We are finally getting some new AirPods! In this article, we’re going to talk about the new AirPods 4th Generation and the major new feature that will be coming alongside it. Be sure to stick around, as I’ll also update you on the upcoming AirPods Max 2 and AirPods Pro 3.
AirPods are probably some of my favorite in-ear headphones, but their biggest drawback is the lack of a key feature—Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode. This often makes me spend extra money on the AirPods Pro, even though I’m not a fan of their fit or comfort compared to the standard AirPods.
Apple AirPods 4
It looks like Apple is finally addressing this issue and is set to release two new models of standard AirPods, the 4th Generation, which could be announced as soon as next week at the iPhone event.
Apple is expected to announce both low-end and mid-tier AirPods 4th Generation models during its upcoming special event on September 9th, alongside the new iPhone 16 lineup and the Apple Watch Series 10. Both the low-end and mid-tier AirPods 4 are rumored to feature a revised design with a better fit in the ear, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C port. The mid-tier AirPods 4 are also said to feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a speaker in the charging case that can play a sound for Find My Location tracking.
As I mentioned earlier, I love my AirPods, but I often wear the Pros simply because of the ANC and transparency features. I don’t have a big issue with the Pros overall, but I just don’t enjoy the fit and how far the tips go inside the ear. After long periods of use, like on a plane, it can become a bit uncomfortable. If you’re like me and you prefer the comfort of the standard AirPods, you’ll be happy with this latest update from Apple. If you don’t care about ANC, it appears Apple will still offer a lower-priced model without it, so there’s something for everyone.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
That said, these AirPods won’t obviously be as good as the current AirPods Pro, and the rumored AirPods Pro 3 is expected to have even better noise cancellation. Apple already advertises the AirPods Pro 2 as having up to twice as much active noise cancellation compared to the original AirPods Pro, so the AirPods Pro 3 would likely improve even further in this regard.
Currently, we don’t have firm rumors or a release date for the new AirPods Pro, but one rumor suggests that they could be coming soon. However, it’s unclear if this information is accurate, as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously reported that Apple does not plan to release the next generation of AirPods Pro until 2025. Gurman has also said that Apple plans to redesign the AirPods Pro, but the exact changes remain to be seen.
Apple AirPods Max
There’s also the AirPods Max, which are in desperate need of updates. It’s been so long since they were launched that they haven’t even been remotely touched or talked about. It does look like the AirPods Max 2 will be making their way to consumers this year, but it’s unclear exactly when. They could be announced next week alongside the AirPods 4, iPhone, and Apple Watch, but they will likely be saved for later in the year, perhaps at an October event.
If you’re expecting major changes, I hate to disappoint, but the only rumors we have surrounding the new AirPods Max are potentially new color options and an update from Lightning to USB-C for the charging port. If the information shared by Mark Gurman is accurate, the AirPods Max would not be updated with the H2 chip that debuted in the second generation AirPods Pro a few years ago. As a result, the latest AirPods Max would miss out on adaptive audio features and longer battery life provided by the H2 chip’s increased power efficiency.
Personally, I feel like Apple would want to make this a bigger upgrade and add that H2 chip to justify the major price tag over the AirPods Pro. I understand that these are two different headphones, and you’re getting more in terms of build and sound quality with the over-ear, larger AirPods Max. But considering that the H2 chip has been around in the AirPods Pro for a while and is available at a cheaper price, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
What do you think about the brand new set of AirPods that should be coming soon? Maybe we’ll see them at next week’s event!
