Apple revolutionized the wireless earbud market with the original AirPods. Now, after nearly three years since the third generation’s debut, an all-new AirPods model is anticipated later in 2024. Many of the features that originally made the AirPods Pro standout are likely to trickle down, offering exciting upgrades across the board.
Let’s dive into the rumors and explore what might differentiate the next generation of standard AirPods and how they’ll likely take a page from the AirPods Pro playbook. Key insights come from credible sources like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, offering a glimpse at what Apple may be planning.
Two Models, Two Price Points
Apple is reportedly targeting both entry-level and more premium markets with different AirPods 4 models. This strategy aims to replace the existing second- and third-generation AirPods, which currently offer minimal differences besides design.
The higher-end AirPods 4 will likely be the star of the show, bringing long-awaited features from the AirPods Pro series: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a Find My-compatible charging case with a built-in speaker for easy location.
Design: A Blend of Old and New
Expect a design refresh that bridges the gap between the current AirPods and AirPods Pro. This likely means shorter stems and perhaps improved fit in the ear. It’s uncertain if Apple will add silicone ear tips, but we can count on a refined form factor to enhance comfort.
The Power of H2
At the heart of the new AirPods will likely be the H2 chip, a significant advance from the H1 found in the older AirPods models. Apple touts the H2 chip’s exceptional audio performance in the AirPods Pro, thanks to a low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier. Expect these enhancements to pave the way for richer bass, clearer sound, and potentially improved Personalized Spatial Audio. Faster pairing, device switching, and persistent battery tracking are also likely benefits of the H2.
Bluetooth 5.3: Efficiency & Reliability
Bluetooth 5.3, standard in the AirPods Pro and recent Apple products, is a safe bet for the AirPods 4. This upgrade brings speedier connection to compatible devices and improved power efficiency – good news for battery life.
Speaking of Battery…
The H2’s efficiency and Bluetooth 5.3 could translate to a significant bump in battery life. If the AirPods Pro offer any indication, we could see listening time stretch from the current five hours to around six and a half.
Touch Controls: More Than Meets the Eye?
Touch-based volume controls, similar to the AirPods Pro, are a possibility. While convenient, Apple might reserve this feature for their premium ‘Pro’ line.
Find My Enhancements
The MagSafe Charging Case likely will feature upgrades for deeper Find My integration. Precision Tracking (thanks to the U1 chip) and a built-in speaker are significant improvements in the AirPods Pro 2. Precision Tracking transforms your iPhone into a directional guide, while the speaker makes pinpointing AirPods (even in the case) much easier. The lanyard loop on the AirPods Pro case could even be replicated to support this functionality.
More Than Wireless Charging
Apple Watch charger compatibility, introduced with the latest AirPods Pro, seems like a natural addition to the AirPods 4. Apple doesn’t tend to keep core charging technology exclusive, so expect the convenience of using your existing Apple Watch charger.
Hearing Aid Functionality: Accessibility Boost
An upcoming software update may usher in hearing aid functionality, positioning AirPods as an alternative to traditional solutions by adapting to users’ needs (and perhaps even offering hearing tests!). This aligns with the recent FDA approval of over-the-counter hearing aids and could be a significant accessibility breakthrough.
USB-C: It’s Inevitable
With recent iPhones and even the AirPods Pro embracing it, the shift to a USB-C port for the AirPods 4 charging case feels inevitable.
When Will We See Them?
The rumor mill points to a September or October 2024 launch for the AirPods 4.
