When Apple announced the AirPods (4th Generation), I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them. As someone who has owned every iteration of AirPods—from the originals to the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max—I was excited to see what the latest version brought to the table. Spoiler alert: they did not disappoint.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my personal experience with the AirPods (4th Gen), focusing on their design, features, sound quality, and whether they’re worth the upgrade.
Unboxing the Apple AirPods (4th Gen)
Right out of the box, the AirPods (4th Gen) screamed premium. Apple hasn’t deviated much from its signature sleek, minimalist packaging, but the unboxing experience still felt satisfying.
The new charging case caught my attention immediately. It’s slightly slimmer than the previous versions and comes with a USB-C port (finally!). It’s clear that Apple is fully embracing USB-C, making it easier for people like me who are tired of carrying multiple cables.
Inside the box, I found the usual suspects: the AirPods themselves, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and some quick-start guides.
First Look and Design
The design of the AirPods (4th Generation) felt like a mix of the AirPods Pro and the AirPods 3rd Generation, but with some notable refinements. The stems are shorter, and the fit feels much more ergonomic.
One of the standout features is the adaptive ear tips, which Apple claims adjust to the shape of your ear for a more secure fit. I can confirm—they’re insanely comfortable. During my workout and a long walk, they didn’t budge an inch, which is a huge plus for me.
Additionally, the case is MagSafe-compatible, which makes charging convenient. Just slap it on a MagSafe charger, and you’re good to go.
Sound Quality: A Huge Leap Forward
Here’s where things get exciting. Apple has made massive improvements to the sound quality in the AirPods (4th Gen). Right from the first song I played, I noticed a richer, more immersive soundstage.
The adaptive audio technology blends Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode seamlessly. Imagine this: you’re walking on a busy street, and the AirPods intelligently adjust the audio so you can hear important sounds like traffic while still enjoying your music. It’s like magic!
Apple also added spatial audio with head tracking, which works flawlessly. When I watched a movie on my iPad, the sound felt like it was coming from all around me, not just the earbuds.
Another subtle but significant feature is the improved bass. If you’re a fan of bass-heavy tracks, you’ll love how deep and punchy the low-end feels.
Battery Life: Better Than Ever
Battery life is a crucial factor for me, and the AirPods (4th Gen) deliver on this front. Apple promises up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, and my experience matched that claim.
With the charging case, I easily got a full day of use before needing to plug them in. The addition of USB-C charging means they juice up even faster than before.
- H2 Chip: This chip powers the enhanced audio experience and makes connectivity lightning-fast. Switching between my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook felt seamless.
- Improved Find My Integration: If you’ve ever misplaced your AirPods, you’ll appreciate this. The new Precision Finding feature uses Ultra-Wideband technology to guide you directly to your lost earbuds.
- Enhanced Siri: Siri feels snappier than ever. Just a quick “Hey Siri,” and I could change tracks, check messages, or adjust the volume.
Are They Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re coming from the AirPods (3rd Generation) or older, the AirPods (4th Gen) are a no-brainer upgrade. The sound quality, adaptive audio features, and USB-C charging make them a worthwhile investment.
For AirPods Pro users, the decision is a bit trickier. While the AirPods (4th Gen) lack the ear-canal seal of the Pros, their adaptive audio technology is a game-changer.
In short, if you value comfort, excellent sound, and the latest Apple innovations, the AirPods (4th Gen) are worth considering.
Final Thoughts
The Apple AirPods (4th Generation) are everything I hoped they’d be—sleek, smart, and packed with cutting-edge features. They’ve become an essential part of my daily life, whether I’m working out, commuting, or just relaxing with some music.
Apple has set the bar high once again, and I can’t wait to see where they take the AirPods lineup in the future. If you’re on the fence about these, my advice is simple: go for it. You won’t regret it.
Have you tried the AirPods (4th Gen)? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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