Apple has announced the launch of AirPods 4, which will feature smaller cases but longer battery life.
The latest generation of AirPods also includes noise-cancelling capabilities and the promise of “the most advanced audio experience” offered by the tech giant to date.
Despite having a smaller charging case than the previous iteration of the product, the new AirPods 4 will have longer battery life thanks to a new charging case that works via USB-C.
With a built-in H2 chip, AirPods 4 can “unlock intelligent audio experiences” like Voice Isolation, enabling clearer call quality and allowing users to nod or shake their heads to respond to Siri announcements.
Its charging case is now also more than 10 percent smaller in volume than its predecessor, while allowing for extended battery life of the product.
Apple has announced the launch of AirPods 4, which will feature smaller cases but a longer-lasting battery
In addition to a USB-C charging cable, customers who choose AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) can charge the earbuds using an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-certified charger.
This will help provide up to 30 hours of battery life according to the manufacturer, meaning you won’t need to charge more than once a day for full usage at the very least, something that will certainly come in handy if you’re on the go.
Separately, a software update to the company’s £229 AirPods Pro 2 will allow users to use them as a clinical-grade hearing aid.
The feature boosts specific sounds in real time without delay, such as another person’s speech or ambient noises like traffic.
Apple hopes to shake up the market for headphones, which typically cost £400 or more.
It will be available as part of iOS 18, Apple’s new software update arriving later this month.
According to Apple, one in three people are regularly exposed to high levels of environmental noise that can affect hearing, while three-quarters of those diagnosed with hearing loss receive no treatment.
The tech giant hopes its new hearing aid capability for the AirPods Pro 2 will aim to raise awareness and prevention of hearing loss.
“Hearing health is an essential, yet often overlooked, part of our overall well-being,” said Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of Health.
The headphone feature on AirPods Pro 2 will be available later this month as part of iOS 18, Apple’s new operating system
The tech giant hopes its new hearing aid feature for the AirPods Pro 2 will aim to raise awareness and prevention of hearing loss.
“We’re excited to offer innovative software features with AirPods Pro that put users’ hearing health first and provide new ways to help detect and support hearing loss.”
With the new software update, users will first be able to take a “scientifically validated” hearing test to first see if they actually need the hearing aid feature.
The test involves users tapping the screen of a paired iPhone while listening to a variety of sounds at different volumes and frequencies through their AirPods.
When a user completes the test, they will see a summary of the results in the Health app on their device.
Users can also share the results with their healthcare providers to have “more informed conversations” about their hearing, according to Apple.
Using the results of the hearing test, the new feature transforms AirPods Pro into a hearing aid by amplifying surrounding sounds in real time.
“This helps users better engage in conversations and keeps them connected to the people and environment around them,” Apple said in a statement.
