The newest iteration of the AirPods is now more supped-up than ever, and the Pro version adds health-related features. Let’s dive into what’s new with the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.

AirPods 4

Powered by the H2 chip, the AirPods 4 now has features you would expect from TWS earbuds with the price it commands and then some.

It’s open-ear design has been remodeled to fit just about as many ears as possible. Apple says it’s “built with an unparalleled data set that uses advanced modeling tools, like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography, to precisely map and analyze thousands of ear shapes and over 50 million individual data points in total.” They claim it’s now more comfortable than ever.

On the Sound Quality and other audio features front, the improvements come by way of the H2 chip. It now has personalized Spatial Audio, dynamic head tracking, and a slew of smart features. These include voice isolation for clearer call quality and Siri interactions which detects if you’re nodding to say yes or shaking your head in disagreement.

The stem now has a force sensor to control media and calls. The charging case is 10% smaller than the AirPods 3, charges via USB-C and wirelessly.

In addition, there’s a version of the AirPods Pro with Active Noise Cancellation. But it’s also smart enough to know if you’re talking to someone and reduces its effects as needed.

AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 is now health-device just like the Apple Watch. And it’s built on three key pillars: prevention, awareness, and assistance.

Prevention

Hearing Protection comes to AirPods Pro. This helps users prevent exposure to loud environmental noise while preserving the sound signature of what they’re listening to,

The ear tips help to provide passive noise reduction, while the H2 chip helps to actively reduce louder, more intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second.

On by default across all listening modes, Hearing Protection is helpful in a variety of loud settings. Plus, with an all-new multiband high dynamic range algorithm, sounds at live events like concerts remain natural and vibrant so users don’t miss a beat.

Awareness

Apple is also introducing a scientifically validated Hearing Test feature with AirPods Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad, expanding the ability for users to quickly check their hearing from the comfort of their home in minutes.

The test is simple to take, utilizes a standard clinical approach called pure-tone audiometry, leverages advanced acoustic science, and provides users with an interactive experience.

When a user completes the test, they will see an easy-to-understand summary of their results in a personalized hearing profile for AirPods Pro, which is stored privately and securely in their Health app. Users can also share these results with their healthcare providers for more informed conversations.

Assistance

AirPods Pro also add an innovative, over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability for users with mild to moderate hearing loss.

It uses the personalized hearing profile from the Hearing Test. The new feature transforms the AirPods Pro 2 into a clinical-grade hearing aid.

After setup, the feature enables personalized dynamic adjustments so users have the sounds around them boosted in real time. This helps users better engage in conversation and keeps them connected to the people and environment around them. The user’s personalized hearing profile is automatically applied to music, movies, games, and phone calls across their devices without needing to adjust any settings.

The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are expected to receive marketing authorization from global health authorities soon, and will be available this fall in more than 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, and Japan.

AirPods Max gets new colors

Five to be exact. Apple’s Over-ear headphones don’t get much by way of anything groundbreakingly new. But it now comes in midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple.

Price and availability

AirPods 4 — Priced at USD 129/ SGD 199.
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — Priced at USD 179/ SGD 249.

Both are available from apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in the US, Singapore, and over 57 other countries and regions. Availability begins Friday, September 20.

AirPods Pro 2 — Priced at USD 249.

Available from apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app today.