2024-09-11 11:00:00
With the presentation of the AirPods 4it’s only fair to check out what exactly the new models bring to the table compared to their predecessors. With the latest update, Apple has launched not one, but two models of the same generation with different features.
So, let’s check below what are the differences between the AirPods 4 (both the entry-level and the more expensive version) and the Third-generation AirPodswhich have left the market but can still be found at some retailers, as always.
Design
The look of the AirPods 4 (both models) follows the same approach as the 3rd generation AirPods, that is, an open-ear design, without ear tips. Apple says it has further optimized its shape, however, so that it fits better in people’s ears.
The dimensions of the headphones are also virtually identical, meaning there are no significant changes to the shape of the chassis.
| Model | Height | Width | Thickness | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Furthermore, as with all models released so far — with the exception of the AirPods Max — the AirPods 4 are also only available in white (as is the charging case).
Finally, both AirPods 4 models offer dust, sweat, and water resistance (IP54 rating); the 3rd generation AirPods, on the other hand, only have sweat and water resistance (IPX4).
Sensors and microphones
In terms of sensors and microphones, all models also have practically no differences.
More precisely, both the AirPods 4 and 3rd generation have dual optical sensors, an accelerometer with motion detection, an accelerometer with voice detection, and a force sensor.
Regarding the microphones, in all models they are double, have spatial filtering and are facing inwards.
Chip and features
While the 3rd generation AirPods are powered by the H1 chip, the AirPods 4 come with the H2 chip — and that determines the main differences between the models.
Still, although both versions of the newly announced headphones are equipped with the same chip, they do not have the same features. These are:
| Resource | 3rd generation AirPods | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|
In terms of accessibility features, they also all support Live Listen, headphone levels, and headphone accommodations.
While all models support the “Hey Siri” command to play a song, make a call, or get directions, only AirPods 4 offer Siri interactions — which will be available starting with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia 15.
Finally, while the AirPods 4 feature Bluetooth 5.3, the 3rd generation AirPods support the older version 5.0.
Battery and charging
When it comes to battery life, there are also some (subtle) differences. Here are the estimates provided by Apple:
| Model | Autonomy (audio reproduction) |
|---|---|
The charging case, in turn, provides up to 30 hours of audio on all models — on AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, only if the feature is disabled; if enabled, the estimate drops to up to 20 hours.
Also in all cases, with 5 minutes of charging in the case, you have approximately 1 hour of audio on the headphones.
Recharging case
There are also some more subtle but important changes worth noting. Specifically, the AirPods comparison page says that the AirPods 4 USB-C charging cable (both models) is “sold separately,” even though it’s listed as one of the items included in the box on the purchase page.
According to Apple, the cable is still included in the box for other AirPods models (including the updated Max). The change comes at the same time that Apple updated the AirPods 4 charging case with a USB-C port — the 3rd-generation AirPods cases have a Lightning port for charging.
Disclosure/Apple
Additionally, it’s worth noting that only the AirPods 4 version with Active Noise Cancellation has a charging case that’s compatible with the Apple Watch charging cable and Qi-compatible chargers, and also comes with a speaker to help you find them (Find My Network compatibility).
The entry-level AirPods 4 only have a USB-C port, while the 3rd generation AirPods case is compatible with MagSafe.
Prices
Considering the AirPods 4 come in two different versions, we also have two distinct price ranges.
Therefore, the AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancellation will be available from R$1.500. The version compatible with the feature will come out by R$2.000.
The 3rd generation AirPods, for comparison, cost R$1,900 with a Lightning charging case and R$2,000 with a MagSafe case. The 2nd generation AirPods, which have also been discontinued, cost R$1,400.
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