Apple has unveiled a new lineup of AirPods models and features that set a new standard for audio technology. The latest AirPods 4 are the most advanced and comfortable headphones Apple has designed, featuring an innovative open-ear design. Customers can now choose between the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Additionally, AirPods Max now come in new colors—midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange—and offer the convenience of USB-C charging.
This fall, AirPods Pro 2 will launch the world's first comprehensive hearing health experience, including Active Hearing Protection, a scientifically validated Hearing Test, and a clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature. AirPods 4 and AirPods Max are available for pre-order today, with in-store availability starting Friday, September 20. The new hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 will be accessible in over 100 countries and regions this fall.
"With AirPods 4, customers can enjoy both Active Noise Cancellation and an unmatched audio experience in an open-ear design," said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. "And with the groundbreaking updates to AirPods Pro, we’re introducing revolutionary new capabilities—including Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features—to support the more than a billion people affected by hearing loss."
Introducing AirPods 4: A New Standard in Design and Performance
With exceptional sound quality, up to 24 hours of battery life with the charging case, and a distinctive design, the original AirPods redefined wireless convenience and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC elevate this experience even further, featuring a fresh new fit along with a host of advanced features and capabilities.
The AirPods 4 represent Apple's pinnacle in headphone innovation, featuring an open-ear design that redefines fit and comfort. Crafted using a comprehensive dataset and cutting-edge technologies like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography, the design process involved analyzing thousands of ear shapes and over 50 million data points. This meticulous approach ensures a fit that is both universally comfortable and highly refined.
Sound quality has seen a major leap with AirPods 4, which boast a new acoustic architecture, a low-distortion driver, and a high dynamic range amplifier. The addition of Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking enhances the media experience, making it more immersive than ever.
Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods 4 deliver intelligent audio features unique to Apple silicon. This includes Voice Isolation for clearer calls in various environments and Siri Interactions, where users can respond to Siri with a simple nod or shake of the head. The new force sensor on the stem offers convenient controls for media playback and call management.
For gamers, AirPods 4 provide low wireless audio latency and excellent voice quality, supporting 16-bit, 48kHz audio, making them a top choice for both gaming and everyday use.
For added convenience, the new charging case features USB-C charging and is over 10% smaller than the previous model, while still providing up to 30 hours of battery life. Customers who select the AirPods 4 with ANC can charge the case using a USB-C cable, an Apple Watch charger, or a Qi-certified charger. At just 50mm wide, it’s the smallest wireless charging case in the industry.
AirPods 4 Introduce ANC in an Open-Ear Design
For the first time, AirPods 4 combine Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with an open-ear fit. Featuring enhanced microphones, the powerful H2 chip, and advanced computational audio, these AirPods effectively reduce environmental noise, such as airplane engines and city traffic. The integration of hardware and software provides a natural listening experience, with intelligent features including Transparency mode for environmental awareness, Adaptive Audio that adjusts ANC and Transparency mode based on surroundings, and Conversation Awareness, which lowers the volume when you start talking to someone nearby.
**AirPods Max Debut in Five Stunning New Colors**
The AirPods Max are now available in five gorgeous new hues: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Orange, and Purple. These vibrant colors perfectly complement other Apple devices, such as the Mac and iPad. Plus, with the addition of USB-C charging, keeping your AirPods Max powered up is easier than ever, whether you're at home or on the move.
Introducing AirPods Pro 2: The World's First Comprehensive Hearing Health Solution
With approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide experiencing hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization, Apple is taking a major step forward in hearing health. Building on extensive work in this area—such as the Noise app on Apple Watch, headphone audio levels on iPhone, hearing accessibility features, and the Apple Hearing Study—Apple is now launching an all-in-one experience designed to enhance prevention, awareness, and support for hearing health.
**Prevention**
According to the Apple Hearing Study, one in three people regularly encounter loud environmental noise that can affect their hearing. This includes common situations such as commuting on the subway, mowing the lawn, attending sporting events, and more. To help users avoid exposure to damaging noise levels while maintaining the sound quality of their audio, AirPods Pro now feature Hearing Protection. The ear tips provide passive noise reduction,
while the H2 chip actively reduces louder, intermittent noises at a rate of 48,000 times per second. Hearing Protection is enabled by default across all listening modes, making it effective in various noisy environments. Additionally, a new multiband high dynamic range algorithm ensures that sounds at live events, like concerts, stay natural and vibrant, so users don't miss out on the experience.
Awareness
Apple is introducing a new feature with AirPods Pro that allows users to conduct a scientifically validated hearing test using a compatible iPhone or iPad. This feature makes it easy for users to check their hearing from the comfort of their home in just a few minutes. The test employs pure-tone audiometry, a standard clinical method, and combines advanced acoustic science with an interactive experience.
After completing the test, users receive a clear summary of their results in a personalized hearing profile stored securely in the Health app. They also have the option to share these results with their healthcare providers for more informed discussions.
Assistance
“Hearing health is a crucial aspect of our overall wellbeing, but it often gets neglected. According to the Apple Hearing Study, an astonishing 75 percent of individuals with hearing loss don't receive treatment,” said Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple’s Vice President of Health. “We’re excited to introduce innovative software features with AirPods Pro that prioritize users' hearing health, offering new methods for testing and getting help for hearing loss.”
AirPods Pro now offer an innovative over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. Leveraging the personalized hearing profile from the Hearing Test, this feature transforms AirPods Pro into a clinical-grade hearing aid. Once set up, it provides real-time dynamic adjustments to amplify surrounding sounds, enhancing conversations and helping users stay connected with their environment.
The exceptional audio quality of AirPods Pro ensures that this personalized hearing profile extends to music, movies, games, and phone calls across devices without the need for manual adjustments. This groundbreaking software-based Hearing Aid feature allows users to fine-tune their listening experience easily, making high-quality hearing assistance more accessible and affordable.
Additionally, users have the option to set up the Hearing Aid feature using an audiogram from a hearing health professional. Both the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are based on scientific research and have undergone extensive validation. They are expected to receive marketing authorization from global health authorities soon and will be available this fall in over 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, and Japan.
Once users complete the Hearing Test, they can personalize their AirPods Pro listening experience using their hearing profile. This feature benefits everyone, including those with minimal or no hearing loss, by allowing adjustments at specific frequencies. Additionally, the new Media Assist feature enhances the listening experience further by boosting certain parts of speech during phone calls and improving instrument clarity within soundtracks, catering to a wider range of hearing needs.
### Environmentally Friendly Design
The new AirPods 4 are crafted with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. They feature 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets and 100% recycled gold in the plating of multiple printed circuit boards. The case is also made with 100% recycled tin for the solder on the main logic board and 100% recycled aluminum for the hinge. The AirPods 4 are free from potentially harmful substances like mercury, BFRs, and PVC.
For the first time, Apple has used 100% fiber-based materials for all packaging, advancing towards its goal of eliminating plastic from packaging by 2025. Additionally, packaging volume has been reduced by over 30% compared to the previous generation, helping to cut shipping emissions and support Apple's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
**Pricing and Availability**
Customers can now pre-order the AirPods 4 for $129 (U.S.) on apple.com/store and through the Apple Store app in the U.S. and over 58 other countries and regions. They will be available starting Friday, September 20.
For those interested in the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, pre-orders are open at $179 (U.S.) on the same platforms, with availability also beginning on September 20.
AirPods Pro 2, priced at $249 (U.S.), can be purchased today on apple.com/store and through the Apple Store app. A free software update this fall will introduce new hearing health features for AirPods Pro 2 when paired with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.
Additionally, pre-orders are now open for AirPods Max with USB-C charging at $549 (U.S.) on apple.com/store and the Apple Store app in the U.S. and over 60 other countries and regions, with availability starting on September 20.
New subscribers can enjoy a three-month free trial of Apple Music with any AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max purchase. Visit apple.com/promo for more details.
For the best experience, pair AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Max with an Apple device running the latest operating system. AppleCare+ for Headphones offers exceptional support, including unlimited accidental damage incidents, battery service coverage, and priority assistance from Apple experts.
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