Apple is reportedly working on a fourth-generation AirPods. We put together all the rumors for you about the release of the new AirPods 4.
AirPods 4 are coming
It has been two years since Apple launched a new generation of AirPods. The AirPods 3 appeared in 2021 and had a completely new design. Since the third generation, the earphones are more similar to the AirPods Pro, but without the silicone attachment.
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Apple launched the third generation of AirPods two years after the AirPods 2. It is therefore expected that the AirPods 4 will not be long in coming. What do we know so far about the next generation of AirPods? Here’s everything you need to know about the AirPods 4.
1. AirPods run on H2 chip
The next generation of AirPods is expected to run on the H2 chip. We already saw this processor in the second generation of AirPods Pro. The AirPods 3 still run on the H1 chip, just like the second generation AirPods. This will probably change with the AirPods 4.
With the H2 chip, various functions are improved with the new AirPods 4. The battery life is better, but you will also notice the difference when you listen to music. The AirPods 4 have less distortion and even more powerful bass tones due to the new processor. In addition, the H2 chip has a larger audio range, so that the music will sound very clear.
2. Bluetooth 5.3 is coming to the new earphones
Apple probably provides the new AirPods 4 with a new generation of Bluetooth. The AirPods 4 will then receive Bluetooth 5.3, as will most of Apple’s new products. With the new version of bluetooth, the wireless connection is more stable and there is less delay. In addition, Bluetooth 5.3 works more efficiently, which means that the battery of the AirPods lasts longer.
3. Longer battery life
The new chip and the new version of Bluetooth therefore provide a longer battery life for the earphones. With the AirPods Pro 2, the H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3 provided 1.5 hours more listening time than with the first-generation AirPods Pro. This was with noise canceling on, the mode that consumes the most battery.
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That means the AirPods 4 will probably last a lot longer. With the current generation of AirPods, you can listen to music for five hours without charging the earphones. With the new earphones from Apple, this is 6.5 hours, a significant improvement compared to the AirPods 3. It is also quite possible that the battery will last even longer with the new features, because the AirPods 4 do not have noise reduction.
4. Usb-c is coming to AirPods 4
Apple will most likely say goodbye to the Lightning port with the AirPods 4. Instead, the case of the earphones will have a USB-C connection. This is the result of new European legislation, which states that all new electronic devices must have a USB-C connection from November 2024. The charging box of the AirPods 4 will have such a connection for the first time.
5. New way to control the volume
With the regular AirPods, it is not yet possible to adjust the volume without grabbing your iPhone. This is possible with the AirPods Pro 2, you then swipe over the stem of the AirPods to make the sound louder or softer.
It is therefore expected that Apple will adjust the controls of the AirPods 4, so that your iPhone is no longer needed to control the volume. For example, the touch control of the AirPods Pro 2 can also come to the AirPods 4. Or it will be possible to control the volume by pressing the stem of the AirPods.
6. Find My improvements
Not only the earphones themselves will receive an update, the box of the AirPods will probably also be improved. For example, the case (with the earphones in it) should be easier to find in the Find My app. That function is still limited with the AirPods 3, because you only see whether the earphones are nearby or not.
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The second-generation AirPods Pro introduced the U1 chip, giving the Find My feature a major update. With the processor, your iPhone knows exactly how many meters you are away from the earphones. Still can’t find them? Then your iPhone points with an arrow in the direction of the AirPods. The case of the AirPods 4 is expected to get the same U1 chip, so you can always find the earphones.
7. Charge AirPods with Apple Watch charger
The third generation of AirPods can be charged via MagSafe, a wireless charger with Q1 standard or a Lightning cable. There will probably be another option with the new AirPods 4, because you can also charge the earphones with your Apple Watch charger. This is already possible with the AirPods Pro 2 and it is expected that the function will also come to the new regular AirPods.
Release date of the new AirPods 4
If we are to believe the rumors, Apple will not release any new AirPods this year. That means we can’t expect the new AirPods 4 until next year. Apple usually releases the AirPods in the fall, so the new generation of earphones will probably appear around October 2024. So for the time being, we still have to wait for the AirPods 4.
Read also: AirPods will soon be able to do much more thanks to iOS 17 (but there is also a disadvantage)
Don’t feel like waiting so long for the new AirPods? And are your earphones now in need of replacement? The AirPods Pro 2 are currently the most advanced earphones Apple has to offer. You have the AirPods 3 for a much lower price. Be sure to check our price comparison, so that you know that you are not paying too much for the new earphones!