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Apple Streamlines AirPods Lineup With Fourth-Generation Dual-Model Launch
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I’m pretty sure the new AirPods 4 do not support MagSafe alignment. I think the case is likely too small now for the magnetic ring. Like it will charge on them on a flat surface because it’ll just use the Qi charging part but I don’t think it’s attaching magnetically to anything but the Apple Watch charger.
Guess we’ll find out pretty soon, though.
Guess we’ll find out pretty soon, though.
“Streamline” is not the word I would use to describe what Apple has done to the AirPods lineup.
I’m really confused…
The article says that the “AirPods Pro 2 were last updated in September 2023” and “a refresh is expected in 2025.”
Weren’t the AirPods Pro 2 just introduced yesterday? And the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) were released a few years ago with Lightning, and a refresh last year introducing the USB-C Charging Case?
Primarily, I’m curious if the hearing aid features will be available on the existing Lightning and USB-C AirPods Pro, because the Apple website says AirPods Pro 2 will be getting the features, but the AirPods Pro 2 seem to just be the AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?
My head is hurting trying to figure this out. 😔
The article says that the “AirPods Pro 2 were last updated in September 2023” and “a refresh is expected in 2025.”
Weren’t the AirPods Pro 2 just introduced yesterday? And the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) were released a few years ago with Lightning, and a refresh last year introducing the USB-C Charging Case?
Primarily, I’m curious if the hearing aid features will be available on the existing Lightning and USB-C AirPods Pro, because the Apple website says AirPods Pro 2 will be getting the features, but the AirPods Pro 2 seem to just be the AirPods Pro (2nd generation)?
My head is hurting trying to figure this out. 😔
I don't want to be as mean as some of these comments, but I have to say I was shaking my head reading this article. I don't understand how anyone could have a take on this as a simplification. This was the most confusing part of the presentation. I had to carefully read the article and now that I understand, I am baffled why they did this. Nothing about it is simple nor does much of it make sense.
I agree with another commenter that there are going to be a lot of disappointed people at Christmas because someone bought them the slightly cheaper version without all the features. This was dumb. There should be one AirPods 4, one AirPods Pro 2, one AirPods Max. That's confusing and different enough.
I agree with another commenter that there are going to be a lot of disappointed people at Christmas because someone bought them the slightly cheaper version without all the features. This was dumb. There should be one AirPods 4, one AirPods Pro 2, one AirPods Max. That's confusing and different enough.
I bought the AirPods 2 at Walmart for $60 when it was at a discount a year ago (or it was months?).
I got the AirPods Pro 2 as an anniversary gift from my boyfriend Tyrone.
The latter I just use if I need to listen to audio while flying. The AirPods 2 are more comfortable, less heavy and I rather some alertness while using headphones.
I got the AirPods Pro 2 as an anniversary gift from my boyfriend Tyrone.
The latter I just use if I need to listen to audio while flying. The AirPods 2 are more comfortable, less heavy and I rather some alertness while using headphones.
Apple keep making products lines confusing for no good reason.
They should’ve just released the AirPods 4 with ANC. Those that don’t want to use those features can turn them off.
The iPad lineup is confusing as well.
Compare those product lines with the iPods that were available. There was clear distinction between each product at different price points and the customer knew exactly what they were getting.
It really does baffle me. I bought Apple products in the past because it was easier to understand the different Mac products compared to multiple PC options that looked identical but had slightly different model codes etc.
They should’ve just released the AirPods 4 with ANC. Those that don’t want to use those features can turn them off.
The iPad lineup is confusing as well.
Compare those product lines with the iPods that were available. There was clear distinction between each product at different price points and the customer knew exactly what they were getting.
It really does baffle me. I bought Apple products in the past because it was easier to understand the different Mac products compared to multiple PC options that looked identical but had slightly different model codes etc.
Might be more useful to hear how they sound 🤣
Waiting to try them during the holidays when they'll be $129 and have a longer return period for longer testing.
While also paying more for a feature they don't want to use?
AirPods 4 line up seems pretty simple and clear to me. There's the version without ANC and a version with ANC. Why's that so confusing?
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AirPods 3: 6 hours battery per charge
AirPods 4: 5 hours battery per charge
How often does a new model of anything have worse battery life?
AirPods 4: 5 hours battery per charge
How often does a new model of anything have worse battery life?
I hope they are still good enough, the 2nd gens were 5hrs as listed and they sometimes died on me during long sessions. My 3rds never run out though. I really want to try this new design because 3rd gens like to fall out on me
Tim Apple is making each product line more and more complicated as time goes on.
Trying to milk money out of everyone for the higher priced option
Trying to milk money out of everyone for the higher priced option
How are AirPods, which are unsealed and the reason I choose them over the Pros, able to even have ANC?? Their entire design makes them transparent to external noise.
The external noise is so high that the ANC would need to work extra, extra hard to even function 50% as good as rubber tips.
It’s an interesting feature if it works well, but I’d certainly want to know before paying the extra money.
The external noise is so high that the ANC would need to work extra, extra hard to even function 50% as good as rubber tips.
It’s an interesting feature if it works well, but I’d certainly want to know before paying the extra money.
I tried all of the last generations (Airpods 2, 3 and Pro 2). I ended up getting the Airpods 2 as they were by far the most comfortable for me. I don't like in ears with tips. I tried. I didn't get used to it. And the Airpods 3 design felt much less comfortable than the 2. I know at least one other person that felt the same. Alas. I will (have to) get used to it once I need a new pair.
It would be more interesting to see how effective ANC is. It is doubtful that this is worth the 50 dollar surcharge.
Real curious how the ANC will work/sound on these, I've always preferred the "open" airpod design to the pros, but the pros just sounded way better and the ANC is super useful. I almost always use them in transparency mode though, so the 4 ANC might be better for that...
Doesn’t matter, it simplifies the product line. Apple could lower the price, so it’s in between the two AirPods 4 options.
There’s also the charging options being different on each one.
The complication is completely unnecessary
"Streamlined" by replacing two options with two other options 
So Tim blew the AirPods R&D and marketing budgets on making two variants of the new AirPods instead of giving the AirPods Max a proper update, is that what happened?
Good point. They need to rethink the design to find a way where users can use rubber tips with either model as an add-on.