The AirPods 4, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro 2 are now official, launched by Apple during their September 2024 Keynote livestream.
The AirPods 4 is powered by the H2 chip, built with a new acoustic architecture that delivers richer bass and clear highs.
Among its features are personalized spatial audio, hands-free calls leveraged by machine learning, and voice isolation to remove background noise.
This iteration is also has the smallest, most portable case for AirPods ever, and even charges via USB Type-C.
AirPods 4 has another variant that features Active Noise Cancellation as well.
This model has upgraded microphones and uses advanced computational audio to reduce environmental noise. This means that users will keep the quality listening experience without compromising volume.
Plus, it has Transparency Mode and Adaptive Audio. The latter automatically reduces volume for users that move from noisy to quiet areas. It even has conversational awareness, lowering media volume when the user talks to someone.
Wireless charging comes with the AirPods 4 case as well as speakers to help with Find My Device. The AirPods Pro starts at USD 129 (~PHP 7K), with the other variant with ANC priced at USD 179 (~PHP 10K).
Next, we have AirPods Max. Apple notes that it’s slated to offer the ultimate listening experience with higher sound fidelity.
So far, we’ve unpacked that it features personalized spatial audio, charges via USB Type-C, and leverages iOS 18 to make the overall experience better.
This is a developing story, so we’ll be sure to update it as soon as we gather more details. The AirPods Max is available in Midnight Purple, Blue, Orange, and Starlight colorways and starts at USD 549 (~PHP 30K).
Lastly, we have the AirPods Pro 2. This iteration offers pro-level ANC, crystal-clear transparency mode, and the longest battery life that AirPods have ever offered.
Its key features consist of things to help with prevention, awareness, and assistance. This deals with individuals who struggle with impaired hearing.
The wearables offer Hearing Protection through passive noise reduction at 48,000 times per second courtesy of the H2 chip. However, it maintains the dynamic range of what the user is currently listening to.
Next, this iteration of the device comes with a Hearing Test that users can use from their iPhones. It builds on learnings from Apple’s studies from large scale real-world data.
After testing, this feature provides users with easy-to-understand results privately through the user’s Health app. Apple advises that users should share findings with their respective healthcare provider.
Wrapping up, the AirPods Pro 2 features a clinical-grade Hearing Aid features for users with mild to moderate hearing loss.
This set of wearables are going to be available on September 20, 2024.
AirPods 4 specs:
Custom high-excursion Apple driver, high dynamic range amplifier, Voice Isolation
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ
Dual beamforming microphones, Inward-facing microphone, Optical in-ear sensor
Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer, Force sensor
H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance
Up to 5 hours of listening, 4.5 hours of talk time per charge
Up to 30 hours of listening with the charging case (USB-C)
Dimensions (each AirPod): 1.19 x 0.72 x 0.71 inches,
Weight: 4.3 grams
Charging case: 1.82 x 1.97 x 0.83 inches, Weight: 32.3 grams
Works with USB-C, supports fast charging
Recycled materials: tin, gold, copper
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) specs:
Custom high-excursion Apple driver, high dynamic range amplifier, Active Noise Cancellation
Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ
Dual beamforming microphones, Inward-facing microphone, Optical in-ear sensor
Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer, Force sensor
H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance
Up to 4 hours of listening (ANC enabled), 5 hours with Noise Control off
Up to 30 hours of listening with charging case (USB-C, ANC off)
Dimensions (each AirPod): 1.19 x 0.72 x 0.71 inches,
Weight: 4.3 grams
Charging case: 1.82 x 1.97 x 0.83 inches, Weight: 34.7 grams
Works with USB-C, Apple Watch charger, supports fast charging
Recycled materials: tin, gold, copper
AirPods Max 2 (2nd Gen) specs:
Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange
Apple-designed dynamic driver, Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ
Optical sensor, Position sensor, Case-detect sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope
9 microphones (8 for ANC, 3 for voice pickup)
Apple H1 chip in each ear cup
Digital Crown for volume, play/pause, skip tracks, answer/end calls; Noise control button for ANC/Transparency; “Hey Siri” support
6.64 x 7.37 x 3.28 inches,
13.6 oz (AirPods Max), 4.74 oz (Smart Case)
Up to 20 hours battery life for listening, movie playback, or calls; 5 minutes charge provides 1.5 hours listening; USB-C charging
Bluetooth 5.0
Compatible with latest iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, tvOS, and VisionOS; limited functionality with non-Apple devices
100% recycled tin, gold, copper, polyester; fiber-based packaging; meets U.S. energy requirements; zero-waste assembly; mercury/BFR/PVC-free
AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Gen) specs:Custom high-excursion Apple driver, high dynamic range amplifier, Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode
Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Personalized Volume, Loud Sound Reduction, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, vent system for pressure equalization
Dual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone, skin-detect sensor, motion and speech-detecting accelerometers
Apple H2 headphone chip, Apple U1 chip in MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
Touch controls for play/pause, call handling, mode switching, and volume adjustment
Dust, sweat, and water-resistant (IP54) for both AirPods Pro and charging case
1.22 in x 0.86 in x 0.94 in (AirPods Pro), 1.78 in x 2.39 in x 0.85 in (5.3 g (AirPods Pro), 50.8 g (Case)
Up to 6 hours listening (5.5 hours with Spatial Audio), up to 4.5 hours talk time, up to 30 hours with case
Charging case compatible with MagSafe, Apple Watch, Qi-certified, or USB-C chargers
Bluetooth 5.3
Compatible with the latest iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS; limited functionality with non-Apple devices
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