Apple AirPods 4
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone
Apple continues refining its standard AirPods line with the release of AirPods 4 (2024). Unlike the Pro lineup, this version focuses on lightweight comfort, improved audio processing with the H2 chip, Personalized Spatial Audio, IP54 durability, and USB-C charging — all while maintaining the classic open-fit design.
In this detailed, SEO-optimized review, we’ll cover:
- Real-world listening experience
- Sound quality and Spatial Audio performance
- Battery life and fast charging
- Call quality and Voice Isolation
- Design improvements and comfort
- Full technical specifications
- FAQs and buying considerations
If you’re considering upgrading from older AirPods or switching from another brand, this in-depth guide will help you decide.
Design & Comfort – Lighter, Refined, More Secure
The AirPods 4 maintain Apple’s iconic stem design but with subtle ergonomic refinements for a more secure fit.
📏 Size & Weight
AirPods 4 (each):
- Height: 30.2 mm
- Width: 18.3 mm
- Depth: 18.1 mm
- Weight: 4.3 grams
Charging Case (USB-C):
- Height: 46.2 mm
- Width: 50.1 mm
- Depth: 21.2 mm
- Weight: 32.3 grams
In daily use, the lightweight build makes them barely noticeable in the ear, especially during long calls, study sessions, or casual music listening. Unlike silicone-tip earbuds, the open design avoids pressure build-up.
🌧️ IP54 Dust, Sweat & Water Resistance
With IP54 rating, they are:
- Resistant to dust
- Protected against sweat
- Splash-resistant
This makes them suitable for workouts, cycling, and light outdoor use — though not for swimming or heavy rain exposure.
Audio Performance – Powered by the H2 Chip
At the core of the AirPods 4 is the H2 headphone chip, also used in newer Apple audio devices. It significantly improves audio processing, efficiency, and voice clarity.
🔊 Custom Apple Driver & Amplifier
- Custom high-excursion Apple driver
- High dynamic range amplifier
- Adaptive EQ
The result is:
- Clean, controlled bass
- Clear midrange vocals
- Detailed high frequencies without harshness
While these do not include Active Noise Cancellation, the natural tuning combined with Adaptive EQ delivers a balanced, spacious sound.
🎧 Personalized Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking
One of the biggest highlights is Personalized Spatial Audio.
This feature:
- Creates a 3D-like soundstage
- Tracks your head movement
- Keeps audio anchored to your device
When watching movies or listening to Dolby Atmos music, the experience feels immersive and cinematic. Turning your head slightly shifts the audio perspective, adding realism.
In real-world testing, Spatial Audio works best with:
- Apple Music
- Movies on iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- Streaming platforms supporting Dolby Atmos
🎤 Voice Isolation & Call Quality
Apple has improved microphone performance significantly.
🎙️ Microphone System Includes:
- Dual beamforming microphones
- Inward-facing microphone
- Speech-detecting accelerometer
- Voice Isolation processing
During calls:
- Background noise is reduced
- Voice remains clear even outdoors
- Wind interference is minimized
For work calls, online meetings, and voice notes, the clarity is noticeably better than older AirPods generations.
🔋 Battery Life & Fast Charging
Battery efficiency is optimized by the H2 chip.
🔋 AirPods 4 (Single Charge)
- Up to 5 hours listening time
- Up to 4.5 hours talk time
🔌 With Charging Case (USB-C)
- Up to 30 hours listening time
- Up to 20 hours talk time
⚡ Fast Charging
- 5 minutes in case = ~1 hour listening
- 5 minutes = ~45 minutes talk time
For daily use, this means:
- All-day usage without concern
- Quick top-ups before heading out
🎛️ Controls & Siri Interaction
AirPods 4 use a refined force sensor system.
Control Actions:
- Press once: Play/Pause or Answer call
- Press twice: Skip forward / End call
- Press three times: Skip back
- Press and hold: Activate Siri
Siri Features:
- “Hey Siri” or “Siri” voice activation
- Head gestures (nod to answer, shake to decline)
- Notification management
The hands-free control integration is especially useful while driving or working out.
📡 Connectivity – Bluetooth 5.3 Stability
AirPods 4 use Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring:
- Faster pairing
- Lower latency
- Stronger signal stability
- Better power efficiency
They work seamlessly with:
- iPhone
- iPad
- Mac
- Apple Watch
- Windows laptops
- Android phones (basic features only)
Apple ecosystem users benefit most due to instant pairing and automatic device switching.
📦 What’s in the Box
- AirPods 4
- Charging Case (USB-C)
- Documentation
- USB-C Charge Cable (sold separately)
📊 Full Technical Specifications
Model Name: AirPods
Chip: H2 Headphone Chip
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Battery Life: 5 Hours (single charge)
Water Resistance: IP54
Controls: Touch & Voice
Voice Assistant: Siri
Special Features: Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation, Adaptive EQ
Manufacturer: Apple
Model Number: MXP63LL/A
Release Date: September 9, 2024
👤 Real-World Experience – Who Are They For?
After extended daily use, here’s the practical verdict:
Ideal For:
- Apple ecosystem users
- Students and professionals
- Casual music listeners
- Fitness users needing lightweight earbuds
- Frequent callers
Not Ideal For:
- Those needing Active Noise Cancellation
- Audiophiles seeking deep noise isolation
- Budget buyers looking for cheaper alternatives
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do AirPods 4 have Active Noise Cancellation?
No. This model is the standard version without ANC.
Are they waterproof?
They are IP54 rated (dust and splash resistant), but not fully waterproof.
Do they support Spatial Audio?
Yes, with dynamic head tracking.
Is the USB-C cable included?
No, the USB-C charge cable is sold separately.
Are they good for gaming?
Yes, Bluetooth 5.3 provides stable low-latency performance for casual gaming.
⭐ Should You Buy AirPods 4?
The AirPods 4 refine Apple’s classic open-fit formula with meaningful upgrades:
- H2 chip performance boost
- Personalized Spatial Audio
- IP54 durability
- USB-C charging
- Improved call clarity
If you prefer a lightweight, comfortable, non-ANC earbud with premium Apple integration, this is a strong choice.
However, if you need deep noise cancellation, consider the Pro lineup instead.