While the new iPhones were undoubtedly the highlight for many at Apple’s ‘Glowtime’ event earlier this week, the Fruit Company also announced two new entry-level AirPods models, joined by new colours and more than a few updates to the existing AirPods Max and AirPods Pro 2 respectively. New models, colours, and updates are cool but are they worth the asking price if you’ve already got a pair of the old ones?
As far as the AirPods Max goes, you’ll probably want to stick with your current pair unless you need to get rid of excess money for tax reasons or you desperately need a new colour or a USB-C port.
The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, were refreshed in 2022 so it’s a little early by Apple’s timing for a whole new model. Still, the hearing health-related updates that are making their way to the AirPods Pro 2 will allow it to act as a clinically validated hearing aid device for the hard of hearing. That’s pretty neat.
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Apple AirPods turn four
Of its entire range, the entry-level AirPods claim the most changes this time around. The 3rd-generation AirPods, launched in 2021, introduced a shorter stem design, force-touch controls, spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, an IPX4 rating, and a MagSafe-compatible case to the company’s cheapest in-ear headphones range. The AirPods 4 improve on this feature set and are available as two models; AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC.
The first difference most people will notice is the price. By offering two models Apple can reduce the price of entry. But this comes with the risk of confusing people who might think they’re getting noise-cancelling earbuds for $130 (R2,321) – if you want ANC with your AirPods 4 you’ll have to spring for the more expensive AirPods 4 with ANC model (obviously) for $180 (R3,213). There’s still no word on official South African pricing at the time of publication.
As for design, the AirPods 4 retain the stubby stems and open-ear design of the AirPods 3. Apple says these are the most advanced and comfortable AirPods it’s ever made. We’re not sure if that says more about the AirPods 4 or the AirPods Pro 2 but you’ll have to be the judge of the last part, you know, because we all have different ears.
Exactly the right amount of ‘Pro’
As similar as they are with the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 still lack on-bud volume control – Apple probably doesn’t want to make them too ‘Pro’. But this year’s ‘Pods finally get active noise cancellation and all the related features that go with it – Transparency Mode, Conversation Awareness, and Adaptive Audio. Again, you’ll have to pay slightly more for the privilege.
Thankfully, both AirPods 4 models will ship with Apple’s H2 chip so you can expect improved audio quality and reduced latency with other Apple products regardless of what you pay. Depending on how much you value quality, this could be enough reason to warrant an upgrade.
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If increased quality and decreased latency weren’t enough, AirPods 4 also support head gestures so you can nod or shake your head to interact with Siri and save your precious breath. They might not get support for lossless audio from Apple Music but they do support spatial audio. As we mentioned in our Sonos Era 300 review, that can be a hit or a miss. It depends on the album and/or artist.
Another notable change that might go unnoticed if you missed Apple’s stream (and didn’t read our announcement article) is the mandated introduction of a USB-C port to the AirPods 4 case. It is the smallest AirPods case Apple has made so far but doesn’t lose out on any battery life – they still offer 30 hours of battery.
Should you buy the AirPods 4?
The fourth generation of Apple’s AirPods seems to bring modest upgrades across the board – if Apple’s claims are to be believed. The company has changed the design (for the better, it says), improved the “acoustic architecture”, and made the case smaller without affecting battery life. If you opt for the more expensive models, the case can also charge wirelessly with MagSafe or Qi 2.0.
However, the answer to the question we asked in the headline will depend on you. Are you looking for new Apple-focused in-ear true wireless headphones but don’t want to spend upwards of R5,000? If yes, these are pretty much your best bet.
If you can find new AirPods 3 on sale and don’t care about the improvements of the new ones, get those. But you won’t have long because there’s a good chance they’ll be discontinued before long. Otherwise, the AirPods 4 are your best bet. This time you even have the option of paying less if you’re not fussed about wireless charging or active noise cancellation (with their open-ear design this might be the better option).
The big section we’ve omitted is how the new ‘buds sound. That’s harder to tell from a spec sheet. Based on everything else though, the new AirPods 4 do seem to offer enough to warrant a purchase over the AirPods 3 if you don’t already have a set. If you’ve already got AirPods 3, then you’re probably better off waiting. Unless you’re itching to ditch the last remaining Lighting port in your Apple stable, that is.
