Apple has officially unveiled updates to its popular AirPods lineup, including the new AirPods Max and the AirPods 4. Both products, while keeping familiar designs, bring some modest but also a few significant changes aimed at improving user experience and staying current with technological trends. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from Apple’s latest audio offerings.
The new AirPods Max, Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, have received their first update in nearly four years. The most significant change in this iteration is the shift from Apple’s proprietary Lightning port to the more widely adopted USB-C connector.
This update aligns the AirPods Max with other recent Apple products that have transitioned away from Lightning, continuing the company’s gradual move towards universal charging solutions. The AirPods Max can now be charged using the same USB-C cable that powers Apple’s latest iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.
Despite expectations for more substantial improvements, the new AirPods Max retain almost every other aspect of their first-generation counterparts. They still feature the same aluminum ear cups, mesh headband, and overall design that were initially praised for their premium feel but criticized for their weight. The headphones are among the heaviest in their category, and this has not changed in the latest update.
Moreover, the new AirPods Max maintain the same $549 price point and are available in five new color options: midnight, blue, purple, orange, and starlight. They continue to support personalized spatial audio, a feature that enhances sound immersion by adjusting audio output based on the user’s head movements. However, other anticipated features such as a dedicated power button, USB audio support, or enhanced audio quality for high-resolution files have not been introduced.
Fans who hoped for more extensive updates, such as a redesigned charging case or improvements to sound fidelity, may find this release underwhelming. For instance, Apple did not address previous criticisms regarding the original AirPods Max case, which many found awkward and impractical. The absence of a dedicated power button also remains, meaning users must rely on placing the headphones in their case to trigger low-power mode.
The AirPods 4 mark a significant update to Apple’s entry-level earbuds, bringing notable new features and design changes. Most prominently, Apple is introducing two versions of the AirPods 4: a standard model and a higher-end version with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), marking the first time noise-canceling technology has been included outside the AirPods Pro lineup.
The AirPods 4 have been redesigned with a refined shape that aims to offer the “most comfortable AirPods ever,” according to Apple. While the earbuds retain the familiar open-air design, the updated models include enhancements such as personalized spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, and improved audio quality thanks to new acoustic architecture. The earbuds also feature an updated H2 chip, which powers new functions like Adaptive Audio that adjusts sound output based on the user’s surroundings.
The standard AirPods 4 are priced at $129, while the model with ANC costs $179. Both versions are set to launch on September 20 and are available for preorder. The ANC version includes additional features like Transparency Mode, which allows users to stay aware of their environment, and Conversational Awareness, which automatically reduces volume when the user is speaking to someone.
Both models also come with redesigned charging cases that are 10% smaller than the previous generation and use USB-C for charging. The case for the ANC version supports wireless charging and includes a speaker to assist with Apple’s Find My feature, enhancing convenience for users who frequently misplace their earbuds.
Notably, both cases maintain the same total battery life of 30 hours despite a slight reduction in playtime per charge, now rated at 5 hours compared to the previous generation's 6 hours.
While fans may be disappointed by the lack of more substantial changes to the AirPods Max, the addition of ANC and other advanced features to the AirPods 4 will likely be welcomed by those looking for more affordable alternatives in Apple’s audio range. Both products will be available for purchase starting September 20, and you can pre-order them today on the company's official website.
