A Weekend with AirPods 4: Why Apple’s Latest Earbuds Are Expected to Be a Hit

Apple’s AirPods have been a staple in the wireless earbud market for years, and with the upcoming release of the AirPods 4, expectations are high. Set to launch on September 20, 2024, these new earbuds come with a sleek design, noise cancellation, and a host of upgrades that have people buzzing. With a price tag of €199 for the noise-cancelling model, it’s easy to see why they could be a runaway success.

After spending a weekend testing the AirPods 4, here are some initial thoughts on what could make these earbuds a must-have.

The AirPods 4 Case: A Pocket-Friendly Upgrade

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The first thing you’ll notice about the AirPods 4 is the new, smaller case. While it might seem like a minor update, it makes a world of difference in daily use. Compared to the AirPods Pro 2, the case is nearly half the width, making it incredibly easy to slip into a pocket or bag without feeling bulky.

Beyond the size, Apple has also made some subtle yet significant design changes. The pairing button on the back is gone, replaced by a more seamless experience—simply double-tap the case to pair it with your iPhone (as long as you’re running iOS 18). The LED indicator, which was once always visible, now magically lights up through the case’s plastic only when needed, adding a clean, futuristic touch to the overall look.

These innovations could well be a glimpse into what we’ll see in the AirPods Pro 3, expected in late 2025. For now, though, the AirPods 4 are already setting the bar high with these thoughtful improvements.

Impressive Noise Cancellation, But Beware of Accidental Touches

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When it comes to sound quality, the AirPods 4 are a noticeable improvement over previous generations. While we’ll dive deeper into the audio performance in the full review, our weekend with these earbuds gave us a taste of what they’re capable of. Whether it was music, podcasts, or FaceTime calls, the AirPods 4 delivered a solid audio experience.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the fit of the AirPods 4 might be a matter of personal preference. If you’re someone who prefers in-ear buds with silicone tips, like the AirPods Pro, the open design of the AirPods 4 may not feel as secure. During workouts, we found that adjusting the earbuds could accidentally trigger the noise-cancelling controls, a minor inconvenience that might not be as pronounced in the Pro models, which tend to stay in place better.

Speaking of noise cancellation, the AirPods 4 perform surprisingly well for open-fit earbuds. Apple claims the noise reduction is about 50% as effective as the AirPods Pro, and from our testing, it’s sufficient to block out background noise like subway chatter while listening to music. It’s likely not robust enough for long-haul flights, but for everyday use, it’s impressive. The transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings as if you weren’t wearing earbuds, is just as effective as it is on the Pro version.

A Promising Start for Apple’s Latest Earbuds

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Overall, the AirPods 4 seem poised to dominate the market once again. With their sleek design, impressive noise cancellation, and the convenience of USB-C charging, they’ve already checked a lot of boxes for wireless earbud users. While the lack of onboard volume control may be a drawback for some, the combination of features and price makes these a strong contender in the wireless earbud space.

@numerama

En attendant notre test complet des AirPods 4, qui arrivera à la fin de semaine, voici notre premier avis sur les nouveaux écouteurs d’Apple dans leur version « réduction de bruit ». À 199 euros, on voit mal comment ils pourraient ne pas devenir un immense succès. #numerama #tech #apple #airpods #airpodsmax #airpods4 #airpodsmax2 appleevent

♬ son original – Numerama – Numerama

With a starting price of €149 for the non-noise-cancelling version and €199 for the ANC model, it’s hard not to see these becoming the go-to choice for many. And with the AirPods Pro 3 on the horizon, it’s clear that Apple isn’t done innovating in this space just yet.