Apple launches AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation

September 10, 2024

Apple launched its new batch of products, including the iPhone 16 series, Watch 10 series, and brand-new AirPods. This new-generation audio accessory offers active noise cancellation, among other things. In this article, we will discuss AirPods 4 in further detail, including its expected price in Nepal.

Apple AirPods 4 Overview

Design

The AirPods’ design is simply iconic and the Gen 4 does not deter from it either. They come in plain white and have the same semi-in-ear fitting. The charging case also looks the same, however, it has taken a slight size cut of about 10 per cent. The earbuds feature an updated stem with a force sensor which allows you to control playback and calls with a pinch.

Furthermore, they are dust, sweat, and water resistant with an IP54 rating. Apple continues to offer a touch of personalisation AirPods 4 as well, allowing one to engrave a mix of emoji, names, initials, and numbers.

Read our Apple AirPods 4 review

Audio and ANC

The audio on these earbuds is delivered by an Apple-designed low-distortion driver powered by a custom high-dynamic range amplifier. They offer high-quality audio with 16-bit/48kHz processing.

Meanwhile, the AirPods 4 also comes with personalised Spatio Audio with dynamic head tracking. This provides users with an added layer of immersion when consuming content. Likewise, these earbuds have an inward-facing microphone that detects what you are hearing and automatically adapts the EQ accordingly to preserve the details of the song you are listening to.

Then there is the H2 chip, which enables “Voice Isolation” that minimises background noise and clarifies your voice during calls. And finally a new feature on the base AirPods 4 — active noise cancellation. This is the first time that Apple has equipped its semi in-ear offering with ANC. Users get “Adaptive Audio” on these earbuds, allowing for sounds like sirens to pass even when ANC is turned on.

It also senses when someone is talking to you and lowers the media volume for the time being, it brings the volume back to regular once you are done. Customers can turn the noise cancellation off too — or opt for earbuds without this feature entirely. Yes, AirPods 4 are available in two flavours — one with ANC and the other without it.

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Features and Battery

Apart from audio-related stuff, these earbuds come with other features too — such as Apple ecosystem benefits. The AirPods 4 pairs immediately with every device connected to the user’s Apple ID. They also support multi-device connection seamlessly switching between your Apple devices as needed. Similarly, you can connect two sets of AirPods to a single device too. You can then play music or a show on both sets at once.

The H2 chip powers Siri on standby and Siri interactions too. You can easily access the voice assistant by calling it, then respond to its announcements by nodding yes or gently shaking your head no. Talking of the battery life, AirPods 4 can last up to five hours independently and 30 hours with the charging case.

The number slashes down to four hours and 20 hours respectively when the ANC is turned on. These earbuds finally come with a USB-C charging interface. The ANC variant comes with wireless charging support as well as a speaker on the case to help you locate them when misplaced.

Apple AirPods 4 Specifications

Design: Semi in-ear, stemmed with force sensors, IP54-rated
Dimensions:
- Buds: 30.20 mm x 18.30 mm x 18.10 mm
- Case: 50.10 mm x 46.20 mm x 21.20 mm
Weight: 4.30 grams (Buds), 32.30 grams or 34.70 grams (Case: Regular/With ANC)
Sound Driver: Custom high-excursion Apple Driver + Custom high dynamic range amplifier
Processor: H2 headphone chip
Noise Cancellation: Adaptive ANC (optional) + Voice Isolation
Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.3
Codecs: AAC
Playback (Spatial Audio Off, AAC, 50% Volume):
- Without ANC: Up to 5 hours (Buds), Up to 30 hours (With Case)
- With ANC: Up to 4 hours (Buds), Up to 20 hours (With Case)
Charging: Via USB Type-C, Wireless charging (optional)
Features: Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking, Touch controls, Adaptive EQ, Seamless pairing, Multi-device connection, Multi-device switching, Audio Sharing, Siri on Standby, Siri Interaction, Find My
Colour Options: White

Apple AirPods 4 Price in Nepal and Availability

These earbuds were announced on 9 September 2024 at the “It’s Glowtime.”. event. They are available for pre-order as of now and will hit physical stores on 20 September. The starting price for them is USD 129, and it’s USD 50 extra for ANC. Given that, when they arrive in Nepal, we expect the Apple AirPods 4 price to start at NPR 20,999.