Read more
Apple AirPods 4: A Bold Step Forward in True Wireless Audio
Apple has once again redefined the wireless audio experience with the release of the Apple AirPods 4. As the fourth iteration of the iconic earbuds, the AirPods 4 introduce significant upgrades in design, performance, and functionality—positioning themselves as one of the most refined audio products in Apple’s ecosystem to date. Whether you're a long-time Apple user or someone considering the jump to the AirPods lineup, there's a lot to be excited about.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll cover:
- What’s new in AirPods 4
- Design and comfort
- Sound quality improvements
- Smart features and ecosystem integration
- Battery life and charging
- AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2
- Who should buy AirPods 4?
- Final verdict
What’s New in Apple AirPods 4?
The AirPods 4 come after years of refinements across Apple’s audio products, and this time, Apple has combined some of the best features from both the standard AirPods and AirPods Pro. Some of the biggest upgrades include:
- A refreshed, more ergonomic design
- Improved audio drivers for richer sound
- Active Noise Cancellation (a first for standard AirPods)
- Adaptive Audio modes
- Longer battery life
- Improved Find My capabilities with Precision Finding
- USB-C charging case
- New gesture controls
Apple has clearly positioned the AirPods 4 as the go-to for users who want Pro-level features without necessarily paying the Pro price.
Design & Comfort: A Refined Fit for All
At first glance, the AirPods 4 strike a perfect balance between familiarity and innovation. The stems are slightly shorter than the AirPods 3, and the buds themselves now feature a new contoured shape that better fits a wider range of ears.
Key Design Highlights:
- Ergonomic shape: Redesigned for a more secure, comfortable fit.
- Lightweight: Each bud weighs just a few grams, making them ideal for long listening sessions.
- Sweat and water resistance: With an IPX4 rating, they’re great for workouts and light rain.
Unlike the AirPods Pro, the AirPods 4 still don’t use silicone ear tips, which some users may prefer for breathability and comfort.
Audio Performance: A Sonic Upgrade
Sound quality has always been a big selling point for AirPods, and the AirPods 4 raise the bar. Apple has re-engineered the audio driver and added new computational audio algorithms to deliver a sound experience that’s clear, immersive, and surprisingly powerful.
Audio Features:
- New dynamic driver: Enhances bass response and clarity across the frequency range.
- Personalized Spatial Audio: Creates a 3D soundstage tailored to your ear shape.
- Adaptive EQ: Automatically adjusts sound in real time to your environment.
- The result? A punchier bass, crystal-clear mids, and more defined treble, whether you're listening to podcasts or streaming your favorite playlists on Apple Music.
Active Noise Cancellation & Adaptive Audio
One of the biggest surprises with the AirPods 4 is the addition of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)—a feature previously exclusive to the Pro models. While it may not be as powerful as in the AirPods Pro 2, it’s impressively effective for everyday use.
Coupled with ANC, the Adaptive Audio mode intelligently blends noise cancellation and transparency based on your surroundings. Walking through a busy city? The AirPods 4 automatically let in traffic sounds while minimizing background chatter.
Smart Features & Ecosystem Perks
Apple's secret sauce has always been its seamless ecosystem, and the AirPods 4 take full advantage of it.
Key Features:
Automatic device switching: Move from your iPhone to MacBook without missing a beat.
"Hey Siri" voice control: Use voice commands hands-free for calls, music, and more.
Audio Sharing: Share what you're listening to with another set of AirPods.
Conversation Awareness: Lowers volume and enhances voices when you're talking.
Precision Finding with Find My: Thanks to the U1 chip, locating a misplaced earbud is easier than ever.
All these features work best when paired with Apple devices, making the AirPods 4 a natural choice for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.
Battery Life & Charging
Apple has made subtle but meaningful improvements in battery performance.
- Up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled
- Up to 30 hours total with the charging case
- 5 minutes of charging = 1 hour of listening
- USB-C Charging Case: Same cable as your iPhone 15 or MacBook
The switch to USB-C aligns with Apple’s broader product line, reducing the need for extra cables and accessories.
Controls: More Intuitive Than Ever
The AirPods 4 introduce touch-sensitive controls on the stem, similar to the AirPods Pro 2. You can:
- Tap to play/pause
- Swipe up or down to adjust volume
- Long-press to switch between noise modes
This small but important update removes the need to fumble for your phone or ask Siri for basic tasks.
Ideal Use Cases: Who Should Buy AirPods 4?
The AirPods 4 are built for a wide audience:
- Casual listeners who want a premium audio experience
- Apple users who want seamless device integration
- Commuters and students who need ANC and good battery life
- Fitness enthusiasts looking for sweat resistance and comfort
- Budget-conscious buyers who want Pro features without the Pro price.
They’re versatile, stylish, and perfectly suited to everyday life—making them a strong choice whether you’re upgrading or joining the AirPods family for the first time.
What’s in the Box?
- 2 AirPods 4 earbuds
- USB-C charging case
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- Quick start guide
Minimalist as always, Apple includes the essentials without clutter.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Great sound quality with upgraded drivers
- Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio
- Long battery life with fast charging
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
- Personalized Spatial Audio
- New ergonomic fit
- USB-C charging
Cons:
- No silicone ear tips (may affect noise isolation for some)
- Works best within Apple’s ecosystem
- Slightly more expensive than AirPods 3 (if still available)
- Final Verdict: AirPods 4 Are the New Gold Standard
The Apple AirPods 4 deliver a compelling mix of performance, comfort, and smart features—bridging the gap between the regular AirPods and the AirPods Pro. With ANC, Adaptive Audio, upgraded sound, and better battery life, they feel more like a “Pro Lite” than a simple refresh.
If you’re an Apple user who values high-quality audio, effortless convenience, and stylish design without splurging on the Pro version, the AirPods 4 are a fantastic choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do AirPods 4 support Android devices?
Yes, but some features like Spatial Audio and automatic switching won’t work as smoothly.
Q: Can I use only one AirPod at a time?
Absolutely. You can use either the left or right AirPod individually.
Q: Are AirPods 4 good for gaming?
They’re great for casual gaming, especially with Apple devices. However, audio latency might be noticeable in competitive gaming on non-Apple platforms.
Q: Is the case MagSafe compatible?
No, but it now uses USB-C for faster and more universal charging.
0 Reviews