Apple revamps AirPods lineup: AirPods 4, updated AirPods Max, and updated AirPods Pro 2 features
The new AirPods lineup features a new design for AirPods 4, new AirPods Max colours, and the world's first all-in-one hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2. Picture: Apple.
Apple has once again raised the bar in personal audio with the introduction of AirPods 4, updates to the AirPods Max, and groundbreaking new features for AirPods Pro 2.
The most exciting announcement is the launch of AirPods 4, which takes the beloved design of previous AirPods and makes it even better. Apple has gone all-in on perfecting the fit and comfort by analysing over 50 million individual ear shapes using advanced 3D photogrammetry. The result is an improved design that feels more secure and comfortable.
On the technical side, AirPods 4 is powered by the H2 chip, delivering better audio quality with richer bass and clearer highs. Personalised Spatial Audio has also been enhanced, surrounding you with sound whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or playing games. Having used Spatial Audio on earlier models, I can say that it enriches the media experience, making it more immersive than standard stereo for movies.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is also debuting in this open-ear design, thanks to advanced microphones and computational audio powered by the H2 chip. This feature will be excellent for Apple users who want to block out noise in busy environments without sacrificing sound quality.
Apple has introduced new colours for its flagship headphones—midnight blue, purple, orange, and starlight—along with a switch to USB-C for charging. While the design hasn’t changed much, the listening experience has been enhanced with iOS 18, which now includes Personalized Spatial Audio.
Though priced at a premium, the AirPods Max justifies the cost for Apple users who appreciate impeccable sound quality and exceptional ANC.
The AirPods Pro 2 update is where things get interesting. Apple is introducing several health-focused features, starting with hearing protection. Using machine learning, AirPods Pro will actively reduce loud, intermittent noises by analysing your environment 48,000 times per second. It’s designed to prevent long-term hearing damage — a thoughtful addition many users will appreciate, especially in loud urban settings.
The most groundbreaking feature, though, is the built-in clinical-grade hearing test. Users can now take a simple five-minute hearing check directly from their AirPods, generating a personalised hearing profile. This profile will help you monitor your hearing health and serve as the foundation for the new over-the-counter hearing aid function.
You read that right: AirPods Pro 2 can now function as a hearing aid for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. This feature, expected to receive FDA clearance soon, will allow users to boost specific sounds in real-time, making conversations and ambient noise easier to hear. Given that hearing aids are often expensive and difficult to access, this is a huge win for accessibility.
Starting at €149 for AirPods 4 and €199 for the noise-cancelling version. The new AirPods Max are €579. Pre-orders are available now, with all products set to launch on September 20th.
