Apple has announced the launch of AirPods 4, which will feature smaller cases but longer battery life.
The latest generation of AirPods also includes noise cancellation abilities and the promise of ‘the most advanced audio experience’ offered by the tech giant to date.
Despite having a smaller charging case than the previous iteration of the product, the new AirPods 4 will have greater battery life thanks to a new charging case that is powered by USB-C.
Featuring a built-in H2 chip allows the AirPods 4 to ‘unlock intelligent audio experiences’, such as Voice Isolation, enabling clearer call quality and allowing users to nod or shake their head to respond to Siri announcements.
Its charging case is now also more than 10 per cent smaller in volume than its predecessor – while being able to extend the product’s battery life.
As well as a USB-C charging cable, customers that choose AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) can charge the earbuds using an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger.
This will help to deliver up to 30 hours of battery life according to the manufacturer, meaning you will not need to charge more than once a day for full usage at the very least – something that will certainly come in handy if you are on the move.
Elsewhere, a software update to the firm’s £229 AirPods Pro 2 will let wearers use them as a clinical-grade hearing aid.
The feature boosts specific sounds in real time without any lag – such as another person’s speech or environmental noises like traffic.
Apple hopes it will shake up the market for hearing aids, which typically cost £400 or more.
It will be available as part of iOS 18, Apple’s new software update coming later this month.
According to Apple, one in three people are are regularly exposed to loud environmental noise levels that can impact hearing, while three quarters of those diagnosed with hearing loss go untreated.
The tech giant hopes its new hearing aid capability for AirPods Pro 2 aims to increase awareness and prevention of hearing loss.
‘Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked,’ said Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of health.
‘We’re thrilled to provide breakthrough software features with AirPods Pro that put users’ hearing health front and centre, bringing new ways to help test for and receive assistance for hearing loss.’
With the new software update, wearers will first be able to have a ‘scientifically validated’ hearing test to first see if they actually need the hearing aid feature.
The test involves users tapping the screen of a paired iPhone when they hear a variety of sounds at different volumes and frequencies through their AirPods.
When a user completes the test, they will see a summary of the results in the Health app on their device.
Users can also share the results with their healthcare providers for ‘more informed conversations’ about their hearing, according to Apple.
Using the results from the hearing test, the new feature transforms AirPods Pro into a hearing aid by boosting surrounding sounds in real time.
‘This helps users better engage in conversation and keeps them connected to the people and environment around them,’ Apple said in a statement.
