Apple Just Dropped a Game-Changing Upgrade to AirPods: Here's What It Means for Music Lovers

Apple has recently given its AirPods lineup a refreshing makeover, introducing a new fourth-generation model dubbed the AirPods 4, a minor refresh of the over-ear AirPods Max, and new features for the existing AirPods Pro.

The latest AirPods 4 models resemble slightly smaller versions of the third-gen model from afar, but with a refined shape designed to boost overall comfort. These new earbuds are powered by Apple's H2 chip, come with smaller charging cases featuring USB-C, and promise improvements in sound quality.

The more advanced version of the two comes with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a feature previously exclusive to the AirPods Pro and Max. Additionally, this model's case supports wireless charging and includes a speaker that helps users locate their earbuds more easily.

Meanwhile, the revised AirPods Max models have upgraded to charge via USB-C and now come in several new colors. On the other hand, while there isn't an entirely new version of AirPods Pro, Apple announced that the current model will receive new software updates centered on hearing health. These updates include the ability to function as a clinical-grade hearing aid.

Unsealed earbuds, such as the AirPods 4, naturally let in a lot of outside noise. Therefore, we will be curious to see how well its ANC feature works in real-world applications. The full reviews of the new headphones will be available in the near future.

For those eager to upgrade their audio experience, here's a quick comparison of the updated AirPods lineup:

• AirPods 4:
• Price: $129
• Design type: Earbud (unsealed)
• Active noise canceling: No
• Transparency mode: No
• Adaptive Audio: No
• Multipoint connectivity: No
• Battery life (rated): Up to 5 hours
• Total battery life with case (rated): Up to 30 hours
• Wired charging: USB-C (cable not included)
• Water and dust resistance: IP54
• Chip: Apple H2
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3
• Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC

• AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation:
• Price: $179
• Design type: Earbud (unsealed)
• Active noise canceling: Yes
• Transparency mode: Yes
• Adaptive Audio: Yes
• Multipoint connectivity: No
• Battery life (rated): Up to 5 hours (with ANC off; up to 4 hours with ANC enabled)
• Total battery life with case (rated): Up to 30 hours
• Wired charging: USB-C (cable not included)
• Wireless charging: Yes
• Water and dust resistance: IP54
• Chip: Apple H2
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3
• Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC

• AirPods Pro (2nd gen):
• Price: $249
• Design type: In-ear (sealed)
• Active noise canceling: Yes
• Transparency mode: Yes
• Adaptive Audio: Yes
• Multipoint connectivity: No
• Battery life (rated): Up to 6 hours
• Total battery life with case (rated): Up to 30 hours
• Wired charging: USB-C (cable included)
• Wireless charging: Yes
• Water and dust resistance: IP54
• Chip: Apple H2
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3
• Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC

• AirPods Max:
• Price: $549
• Design type: Over-ear
• Active noise canceling: Yes
• Transparency mode: Yes
• Adaptive Audio: No
• Multipoint connectivity: No
• Battery life (rated): Up to 20 hours
• Wired charging: USB-C (cable included)
• Wireless charging: No
• Water and dust resistance: No
• Chip: Apple U1
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
• Bluetooth codecs: AAC, SBC

To find the best audio companion for your needs, consider the above information and look forward to our in-depth reviews of the new AirPods lineup in the near future.