaving fans very excited.
The 3rd generation AirPods were released in October 2021, so the leak surrounding the 4th generation model is based on Apple being almost two years later, roughly the time it took to upgrade from the 2nd generation.
But Apple is very quiet on the matter at the moment, leaving us with nothing but a cocktail of speculation from trusted industry analysts and our hopes and dreams.
Here’s what we know about the Apple AirPods 4 so far…
Apple AirPods 4: What we know so far and rumors
The biggest rumor with a high level of truth is that Apple is preparing to offer two different AirPods 4 models – a regular version and a cheaper alternative. This was supported by industry analysts Jeff Pu, Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman.
There isn’t much information about what the differences between the two versions will be, but Bloomberg analyst Gurman previously suggested that the regular AirPods 4 would likely have noise cancellation and a case with Find My alert functionality, both of which are not offered by the cheaper alternative.
Project
Since there’s no official announcement from Apple yet, we don’t know for sure if there will be any major design changes to the AirPods 4, but Gurman predicted that the 4th generation earbuds will be a mix of the design of the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2. This suggests that there will be no major design updates as the existing AirPods and Pro 2 are already similar in this regard.
Gurman reported that the design offers a more comfortable fit than previous generations, but hinted that Apple is unlikely to introduce adjustable eartips to the AirPods 4, meaning we’re unlikely to see noise cancellation active (ACN) on the 4th generation model, but it is not necessarily impossible.
The same goes for color. Apple’s white label is unlikely to change and is not expected to add more colors compared to the Apple AirPods Max 2, which come in a variety of shades.
Characteristics
So far, there have been no reliable leaks or rumors regarding the specifications of the AirPods 4. Fans have been calling for the volume control to be added to the touch control that was introduced on the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, but it exists. something out there that shows that dreams are coming true now.
In the meantime, one thing we can be sure of is the move to a USB-C charging case, thanks to the EU’s ruling on ports. Apple has already started equipping its flagship products with USB-C, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Gurman also highlighted that the upcoming AirPods will be equipped with temperature sensors, but it’s not yet clear whether this is something we might see in the AirPods 4 or the third-generation AirPods Pro. Maybe the last.
Software
The AirPods 4’s battery life is expected to improve thanks to the expected addition of Apple’s H2 chip, which can already be found in the AirPods Pro 2. The H2 chip supports Bluetooth 5.3, which is more stable and efficient than Bluetooth. 5.0.
The inclusion of the H2 chip makes sense, and rumors suggest that the AirPods Pro 3 will feature the new H3 chip.
What is the release date for the Apple AirPods 4?
Now, there are some conflicting reports on this. Ming-Chi Kuo claims that shipments will only begin in the second half of 2024, while Gurman believes that Apple will be ready for production in May.
This could mean a September launch, possibly alongside the iPhone 16. Gurman said an AirPods 4 launch is planned. “The biggest AirPods launch to date.”
However, Jeff Pu says that the new AirPods could be launched alongside the new AirPods Max in the 4th quarter of 2024, which occurs between October and December.
Apple’s next event will be held on May 7, 2024, but Gurman has already said that Apple is not expected to make any announcements about the AirPods 4 as it is likely to be included in several new products expected to arrive later in the year. year will be.
How much do Apple AirPods cost?
With reports of a second addition to the AirPods 4 family on the way, it’s a little difficult to know how Apple will approach its pricing this time around.
The AirPods 3 retailed for $179, and while Apple rarely lowers the price of a similar upgrade, it all depends on how “affordable” the 4th generation AirPods will be.
Pu and Kuo suggested that a cheaper version could hit US stores for just $99, which would certainly make Apple’s flagship headphones more affordable in a highly competitive market.
Featured Image: Photo by Alirizo Khodam in Remove Splash
