In 2016, Apple launched the AirPods, marking its entry into the world of wireless earbuds. As with many of its products, Apple managed to turn the AirPods into a stylish symbol for music lovers. Now, eight years later, we are all buzzing with anticipation for the fourth generation of AirPods.
If you are an AirPods fan waiting for the latest scoop on the AirPods 4, you have come to the right spot. We are anticipating that Apple will unveil the next-gen AirPods at its "It's Glowtime" event set for September 9.
Even though the launch date is just around the corner, specifics remain a bit unclear. However, we can certainly make some educated guesses about what to expect. The AirPods 4 will likely launch at a similar price point to the previous model. The design should stay quite similar, and they’ll probably borrow many features from the latest AirPods Pro 2.
Now, let's dive into the speculations, swirling rumors, and what to expect from Apple's next-generation AirPods!
Up until recently, there wasn't much concrete information on the release of the AirPods 4. However, Apple recently confirmed the launch event for the iPhone 16 series, and it looks like the new AirPods will make its debut alongside the flagship phones. So, mark your calendars for September 9!
Apple launched AirPods versions in 2016, 2019, and 2021, so it’s about time for the Cupertino tech giant to unveil the next generation.
Device
Release date
AirPods (4th generation)
September 9, 2024*
AirPods (3rd generation)
October 26, 2021
AirPods (2nd generation)
March 20, 2019
AirPods (1st generation)
December 13, 2016
*-probable dates
AirPods 4 price
Rumors in the tech world suggest the AirPods 4 might follow a similar pricing strategy to the current AirPods 2 and AirPods 3. We might see a dual-tiered pricing structure, with a budget-friendly option and a higher-priced variant.
With the current AirPods 3 priced at $179 and the AirPods 2 at $129, it’s reasonable to expect the AirPods 4 to come in under $200. However, given the trend of rising prices, the AirPods 4 might cost a bit more than the AirPods 3 did when it launched in 2021.
AirPods 4 design
The design of the AirPods 4 could look quite similar to the AirPods 3 shown in this photo. | Image credit – PhoneArena
In terms of design, we are not expecting major changes from the AirPods 3. Historically, Apple has often maintained the same design from one generation to the next, as seen with the first-generation AirPods remaining unchanged in the second generation.
According to other reports, two upcoming fourth-generation AirPods earbuds are set to showcase a fresh design, resembling a fusion of the AirPods 3 and the AirPods Pro 2. This includes shorter stems, and noteworthy is the inclusion of noise cancellation in one of the 4th-generation AirPods.
Of course, we'll have to sit tight and wait for Apple to share its plans.
AirPods 4 hardware and specs
Many of the upgrades in the third-generation AirPods were inspired by the features of the first-generation AirPods Pro. So, it’s quite likely that the fourth-generation AirPods will be influenced by the advancements seen in the second-generation AirPods Pro.
For example, the next-gen AirPods are expected to adopt a key feature from the second-gen AirPods Pro: the H2 chip. Currently, both the second and third-gen AirPods use the H1 chip.
The H2 chip, if Apple uses it, could help improve Personalized Spatial Audio, make pairing faster, and help make device swapping easier. And as mentioned earlier, it is rumored that the next-generation AirPods will have noise cancellation.
Should the AirPods 4 adopt the H2 chip, it might also feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Numerous Apple devices now come equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, making it a reasonable assumption that the fourth-generation AirPods will also incorporate this technology. Bluetooth 5.3 offers a faster and more reliable connection between your AirPods and iPhone or iPad.
Bloomberg's Marc Gurman suggests that Apple is developing significant hearing health and body-temperature advancements for AirPods, including a hearing test feature with various tones and sensors to measure body temperature through the ear canal, seen as more precise than wrist measurements on Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra models.
He also hints that the AirPods 4 will introduce a button press feature for muting and unmuting during calls, as well as enhancements for seamless switching between AirPods pairings.
AirPods 4 battery and charging
As evident from the latest iPhone 15 series and the updated AirPods Pro 2, Apple is transitioning from the Lightning port to USB-C. According to Bloomberg's Marc Gurman, all AirPods models and Apple accessories are set to shift from Lightning to USB-C by the end of 2024. Consequently, the AirPods 4 will most definitely feature a USB-C port.
The charging case of Apple's AirPods 3. | Image credit – PhoneArena
While the third-generation AirPods can be charged using MagSafe, a Qi wireless charger, or a Lightning cable, the latter will not be an option for the AirPods 4. The latest AirPods Pro also supports charging with an Apple Watch charger, suggesting that the AirPods 4 will likely offer this charging method as well.
Apple appears to be broadening its charging technology beyond just the Pro models. So, it's highly probable that this extra charging method will be included in the fourth-gen AirPods, giving users more flexibility.
If the AirPods 4 adopts the H2 chip with Bluetooth 5.3 it might have longer battery life. According to Mac Rumors, the H2 chip in the latest AirPods Pro adds an extra hour and a half of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation (which the AirPods 4 is not expected to support) turned on, compared to the prior model.
If this were applied to the regular AirPods, it might mean a bump from five hours to approximately six and a half hours of battery life.
Is it worth waiting for the AirPods 4?
With the AirPods 4 just around the corner, it's worth holding off a bit longer. These new earbuds are rumored to come with enhanced sound quality and improved battery life thanks to the H2 chip, making the wait seem pretty worthwhile.
Additionally, if you have your sights set on the upcoming iPhone 16, it would be prudent to give the next-generation AirPods 4 a closer look, particularly since they could be charged using the same cable. Reducing cable clutter in your household is always a welcome advantage, isn't it?
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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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