Headphones · 2024 · Apple

Apple AirPods 4

The AirPods 4 is the 2024 generation of Apple’s open-fit earbuds without silicone tips. It brings the H2 chip, a smaller USB‑C case, IP54 resistance and press controls on the stem. There is no noise cancellation, wireless charging or case speaker. Owners like the sound and bass; fit varies a lot from ear to ear.

AirPods 4 (2024), the basic model without active noise cancellation; USB‑C charging case. The same-design AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro models are separate.

Apple AirPods 4 — Apple’s AirPods 4 image with the earbuds in the open USB‑C charging case. The ANC model looks the same from outside.
Apple’s AirPods 4 image with the earbuds in the open USB‑C charging case. The ANC model looks the same from outside.

Specifications

SpecificationValue
TypeOpen-fit (no silicone tips) wireless earbuds; USB‑C charging case

This is the basic AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation. The identical-looking “AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation” is a separate product.

Audio technologyCustom high‑excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier; Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ

Adaptive EQ tunes the sound to the fit in the ear. Spatial Audio needs supported content; the personal profile is created with an iPhone that has a TrueDepth camera.

Noise controlVent system for pressure equalisation; active noise cancellation only on the separately sold ANC model

At launch Apple offered two distinct models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. This model has an open design that does not seal the ear canal.

ChipH2 headphone chip

H2 enables Voice Isolation, Siri Interactions with head gestures and Personalised Spatial Audio.

Microphones and sensorsDual beamforming microphones, inward‑facing microphone, optical in‑ear sensor, motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers, force sensor

The speech-detecting accelerometer helps detect when you are speaking; the optical sensor resumes playback when the bud is put in.

ControlsPress the stem: once to play/pause or answer, twice to skip forward or end a call, three times to skip back, press and hold for Siri; “Siri” voice activation; nod or shake your head to answer calls

Apple’s control list does not include volume adjustment on the stem.

DurabilityIP54 dust, sweat and water resistance (earbuds and case)

According to Apple this is for non-water sports and exercise; resistance is not permanent and may decrease with wear. Do not charge when wet.

BatteryUp to 5 hours listening per charge; up to 30 hours total with the case; 5 minutes in the case ≈ 1 hour listening

Apple measured these figures at 50% volume with Spatial Audio off.

ChargingCharging case with USB‑C port; USB‑C cable sold separately

Apple says the case is more than 10 percent smaller in volume than its predecessor. Charging with an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger is specific to the ANC model.

ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3

It works as a Bluetooth headset with Android and other devices, but Apple says functions may be limited. Full features require current iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS or tvOS.

Size and weightEarbud: 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm, 4.3 g; case: 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm, 32.3 g
AccessibilityLive Listen, headphone levels, Headphone Accommodations

From the manufacturer

Apple presents the AirPods 4 as the most advanced and comfortable open-ear headphones it has made, saying the design was developed by mapping thousands of ear shapes. Apple Newsroom

Strengths and limitations

  • According to Expert Reviews both AirPods 4 versions share the same redesigned body; the narrower shape stayed put on runs even in small ears. In quiet surroundings the sound came close to the AirPods Pro 2, with notably fuller bass than the previous generation; some weakness at the very low end and in dynamic tracks was noted. The lack of stem swipes for volume was criticised. The basic model has no case speaker or Find My precision finding, so buds lost at home are harder to locate; wireless charging is also reserved for the ANC model.

    Expert Reviews review; mainly the ANC version was tested, only the shared design, sound and the basic model’s omissions are reported here.

    Expert Reviews: Apple AirPods 4 review

Owner experiences and issues

  • Most owners praise the sound, the strong bass, quick pairing and the case’s battery capacity; one person using a Samsung phone is also satisfied. The most frequent complaint is fit: several people wrote that the buds fell out or did not fit one ear, and some reported ear pain after a few minutes, while other owners say they sit more securely than older generations. There are also reports of a very quiet or crackling left bud (several separate people), crackling during games, the battery draining in the case, connection drops after a few weeks and dropouts from a TV. One owner wrote that after listening with only the right bud and then adding the left, the left played louder, and putting both back in the closed case fixed it. The missing USB‑C cable was also criticised. Store, delivery and return-policy comments were not counted as product findings.

    127 reviews on the Best Buy Canada AirPods 4 (USB‑C, non-ANC) listing; no verified-buyer flag shown, about half are ratings without text.

    Best Buy Canada: Apple AirPods 4 with USB-C Charging Case reviews

Tags

2024APPLEAIRPODSBLUETOOTHUSB-COPEN-FIT

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Sources

  1. Apple Newsroom: Apple introduces AirPods 4 and a hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2
  2. Apple Support: AirPods 4 tech specs (UK)
  3. Expert Reviews: Apple AirPods 4 review
  4. Best Buy Canada: Apple AirPods 4 with USB-C Charging Case reviews