Apple Streamlines AirPods Lineup With Fourth-Generation Dual-Model Launch

[I7guy]

[…]

Apple rounds out the AirPods lineup with the $249 AirPods Pro 2 and the $549 AirPods Max. The latter headphones were just refreshed with USB-C charging and new color options, but are otherwise unchanged. The AirPods Pro 2 were updated in September 2023, and we're expecting to see another refresh in 2025.

Article Link: Apple Streamlines AirPods Lineup With Fourth-Generation Dual-Model Launch

What’s the difference between the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4?

 

[Cirillo Gherardo]

I don‘t think you know what the word “streamlined“ means.

Right? This is literally the opposite. There is no reason for these 2 new models to even exist. They should be 1 model, at the lower price point. Apple has become incurably greedy and it's going to take an outside CEO coming into the company to correct this horrific fall from grace they've experienced.

They have completely lost all focus on the products and the customer, the focus that actually took them from who they were in the early 2000s to who they became by 2010. Their focus now is entirely on the dollar. It is basically a social experiment at this point ...to see what they can convince people to pay for something.

 

[Gengar]

It would be more interesting to see how effective ANC is. It is doubtful that this is worth the 50 dollar surcharge.

True, but it is the only version that comes with the wireless charging case, my primary reason for purchasing that specific model.

 

[RedWeasel]

So they went from two baseline models with different model numbers to two baselines models with the same model number, but important differences in functionality - some of which bring the baseline model pretty close to the pro model. And that is streamlining the lineup? Ooookay....

 

[kerr]

What’s the difference between the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4?

I presume you meant AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4 with ANC.

The AirPods Pro 2 have a U1 chip, pro-level ANC and TM, an extra hour of battery per charge, 50% more listening time with ANC, MagSafe charging, touch volume controls, a lanyard loop, a USB-C cable and silicon tips.

 

[scrapesleon]

well time for me to get some new AirPods

 

[thejoshuabradshaw]

Forgot the 'written by GPT' tag at the end.

 

[Spock]

Do one better, stop selling AirPods 4 with ANC, saving those features for the Pro, and give both the Pro and AirPods 4 USB-C and MagSafe.

Now the Pro is the only model with ANC, conversation transparency and hearing aid features, and the 4 can be basic AirPods.

Clear distinction and no charging confusion.

And burn every version of Apple Pencil in a fire and sell one Pencil with all the features, and tell the accountants at Apple to shove it.

Or, stop selling the AirPods 4 without ANC and just have the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro. The special features of the Pro can be the rubber tips and the hearing aid feature. Now you have 3 AirPod models.

 

[Anonymeba]

Does anyone know if AirPods 4 are going to be free with the Back to School Offer ? Or they will continue offering AirPods 3 ? The Back to School continues up to October 24th

 

[ZhenyaF]

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.

same here. 1 and 2 were great, 3 and pro 2 hurt my ears. I bought airpods 2 last time they were on sale for $80. Hoping 4 will be as good as 2

 

[Schnort]

That fits me. I cycle with my AirPods. By not having the rubber seal and keeping the volume low I can easily hear traffic around me. But ANC is nice to have when flying on a plane.

The pro have a 'block outside sound' or 'pass sound' setting. You would bike with the pass sound setting and you can hear everything fine (as long as your volume isn't up too high) .

 

[JohnC1959]

The pro have a 'block outside sound' or 'pass sound' setting. You would bike with the pass sound setting and you can hear everything fine (as long as your volume isn't up too high) .

That is an intriguing feature. I wonder how well it passes it through and how much extra battery it draws. Ideally for cycling it would have to pass through even "white noise" like sounds such as car wind and tire noise. I use a rear view mirror but I like every possible clue to keep safe.

 

[imola.zhp]

I prefer the Pro's, my husband prefers the non-Pro's. On a recent flight we attempted to watch something together on an iPad, I could hear the content just fine but without ANC he couldn't or it was annoying so he just listened to music.

AirPods 4 with ANC will be a nice upgrade for him, especially when we travel.

 

[JohnC1959]

I prefer the Pro's, my husband prefers the non-Pro's. On a recent flight we attempted to watch something together on an iPad, I could hear the content just fine but without ANC he couldn't or it was annoying so he just listened to music.

AirPods 4 with ANC will be a nice upgrade for him, especially when we travel.

Yes, I like the idea of having the non-pro to hear traffic while cycling (I keep the music low) but then use ANC when flying

 

[tomtad]

AirPods shell is made out of electroplated plastic and rubber is essentially plastic with elasticity properties.
Either way it is plastic plugged into your ears.

Na. They create a seal with your ears which some don't like, me included.

 

[tomtad]

I’ll stick with my v2’s with tap to pause / skip etc.

This is far superior I agree. Don't understand why this was removed for the fiddly squeeze the stem which usually dislodges the AirPod a bit at the same time.

 

[HazeAndHahmahneez]

I presume you meant AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4 with ANC.

The AirPods Pro 2 have a U1 chip, pro-level ANC and TM, an extra hour of battery per charge, 50% more listening time with ANC, MagSafe charging, touch volume controls, a lanyard loop, a USB-C cable and silicon tips.

Don’t forget a case that’s not as tall or thick (but slightly wider and heavier), head nodding for call answering, also hearing aid/test feature, loud sound reduction, personalized volume and I’m sure there’s more! Wow so thankful to have pro 2 since that huge sale end of last yr.

I feel for those that don’t feel right wearing in Ear tips …that was me with pro 1 version. Bought em had em less than a day and returned to Apple

But pro 2 USBc??? Fuggheddabouttit!!!

AirPods been out almost ten yrs and never bought into the hype, and I joined at the perfect time

Having two versions of the same out of ear design makes sense some, but could’ve been done different as others have stated…

 

[JohnC1959]

Na. They create a seal with your ears which some don't like, me included.

Correct. Some don't like that extra seal for comfort. I personally find they block too much sound around me. Blocking outside sound is great for fully enjoying music but a hassle when people are trying to get your attention. Always trade-offs.

 

[Mity]

Streamlined would have been something like:

1. AP with H2 and regular ANC.
2. APP with H3 and enhanced ANC.
3. APM with H3, USB-C, power button, and an actual case without the stupid forced standby mode.

 

[Schnort]

That is an intriguing feature. I wonder how well it passes it through and how much extra battery it draws. Ideally for cycling it would have to pass through even "white noise" like sounds such as car wind and tire noise. I use a rear view mirror but I like every possible clue to keep safe.

I run with them all the time like that. I can hear my footsteps and cars coming up from behind me.