Fans have been waiting for these upgrades

After almost three years, the time has finally come: Apple has updated the regular AirPods. The fourth generation of the completely wireless earphones brings some long-awaited new features. Unfortunately, things are a little slimmer with the AirPods Max, which are getting a small but long-overdue facelift. At the same time, Apple is announcing new software features for the AirPods Pro that will make life easier for many people.

AirPods 4: USB-C, ANC, etc.

As with the currently available AirPods 3, the fourth generation is also available in two versions. However, the AirPods 4 no longer only differ in the charging case. The latest model has differences in the actual headphones. The most important feature: active noise cancellation. This also means that this version has adaptive audio, transparency mode and conversation recognition. These features are currently only available in the Pro version.

Apple has also managed to implement noise cancellation without silicone tips. Externally, the two versions of the AirPods 4 do not differ either. They have the traditional shape that we have known since the first model.

There are differences in the charging case, however. Both cases now finally have a USB-C port. The case of the ANC variant can also be charged wirelessly with the watch's charging puck or via Qi2. It also offers a speaker for “Where is?”. However, the AirPods 4 do not have a carrying strap loop like the case of the Pro models.

Also new is the voice isolation and personalized volume, which was not available in the predecessors of the AirPods 4. This allows you to better understand the person you are talking to on the phone, among other things.

Apple states that the battery life is up to 5 hours. If you activate ANC on the AirPods 4, the running time is reduced by one hour. For comparison: the AirPods 3 managed up to 6 hours. The new headphones are protected against dust, sweat and water (IP54).

The AirPods 4 cost 149 or 199 euros for the model with ANC. This makes them cheaper than their predecessor, for which Apple previously charged 199 and 209 euros. You can pre-order both models now, but they will not be delivered until September 20, 2024.

AirPods Max: Model update with minimal innovations

While the AirPods 4 are a big leap forward, the over-ear headphones are a disappointment. Apple has not given the model a name extension; they are still called the simple AirPods Max. The USB-C port and the colors are new. The choices are blue, violet, midnight, polar star and orange. The price has not changed either: they still cost 579 euros. The Max can also be ordered now, but delivery does not begin until September 20th.

AirPods Pro get new health features

Following the Apple Watch, the AirPods are also increasingly developing into devices that are designed to contribute to the health of their owners. Apple has now demonstrated this once again with the introduction of new software features for the AirPods Pro 2.

These include a hearing test, a hearing aid function and the ability to reduce loud noises. When Apple updates the firmware of the AirPods Pro 2 in the next few months, you will be able to use the headphones to perform a hearing test in the comfort of your own home. This should be able to provide scientifically recognized results. You can then view the results on your iPhone.

The second big innovation is the ability to use your AirPods Pro 2 as an officially recognized hearing aid. Here, too, you can use your iPhone to adapt the function to your personal circumstances.

Last but not least, the AirPods Pro 2 will be able to reduce loud noises in transparency mode. This means you can wear headphones at concerts, for example, to protect your hearing.

The new firmware for the AirPods Pro is expected to be available next fall. They require an iPhone or iPad with iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.