AirPods 4 Release Date, Price, Rumors, Features, and More

AirPods 4 would be the best-ever earbuds of 2024 for artists, players, professionals, music lovers, binge-watchers, and everyone else.

With the expectation of the next generation of Apple’s wireless earbuds, AirPods here is everything you need to know about the AirPods 4, the release date, and the expected features.

Release Date

Update: Apple introduced AirPods 4 on 9 Sept, 2024.

The AirPods 4 are expected to be out in mid to late 2024 if the rumors are to be believed. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also reported on this with additional information regarding Apple discontinuing AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 this year.

Traditionally, Apple has been updating the AirPods during the iPhone launch season which is in September. Based on this pattern, one can anticipate the AirPods 4 this year to follow the same pattern.

Price

Update: AirPods 4 is priced at $129 while AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is priced at $179. 

As for the pricing details, there is still no information about it, however, the experts are expecting the AirPods 4 to be marketed with a similar price range as the AirPods 3 which will cost at least $179.

There might be a budget version in the works as well, although it is still being determined whether it shall be launched together with the AirPods 4 or later.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that there will be a low-cost version of AirPods named “AirPods Lite” or “AirPods Mini” priced at $99.

Many reported that there will be 2 different versions of Apple AirPods one with high-end features and a slightly higher price and one with a low price tag and marginally fewer features than the Pro or Max version.

Design

Update: Apple claims that these new AirPods 4 models are desigend to fit in all type of ears and can be used as a medical grade Hearing Aid device.

The AirPods 4 are expected to have a combination of the AirPods 3 and the AirPods Pro 2 looks. This could mean that the stems are shorter, and the headset has a better fit while retaining the minimal and compact appearance that people like.

Also, the new model will have a USB C charging case as dictated by European laws on the usage of micro USB chargers.

Features

The AirPods 4 are expected to carry forward many features from the AirPods 3, with some notable enhancements:

Update: A stunning design that fits every ear in the world and active noise cancellation with features to adjust noise cancellation and background noise control automatically with a new functionality to let you hear music while you talking to other people as these AirPods can adjust the valume on their own to make your hear voice of other people clearly and you can also use their transparent mode to hear outside sounds without having to put the AirPods down from your ears.

• Chip Integration: This probably would contain the H2 chip or could contain the H3 chip if it is already available at the time of release. The H2 chip provides higher sound quality, the ability to create a more realistic sound stage, as well as the support of Bluetooth 5. 3 connectivity.
• Bluetooth LE Audio Support: This technology will bring several enhancements, such as better power efficiency, enhanced connection reliability, or the capability to pair greater than two sets of AirPods to a single device.
• Battery Life: Gains in battery life are expected to be made, an area that has been a sore point with most users. Current AirPods 3 claims up to 6 hours of listening time, while the competitors provide up to 12 hours, and Apple may strive to cover it.
• Advanced Features: More features could be gesture controls, hearing health features, and wireless lossless audio but is possible to be limited to the AirPods Pro & AirPods Max models only.

While these are mere rumors and updates from trusted Apple Insiders and Analysts, we can't really make a final statement about any given feature.

What Users Want

Many users have complained of the stem-squeezing mechanism that controls touch whereas they would prefer smooth touch controls, better fit of the buds to the ears to prevent them from falling off, and better call quality.

The following user preferences point out aspects in which the AirPods 4 could build upon prior models. Thus, the AirPods 4 is set to be a major upgrade in terms of design, audio, and usability.

Of course, these details are based on rumors and leaks, so we will be able to meet unexpected changes in the official release of AirPods 4.

For more specific details and for frequently updating information, you may refer to sources such as 9to5Mac, MacRumors, and Headphonesty.