Apple’s most recent product unveiling was marked by the introduction of USB Type-C across several devices, a notable inclusion being the AirPods Pro. Surprisingly, there was no mention of the AirPods 4 (or fourth-generation) during the event. While Apple has maintained a veil of secrecy around the AirPods 4, there are some interesting details making their rounds within the tech community. One thing we can say with reasonable certainty is that the AirPods 4 will come equipped with a USB Type-C port. But what other features and upgrades can we anticipate? Here’s what we have gathered so far.
Pricing Patterns
Since the inception of the AirPods in 2016, we’ve seen variations in launch prices. The first generation started at $159, followed by the second generation at $199, and the third generation at $179. Speculation suggests that Apple may continue to offer the AirPods 4 at a similar $179 price point. However, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo hints at the possibility of a more affordable version aiming for a $99 price tag, though it may come with some trade-offs.
Release Timing
Apple has followed a somewhat patterned release schedule for its AirPods, with the second generation in 2019 and the third in 2021. Based on this pattern, it’s reasonable to anticipate the AirPods 4 arriving between 2023 and 2024. However, given that we recently passed an Apple event, the latter timeframe seems more plausible. Tech reviewers predicts that mass shipments of the next-gen AirPods could start in the second half of 2024 or the first half of 2025.
Apple might take a page from its iPhone playbook when it comes to enhancing the AirPods 4’s specifications. The current AirPods Pro features the H2 chip, while the standard AirPods are equipped with the downgraded H1 chip. We could see an upgrade to H3 for the Pro and H2 for the standard AirPods. The H2 chip offers improved acoustics and Bluetooth 5.3, promising more reliable Bluetooth connectivity.
Battery Life Boost
An upgraded chip often translates to improved battery life. With the H2 chip, the AirPods Pro gained an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled. Therefore, the AirPods 4 could potentially deliver even more impressive battery performance.
While there’s been no official word on additional features, it’s possible that the AirPods 4 could borrow some capabilities from the premium models, such as on-device volume controls. Moreover, improvements to the MagSafe Charging Case are likely, as the inclusion of a USB Type-C port is confirmed.
Looking Ahead
Despite the limited rumors surrounding the AirPods 4, it’s promising to note that these earphones could see the light of day in the not-so-distant future, possibly next year. Apple’s recent event may not have brought an AirPods update, but indications are that the AirPods 4 won’t be a minor revision focused solely on the charging port. Anticipate longer battery life, enhanced audio quality, and various incremental improvements.
However, it’s essential to remember that all the information so far falls within the realm of speculation. Official statements from Apple remain elusive, so a degree of skepticism is warranted. For the latest updates on all things Apple AirPods and tech-related news and rumors, stay tuned to Laptop Mag on Twitter, Facebook, and Flipboard.