Apple just unveiled a load of new AirPods features – here's everything you need to know

This is a new era for your ears

Apple iPhone event 2024
(Image credit: Apple)
Quick Summary

Apple is currently busy launching a range of new products.

That includes a range of updates to its earbud and headphone range.

The latest Apple event is happening right now, and there are a whole host of updates to key products. That includes their range of earbuds and headphones, which have all gotten a refresh.

Popular products like the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Max get neat upgrades, while we also get the first glimpse of the AirPods 4 – which now come in two different versions! There's a lot to get through, so let's go piece by piece.

AirPods 4

Up first are the AirPods 4. They boast a new design which Apple claim is its most comfortable half-in design ever. It also packs in the powerful H2 chip, for advanced audio processing.

Users will gain access to Spatial Audio, as well as a new feature where you can nod or shake your head, to answer queries from Siri. That means you can say yes or no to a call, then seamlessly start talking on the call.

We also see innovative new features like a USB-C powered case, while 30 hours of total battery life should keep you going for a good amount of time.

It's not all though. This time, Apple is offering a second version of its base model, to bridge the gap to the AirPods Pro.

That offers an ANC-enabled model, which reduces environmental noise and a transparency mode on the brand's base model buds. You'll get features like Conversation Awareness, too, as well as wireless charging in the case.

The base model AirPods 4 cost $129 (approx. £100; AU$195) while the ANC ones cost $179 (approx. £136; AU$268).

AirPods Max

While many had hoped to see a second generation model in this range, those users are likely to be disappointed. That's because we get nothing of the sort here.

Instead, the first-gen AirPods Max get a range of new colours – midnight, blue, purple, orange and starlight – and a USB-C port for charging. There's also Spatial Audio on offer.

AirPods Pro 2

Another product with no successor, though there is more to love for Pods Pro 2 users. That's because they gain a new Hearing Test, which checks in on your aural health with a five minute test.

That data is compiled on your iPhone, with easy to read graphs detailing how your ears are performing. That can then be turned into a sound profile, which boosts the right frequencies for your ears.

The idea, it seems, is that people will use their AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid. I can't see that happening personally – certainly not without a much more discreet bud design – but the technology itself is undeniably great.

Sam Cross
Staff Writer

Online news writer at T3.com, Sam has five years of experience in online and print journalism, with work featured in publications like Metro and Last Word on Sports. After years writing about music and football, Sam now turns his hand to bringing you news about new phones, smart home products, smart watches, laptops and TVs. Sam is a longtime fan and user of Apple products, including iPhones, MacBooks and Apple Watches.He’s also T3’s resident football expert, bringing you everything you need to know about the big games, including how to watch them. In his spare time, Sam is a keen guitarist, watch lover and (very) amateur golfer.