The Apple AirPods 4 are, ahem, late. It’s been almost three years since the Apple AirPods 3but at the time of writing, Apple has not yet released any official details about their successors.
Fortunately, according to Bloomberg’s reliable Apple commentator Mark Gurman, the wait may soon be over. He expects the AirPods 4 to launch in September or October 2024This prediction has led to speculation about what the next generation of Apple’s true wireless earbuds could offer.
We already have an extensive Apple AirPods 4 ManualApple is taking a closer look at every leak we’ve seen so far, every prediction, and everything we’re hoping to see next. In this article, we’ll dive deeper, outlining not only the features, tech specs, and design improvements we want from the AirPods 4, but also what innovations Apple could “borrow” from rivals like Sony, Bose, and others to stay ahead of the competitive true wireless earbud market.
1. Noise cancelling technology from Bose and Nothing
If you want noise cancellation from a pair of Apple Earbuds, you should invest in a pair Apple AirPods Pro (2019) or AirPods Pro 2The regular AirPods may never get ANC, regardless of which version we mean.
If Apple really wants to improve on its regular AirPods, though, adding noise cancellation would be a great place to start – even the best budget earbuds from AirPods rivals offer ANC these days. But where should Apple look for inspiration? When it comes to ANC, Bose is the undisputed leader. Our review of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 gave them a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, praising their “best in class noise cancellation.” The newer Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra Buds continue this legacy, and our review states that they are “still the best ANC in the business.”
It’s important to note that these Bose earbuds come with a premium price tag, higher than what we’d expect from the AirPods 4. However, ANC is no longer a feature exclusive to high-end earbuds. These days, some of the best noise cancelling earbuds are available in the mid-range and even in the budget segment.
A good example is the Nothing Ear (a) buds. While they can’t match Bose’s noise-cancelling prowess, they still offer an immersive experience for nearly a third of the price of the QuietComfort Ultra. This suggests that Apple should be able to include ANC in the next-generation AirPods, even if they’re not part of the more expensive Pro line.
2. Better battery life from Earfun and JBL
The AirPods 4 are expected to feature Apple’s latest H2 chip, which also powers the AirPods Pro 2. If that’s the case, we could see not only improved sound quality thanks to advanced computer audio, but also an improvement in battery life. Both of those would be very welcome upgrades.
When testing Apple’s earbuds for our AirPods 3 Review In 2022, we rated their battery life as Good. The earbuds offered up to six hours of listening time, with four additional charges from the case, for a total of 30 hours. While that was impressive at the time, that performance is now, in 2024, average at best. While still standard for many ANC earbuds, the AirPods 3 are starting to lag behind some competitors, especially with noise cancellation turned off. This makes an improvement in battery life a key expectation for the AirPods 4.
Like ANC, good battery life isn’t exclusive to premium earbuds anymore. In fact, plenty of affordable and mid-range options excel in this area. Take the Earfun Air Pro 3, for example, which offer 9.5 hours of playback with the buds themselves and 36 hours of total with the case. Or consider the JBL Live Beam 3, which offer an impressive 12 hours of battery life in the buds and up to 48 hours with the charging case.
The Apple AirPods 4 are probably better all-rounders, especially for iPhone owners, and the battery life isn’t need are their main selling point. However, Apple could certainly take cues from these rivals and aim for a significant improvement in battery life to ensure they remain competitive in the market.
3. Improved fit and comfort from Bose, Sony and Technics
By using examples of people like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2Apple is said to be improving the design, comfort, and fit of the AirPods 4. In our review of the AirPods 3, we praised their design, noting that it was a significant improvement over previous versions. The shorter stems and contoured cups made for a more comfortable fit, and we’re hoping the AirPods 4 continue this trend with further refinements.
While the AirPods 3 were comfortable, they lacked the security needed for more vigorous activities. In our review, we noted, “We took them for a light jog, and while the AirPods didn’t fall out of our ears, we wouldn’t bet on them staying in during a more vigorous workout.”
A simple solution would be to adapt the AirPods design to include interchangeable eartips, which would also be essential if ANC is introduced to ensure a good seal. Most other brands already offer earbuds with adjustable eartips, such as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and the Technology EAH-AZ80The Bose earbuds take things one step further and come with a selection of ear tips and stability bands to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
By incorporating these design elements, Apple was able to significantly improve the fit and comfort of the AirPods 4, making them not only more comfortable, but also more secure for a wider range of activities.
4. Hi-res audio support from Nothing, Samsung and Sony
The AirPods 3 only support the SBC and AAC codecs. That means no High-Resolution Audio. And while Apple Music has spatial and lossless audio support, it still uses the older AAC wireless audio codec. This puts the AirPods 3 at a distinct disadvantage compared to rivals, as many audiophiles want High-Resolution Audio.
Apple should take a lesson from Sony and its earbuds – most recently the Sony WF-1000XM5 – and create a codec like Sony’s LDAC. LDAC enables high-resolution audio over Bluetooth, bringing listeners closer to studio-quality sound on the go. By developing a similar codec, Apple could offer a more competitive product in the wireless earbud market.
High-resolution audio support isn’t just reserved for premium devices. The Nothing Ear (a) also features LDAC hi-res audio support. And Samsung users get hi-res support from the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. To stay competitive, it’s time for Apple to up its audio game by supporting a better codec for the AirPods line.
5. A more workout-friendly build from Beats, Samsung and Sony
Improving comfort and stability would significantly broaden the Apple AirPods 4’s appeal as workout-friendly earbuds. Another crucial improvement would be to bump up their water resistance rating. Currently, the AirPods 3 have an IPX4 rating, which offers basic protection against sweat and light splashes.
However, Apple could take this a step further by improving both the water and dust resistance, making the AirPods 4 a more appealing choice for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor users. While the AirPods are designed to be versatile all-rounders, and we don’t expect them to rival the most dedicated fitness earbuds, there is room for improvement here.
For example, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have an IPX7 rating, which means they’re more resistant to water and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep. Similarly, the sports-focused Sony WF-SP800N has an IP55 rating, offering superior water and dust protection compared to current AirPods. Additionally, Apple’s own Beats PowerBeats Pro also have an IPX7 rating, highlighting the potential of the AirPods 4 to implement similar features and thus meet the needs of more active users.