AirPods 4 (Why I'm Switching)

Summary

The new AirPods 4 are smaller and lighter than the AirPods Pro 2, with a starting price of $129 for the non-active noise cancellation version and $179 for the version with active noise cancellation and wireless charging. They are the first open-ear headphones to feature active noise cancellation, which performs well on flights. The AirPods 4 lack silicone tips for comfort and do not support spatialized audio with dynamic head tracking. They offer voice isolation, head nodding controls, and a speaker for the Find My feature. Battery life is four hours with active noise cancellation and five hours without, with the case providing additional 20 to 30 hours of charge. The AirPods 4 are available for pre-order and will officially launch on September 20th.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The new AirPods 4 are significantly smaller than the AirPods Pro 2.
• 💰 AirPods 4 are priced at $129 without active noise cancellation and $179 with it, including wireless charging capabilities.
• 🛫 These are the first open-ear headphones from Apple to feature active noise cancellation, tested and found effective during a flight.
• 👂 A preference is expressed for the original AirPods' design without silicone tips, which are present in the AirPods Pro 2 for a better fit.
• 🔍 The new case's small size raises concerns about its propensity to be lost.
• 🎵 Active noise cancellation on AirPods 4 was found to be very similar to that of the AirPods Pro 2, with a slight difference in bass depth.
• 🚫 AirPods 4 do not support spatialized audio with dynamic head tracking, a feature available on the Pro 2.
• 💬 The H2 chip in AirPods 4 enables voice isolation and head-nodding features for call answering and declining.
• 🔊 A speaker is included for the 'Find My' feature to help locate the small AirPods if lost.
• ⏰ Battery life for AirPods 4 is four hours with active noise cancellation and five hours without, with the case providing additional 20 or 30 hours depending on the ANC usage.
• 🔌 While supporting wireless charging, the AirPods 4 do not support MagSafe wireless charging unlike the AirPods Pro 2.

Q & A

What are the two different prices for the new AirPods 4 mentioned in the transcript?

The new AirPods 4 are priced at $129 without active noise cancellation and $179 with active noise cancellation, which also includes wireless charging and Apple Watch wireless charging.

What is unique about the open-ear headphones with active noise cancellation mentioned in the transcript?

The new AirPods 4 are the first open-ear headphones to feature active noise cancellation, which is a notable innovation in headphone technology.

How does the reviewer feel about the size of the new AirPods 4 case?

The reviewer is concerned that the new AirPods 4 case is so small that they might lose it, indicating a potential issue with the compact design.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the silicone tips of the AirPods Pro 2 compared to the AirPods 4?

The reviewer prefers the AirPods 4 because they do not have silicone tips, which they find more comfortable, while the AirPods Pro 2 has silicone tips.

When are the AirPods 4 available for purchase according to the transcript?

The AirPods 4 are available starting Friday, September 20th, but pre-orders can be made before that date.

How does the reviewer describe the active noise cancellation performance on a flight with the AirPods 4?

The reviewer tested the active noise cancellation on a flight and found it to be pretty good, similar to the performance of the AirPods Pro 2.

What is the difference in battery life between the AirPods 4 with and without active noise cancellation?

The AirPods 4 offer four hours of battery life with active noise cancellation on and five hours without it.

What additional charging features do the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation support that the $129 version does not?

The AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation support wireless charging, including Qi wireless chargers and Apple Watch chargers, whereas the $129 version only supports USB-C charging.

Does the AirPods 4 case support MagSafe wireless charging as mentioned in the transcript?

No, the AirPods 4 case does not support MagSafe wireless charging, unlike the AirPods Pro 2.

What features are exclusive to the AirPods Pro 2 that are not available on the AirPods 4?

The AirPods Pro 2 will have exclusive hearing health features such as hearing protection, a hearing aid feature, and a hearing test, which are not available on the AirPods 4.