Apple has unveiled its latest lineup of AirPods, introducing AirPods 4 and enhanced capabilities for AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods 4 feature an open-ear design that offers a comfortable fit for a wide range of users.
We’re incredibly proud to introduce a first-of-its-kind Hearing Aid feature, coming this fall with AirPods Pro 2, plus an innovative way to detect signs of sleep apnea with Apple Watch. These life-changing tools will help people connect more deeply & live healthier.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 10, 2024
The new acoustic architecture, low-distortion driver, high dynamic range amplifier, and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking provide an exceptional audio experience.
AirPods Pro 2 adding a clinical grade hearing aid functionality: Awesome
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 9, 2024
The H2 chip powers advanced features such as Voice Isolation for clearer call quality and Siri Interactions, allowing users to respond with simple head gestures. The charging case is now more compact and includes USB-C charging for added convenience. AirPods 4 also bring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to an open-ear design for the first time.
"Today we're going to talk about Apple Watch, AirPods and iPhone"
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 9, 2024
Advanced microphones and computational audio help reduce environmental noise, while new features like Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness enhance the listening experience by dynamically adjusting to the user’s surroundings. AirPods Max now come in five new colors: midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple, and offer USB-C charging for added convenience. AirPods Pro 2 introduce the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience, addressing the needs of approximately 1.5 billion people affected by hearing loss globally.
Apple unveils advanced AirPods lineup
The new features include Hearing Protection, a scientifically validated Hearing Test, and a clinical-grade Hearing Aid function. Hearing Protection actively reduces loud environmental noises, while the Hearing Test feature allows users to check their hearing using pure-tone audiometry from the comfort of their home.
An enhanced high dynamic range algorithm ensures natural sound fidelity during live events. According to Apple, the AirPods Pro 2 offer up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation compared to the first-generation AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 with ANC. The difference lies mainly in their design, with AirPods Pro featuring an in-ear design and AirPods 4 having an open-ear design that rests inside the ear.
Customers can now pre-order AirPods 4 and AirPods Max in various new colors, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 20. The new hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 users will be available in more than 100 countries and regions this fall via a free software update. John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, said, “With AirPods 4, customers can enjoy Active Noise Cancellation and the most advanced audio experience ever in an open-ear design.
With a revolutionary update, AirPods Pro will deliver groundbreaking capabilities, helping over a billion people affected by hearing loss.”
