Apple’s next-generation AirPods are reportedly on schedule. According to a report, the manufacturer is preparing to introduce a new entry-level and mid-range model of its true wireless earphones. The announcement could come alongside the unveiling of the iPhone 16, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, which is expected in early September – possibly on the 10th of this month.
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AirPods 4 with and without ANC
The AirPods 4 are intended to replace the suddenly announced AirPods 2, which are now almost 5 years old, as well as the AirPods 3. To achieve this, Apple wants to bring to these slightly cheaper models for the first time a function that has been reserved for the AirPods Pro until now. The more expensive version of the AirPods 4 will now support active noise cancellation (ANC), as revealed by Mark Gurman in his Bloomberg newsletter. Both variants of the AirPods 4 are said to use the same design. What these actually look like remains unclear at the moment.
Apple has been researching health sensors for the AirPods for a long time, but has not yet implemented it. Also, true wireless earphones have long been able to serve as hearing aids, and the manufacturer has also added software functions. With iOS 18, head gestures can also be performed for the first time, for example to accept or reject calls – so far this has only been announced for the AirPods Pro 2. There has also been recent speculation about the integration of a camera – albeit in the distant AirPods future.
Failure of “Starliner” – how do astronauts return home?More and more competition for AirPods
Apple’s AirPods series has been quiet lately; the focus is clearly on the popular Pro series. The AirPods 3 and AirPods 2 have long had plenty of competition, which is usually also cheaper – even from our own company. Apple subsidiary Beats has recently launched the true wireless in-ear Beats Solo Buds for less than 100 euros. AirPods 4 prices are likely to be between 100 and 200 euros.
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