We last saw a new generation of the non-pro Apple AirPods in 2021. The third-generation AirPods came with a unique design and several new features. That was after a three-year gap following the launch of the second generation.
So, it will be interesting to see what Apple has done with the fourth generation of AirPods when they come around.
AirPods 4: What to Expect?
Apple changed the looks of the third-generation AirPods after sticking to the same design for the previous two generations. So, it is more than likely that there will not be any significant visual changes with the fourth-generation AirPods. They will strongly resemble the third-generation AirPods, with some slight differences.
A wireless earphone is more about the features than the design. So, what new set of features the fourth generation of AirPods brings is a fair question. We can expect the fourth generation of AirPods to borrow some of those from the second generation AirPods Pro. That is because the third-generation AirPods did the same as the first-generation AirPods Pro. So, let us have a look at what these could be.
1. New chip
One major upgrade Apple will likely introduce with the fourth-generation AirPods is the new H2 chip. This chip was previously used in the second-generation AirPods Pro. The non-pro second and third-generation AirPods come with the H1 chip.
The H2 chip brings a significant upgrade over its predecessor in terms of the audio driver, amplifier, noise cancellation mechanism, etc. These upgrades massively enhance the sound quality, providing users with an exceptional audio experience.
2. Latest Bluetooth technology
Another upside to adopting the H2 chip is that it features the latest Bluetooth version, Bluetooth 5.3. So, we can expect to see it on the fourth generation AirPods since several Apple devices already sport Bluetooth 5.3.
Bluetooth 5.3 brings several enhancements over Bluetooth 5.2. Better connectivity and more efficiency are two major ones of them.
3. Find My integration
With the current implementation of Find My integration on the third-generation AirPods, you can only check whether they are nearby. Whereas the second-generation AirPods Pro location can be pinpointed using Find My.
Apple calls it Precision Tracking, made possible due to the U1 chip inside them. This chip can also make it to the fourth-generation non-pro AirPods. This will allow users to check directions to where their AirPods are using Find My using their iPhone or iPad. It will be an excellent move by Apple if this indeed happens.
4. The speaker in the charging case
The currently available non-pro AirPods can play sound only using the earphones, even when located with Find My. That becomes a bummer when the earphones are placed inside the case since the sound gets muted. On the other hand, the AirPods Pro comes with speakers built into the charging case itself.
This makes locating them relatively straightforward since the sound comes directly from the charging case, making it much louder and clearer.
5. More charging options
The third-generation AirPods can be charged using MagSafe or any other wireless charging method based on the Qi wireless charging standard. It can also be charged using a Lightning cable. At the same time, the second-generation AirPods Pro can also be charged using the Apple Watch wireless charger.
Since the upcoming fourth generation of AirPods is expected to bring features from the second generation AirPods Pro, it is fair to expect added compatibility with the Apple Watch charger. And while we are on the topic of charging methods, we can also see USB-C charging support debuting to the non-pro AirPods with the fourth generation.
This will align with the EU forcing companies to adopt USB-C for their products since it is better than other alternatives.
AirPods 4 expected release window and price
The first generation of AirPods was launched back in 2016. The following models came around in 2019 and 2021, respectively. This does not give us a solid idea about the launch date of the fourth generation.
But since there have been almost no leaks or rumors, it is doubtful that we will see them this year. A fair estimate would be somewhere around the latter half of 2024. But then, we cannot predict with much certainty.
As for the price, several things factor in. First, Apple launched the original AirPods at USD 169 and did not increase the price for another generation. They did, however, increase the price with the third generation by a small margin. They were priced at USD 179 at launch.
Seeing the pattern, one might think they will stick to the same price for the fourth generation. But then, there is inflation over the years. A reasonable price would be USD 199, according to us.
Before we wrap up this article, it should be noted that no information provided here is backed up by official confirmation from Apple. These are solely predictions based on patterns and other things. The final product may be slightly different. So, take it all with a pinch of salt.
