During its September conference, Apple not only unveiled the new iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10, but also its updated headphone and earbud range. On the menu are new versions of the AirPods and AirPods Max, with improved designs and features.
Apple AirPods 4: a new entry-level strategy
Apple took advantage of the event to unveil its new AirPods 4. Two different models of these True Wireless Apple AirPods 4 earbuds are available: a standard version priced at €149 and a premium version with active noise cancelling with a price tag of €199. Both models will be available from September 20, 2024.
Both AirPods 4 models use the H2 chip, improving sound quality, voice capture and interactions with Siri. There is also a smart feature that detects conversations and pauses the music when you’re talking with someone. For even greater ease of use, these new earbuds support wireless charging. And, after painstakingly studying thousands of different ears, their design, inspired by that of the AirPods 3, now features a shorter stem for more comfort.
With its active noise cancelling, the premium version of the AirPods 4 allows users to enjoy an immersive listening experience without having a completely in-ear design.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 now adapt to your hearing thanks to an update
Apple also announced a major update for the Apple AirPods Pro 2; transforming these popular earbuds into hearing assistants. With the introduction of a Hearing Aid feature, Apple is marketing its earbuds not only as entertainment accessories, but also as essential health tools for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2’s Hearing Aid mode uses a series of new functions designed to improve the sound in real time and according to the user’s hearing. To do this, Apple has integrated a five minute-long hearing test that can precisely evaluate the auditory capacities of each ear. Once the test is done, the AirPods Pro 2 then automatically adjust the sound reproduction to compensate for any hearing loss. Apple relies on a vast database that includes 150,000 real audiograms and millions of simulations.
In addition to the Hearing Aid mode, the AirPods Pro 2 are equipped with a Hearing Protection feature, designed to preserve users’ hearing in noisy environments, such as concerts or sports events. This mode intelligently reduces volume without compromising sound quality.
These new features, along with the promise of health data confidentiality, show that Apple is ready to upgrade its devices in a way that links technology and health. To take advantage of them, you’ll need to have updated your AirPods Pro 2 (free update), and pair them with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 18.
No Apple AirPods Max 2, but a new USB-C version
Four years after the release of the Apple AirPods Max, Apple has finally revealed a minor update for its wireless headphones. This high-end model benefits from a slight aesthetic refresh, with the addition of new colors such as Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight and Orange.
The most notable change concerns the replacement of the Lightning port with USB-C, in line with Apple’s overall transition to this standard. However, contrary to expectations, Apple has not incorporated the H2 chip in this model, preferring to maintain the H1 chip, which means that users can write off any possible improvements in terms of noise reduction, adaptive mode or Bluetooth evolution. The Smart Case also remains unchanged. It’s a pity, because it has been widely criticized for its lack of protection. A sturdy carrying case would have been a welcome addition!
The Apple AirPods Max USB-C headphones will go on sale on September 20, 2024, priced at €579.
