Credit: Apple

As expected, Apple introduced two new models of AirPods 4 and surprised us with an update to the AirPods Max during the "It’s Glowtime" event on September 9.

Here’s a closer look at the two variants of AirPods 4 from Apple:

The standard version offers improved sound quality while keeping an open design without interchangeable ear tips. The premium version includes active noise cancellation (ANC), which was previously exclusive to the Pro models. Both AirPods 4 models will come with a USB-C case. The premium version also has a built-in speaker in the case, making it easier to find your earbuds using Apple’s Find My network.

As we mentioned earlier, the new AirPods 4 are powered by the H2 chip, leading to several improvements. You can expect faster connectivity, and efficient battery usage—up to 30 hours of listening time and 20 hours of talk time. Just 5 minutes in this case gives about 1 hour of listening time or around 45 minutes of talk time. They also support Bluetooth 5.3, enhanced sound quality through personalized spatial audio, seamless switching between devices, a more reliable connection, and quicker response times when moving between Apple devices.

New features allow for Siri interactions; simply nod your head for yes or shake it for no when asked if you want to answer an incoming call, hear a text message, or manage notifications. This feature works with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia and later, when paired with AirPods 4 that have ANC and the latest firmware.

The leaks about the design have also been confirmed - the AirPods 4 have been enhanced for a more comfortable fit for different ears. The new design, which combines elements of the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, features shorter stems and improved ergonomics.

The price for the new AirPods 4 models starts at $129 for the standard version and $179 for the model with active noise cancellation.

Not everything is perfect, as the new models won't come with a charging cable in the box. It will be interesting to see how other headphone manufacturers respond to this initiative, as they claim to care about the environment.

We didn't expect an update for the AirPods Max, but we were hoping for one since it’s been almost four years since the first version with Lightning was launched. Finally, new colors are coming for the AirPods Max, along with the long-awaited USB-C port for charging and connections. The new colors include midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange. With these updates, the AirPods Max will definitely compete more effectively with Dyson OnTrac. The cost for this perfection is $549.