Apple AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 ANC launched, starting at Rs.12,900 in India with open-ear design, Apple H2 Chip

Apple has launched a new lineup of AirPods alongside the iPhone 16 series and Apple Watch Series 10 at its “It’s Glowtime” event. The announcement features the AirPods 4, the AirPods Max in five new colors, and enhanced hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2.

AirPods 4 -

Apple introduced the AirPods 4, which they describe as their best headphones yet, featuring a new open-ear design intended to enhance fit and comfort. This design is based on a comprehensive dataset, using advanced tools such as 3D photogrammetry and laser topography to analyze thousands of ear shapes and compile over 50 million data points. This approach aims to deliver a shape that fits a wider range of users globally.

The AirPods 4 also feature a new acoustic architecture with a low-distortion driver and a high dynamic range amplifier, along with Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking for a more immersive listening experience. It is Powered by the new H2 chip, the AirPods 4 offers advanced audio features such as Voice Isolation for clearer calls and Siri Interactions, allowing users to respond to Siri prompts with head nods or shakes.

A new force sensor on the stem provides additional controls, letting users play, pause, mute, or end calls with a simple press. The AirPods 4 are also optimized for gaming, with low wireless audio latency and support for 16-bit, 48kHz audio.

They provide up to 24 hours of battery life with the charging case. The new case, featuring USB-C charging, is over 10% smaller in volume compared to its predecessor and offers up to 30 hours of battery life. The case can be charged with an Apple Watch charger or any Qi-certified charger and, at just 50mm wide, is the smallest wireless charging case in the industry, according to Apple.

AirPods 4 with ANC -

Apple has introduced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to an open-ear design for the first time with the new AirPods 4 model. Equipped with upgraded microphones, the H2 chip, and advanced computational audio, these AirPods 4 with ANC effectively reduces background noise, including sounds from aeroplane engines and city traffic.

Additional features include Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness, which adjust audio settings dynamically based on the surrounding environment.

AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC Specifications -

AirPods Pro 2 with New Hearing Health Features -

Apple has also introduced new hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2, enhancing their focus on prevention, awareness, and assistance in hearing health.

Prevention -

The new "Loud Sound Reduction" feature is designed to protect users from exposure to loud environmental noise while maintaining the audio quality of what they're listening to. It reduces louder noises at a rate of 48,000 times per second and uses a multiband high dynamic range algorithm to ensure that sounds, such as those at concerts, remain natural and vibrant.

Awareness -

A new Hearing Test feature allows users to assess their hearing at home using a compatible iPhone or iPad. This test employs a standard clinical method called pure-tone audiometry and creates a personalized hearing profile, which is securely stored in the Health app.

Assistance -

The AirPods Pro now include an over-the-counter Hearing Aid feature for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. This feature uses the personalized hearing profile to make real-time sound adjustments, improving conversations and interactions. It supports music, movies, games, and phone calls across devices.

Apple plans to roll out the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features in over 100 countries this fall, pending approval from global health authorities.

Environmental Impact -

Apple emphasizes its commitment to the environment with the new AirPods 4 design, which incorporates 100% recycled rare earth elements, gold, tin, and aluminium. The packaging is also now entirely fibre-based, aligning with Apple's goal to eliminate plastic from the packaging by 2025 and reduce packaging volume by over 30%.

AirPods Max in New Colors -

Apple has introduced five new colours for the AirPods Max: midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple. The updated models now also feature USB-C charging capabilities.

Pricing and Availability -

The AirPods 4 and AirPods Max pre-orders have started today and will be available in the Apple store beginning Friday, September 20. Prices are -

• AirPods 4 - Rs. 12,900
• AirPods 4 with ANC - Rs. 17,900
• AirPods Max with USB-C Charging - Rs. 59,900

The AirPods Pro 2 are priced at ₹24,900, the new hearing health features will be available this fall through a free software update for users with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.

New customers can receive three months of Apple Music for free with any AirPods purchase. For optimal performance, users should pair the AirPods with an Apple device running the latest software. AppleCare+ is also available for added support and protection.