AirPods 4: Release Date: Apple AirPods are some of the most popular earbuds on the market, both the pro and non-pro models, and have been since the first AirPods launched back in 2016. So the rumours of Apple AirPods 4 should excite fans.
AirPods 3rd generation launched in October 2021, so leaks surrounding the 4th generation are based on Apple’s roughly two-year cycle, the time it took to upgrade from AirPods 2nd generation.
Apple has been very tight-lipped on the subject, leaving us with nothing more than speculation from trusted industry analysts.
So far, here’s what we know about Apple AirPods 4…
What we know so far about Apple AirPods 4?
In my opinion, the most credible rumor is that Apple is preparing to launch two different AirPods 4 models – a regular and a cheaper one.
According to Jeff Pu, Ming-Chi Kuo, and Mark Gurman, this is supported by industry analysts.
There isn’t much information out there about what the difference between the two versions will be, but Bloomberg analyst Gurman has previously stated that the regular AirPods 4 will likely feature noise cancelling and a case with Find My alert functionality, which won’t be offered with the cheaper option.
Design
Apple has not yet officially announced any major design changes to the AirPods 4, but Gurman predicts that the 4th generation earbuds will blend the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2.
As a result, it seems that there won’t be any major design upgrades, as the AirPods and Pro 2 already look very similar.
Although Gurman reports that the AirPods 4 will offer a more comfortable fit than previous generations, he also hinted that it is unlikely Apple will introduce changeable ear tips for the AirPod 4. In this case, we’re unlikely to see active noise cancellation (ACN) on the fourth-generation model, but it’s not impossible.
Apple’s trademark white finish won’t change, and there’s no likelihood of new colors being introduced this time around, unlike Apple’s AirPods Max 2, which come in a variety of colors.
Features
In regards to the AirPods 4, there have been no leaks or credible rumors so far.
Although fans want volume control on the AirPods Pro 2’s on-bud touch controls, which were introduced in 2022, there is no indication yet that it will happen.
With the EU’s ruling on ports, we can be fairly certain of the switch to a USB-C charging case.
As Apple has already started using USB-C in its flagship products, this shouldn’t be a surprise.
According to Gurman, future AirPods will have temperature sensors, but it’s unclear whether this will be in the AirPods 4 or the third generation of AirPods Pro. Probably the latter.
Software
The AirPods 4 are expected to have improved battery life thanks to Apple’s H2 chip, which is already found in the AirPods Pro 2.
Bluetooth 5.3 is more stable and efficient than Bluetooth 5.0 on the H2 chip.
With rumors circulating that AirPods Pro 3 could debut the new H3 chip, the inclusion of the H2 chip would make sense.
When will Apple AirPods 4 be released?
Ming-Chi Kuo says shipping won’t start until the second half of 2024 while Gurman believes Apple will begin production in May.
Gurman did say that the AirPods 4 launch will be the “biggest AirPods launch to date.”
In any case, Jeff Pu says the new AirPods could be released alongside the new AirPods Max sometime in Q4 2024, which would mean sometime between October and December.
As Gurman has already said, no announcement on the AirPods 4 is expected at Apple’s next event on May 7, 2024, as it’s likely to be included in a number of new products revealed later in the year.
Also Read: Apple India Diwali Sale 2023: Can You Get Free AirPods with iPhone 15? What To Expect
