Apple's upcoming AirPods 4 are poised to shake up the market with their expected launch this fall, as indicated by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Suppliers are getting ready to kick-start production of two different models of the fourth-generation AirPods in May, suggesting a potential debut in September or October.
Gurman expects a number of improvements in both iterations of the AirPods 4. In particular, a restructured design promises a better fit, superior sound quality, and a revamped charging case with a USB-C port. The luxury variant is believed to come with features like active noise cancellation and an integrated speaker in the charging case that facilitates precise location tracking via Find My.
As part of Apple's strategic restructuring, the tech giant is expected to say goodbye to the 2nd and 3rd generation AirPods when the AirPods 4 hit shelves, Gurman previously revealed. However, the prospects for a new version of AirPods Pro look dim until next year at the earliest. Nevertheless, Gurman hints at an upcoming hearing aid state with the launch of iOS 18 that caters to users' auditory needs.
What can you expect?
Looking forward industry insiders that consumers can expect two different models of AirPods 4, each focusing on different sound preferences. While one offers essential features at an entry-level price, the other comes with enhanced audio options, including ANC and a built-in speaker for enhanced Find My functionality.
Both variants will have a USB-C port and a significant aesthetic evolution from their predecessors, potentially adopting a reformulated silhouette in the style of a 'hair dryer.' However, the inclusion of replaceable earbuds like the AirPods Pro 2 is still uncertain.
In addition, rumors suggest that AirPods 4 may inherit the H2 chip from the existing Pro model, potentially unlocking support for lossless audio when paired with Vision Pro headsets, suggesting a compelling audio experience for users.