Unrivaled wireless earphones with overwhelming comfort and openness: “New Apple AirPods 4” [COOL GADGETS Vol. 65]

Addictive fit

The new internal structure and redesigned shape have dramatically improved the fit. You can wear them with confidence even during fitness activities like running. You'll become addicted to the comfortable fit. — The new internal structure and redesigned shape have dramatically improved the fit. You can wear them with confidence even during fitness activities like running. You’ll become addicted to the comfortable fit.

Apple’s AirPods 4 are often seen as a “lower-end version of the AirPods Pro.” However, since the product was released, I have used the AirPods 4 more frequently than the AirPods Pro. If I had to choose one, I would probably choose the AirPods 4. This is because the value this product proposes is completely new.

AirPods Pro are equipped with earpieces that seal the ear canal, and powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) blocks out most external noise. For users who want to immerse themselves in music in silence or who want a listening environment completely isolated from surrounding noise, the Pro model is the ideal choice.

However, if you take a step back and think about it, this product teaches us that in everyday earphone use, there are things that take priority over complete silence. In situations where life and sound overlap, such as commuting around town on your way to school or work, or enjoying music while doing some light work at the office or at home, you can continue to use AirPods comfortably for long periods of time without losing comfort while still being aware of your surroundings. That is the value of AirPods 4. The original design concept of AirPods, which is to not block your ears, may be a disadvantage when it comes to achieving an immersive experience, but it is extremely important when it comes to blending them into your everyday living environment.

Uses the latest H2 chip

The earphones and charging case are dustproof, sweatproof, and water-resistant to IP54 standards. The charging case is more than 10% smaller in volume than the previous model and supports USB-C charging. — [1]

The H2 chip is built into the stem, which is equipped with a pressure-sensitive sensor. The new pressure sensor allows you to control everything from music playback to taking calls with just a pinch. — [1]

That said, previous AirPods had some weaknesses. One was the lack of fit due to the lack of ear pieces. For people with an unsuitable fit, the earbuds could slip out of place or fall out of their ears while running. However, the fourth-generation model has solved these issues by analyzing the ear shapes of a wider range of users. The fourth-generation model maintains a lightweight fit while remaining extremely stable in the ear.

In addition, a new model with ANC is now available for the AirPods 4. Unlike the AirPods Pro, it doesn’t provide “silence,” but rather “reduces noise.” If you set the ANC to adaptive mode, it will adjust its effectiveness according to the user’s situation. Of course, the lightweight fit, thanks to the design that doesn’t cram into the ear canal, means you can wear them for hours without feeling uncomfortable, and you won’t have to look for a reason to take them off.

In terms of sound quality, the AirPods 4 have achieved a more balanced sound thanks to technological improvements, including the adoption of the H2 chip. Of course, the bass isn’t as intense as the closed-back Pro, but it still provides a comfortable sound that’s more than enough for everyday music listening.

Suitable for all situations

The AirPods 4 are the first open-ear model to feature active noise cancellation, as well as transparency and adaptive audio.

Another key feature not to be overlooked is their close integration with the iPhone. AirPods 4 are equipped with “smart sound enhancements” that rival those of higher-end models, such as automatic reading of notifications received on the iPhone and spatial audio playback with Dolby Atmos support. AirPods 4 have established their own unique position, not just as “backward compatible with the Pro,” setting a new standard for the relationship between iPhone and earphones. This makes them irreplaceable value for an iPhone-centric lifestyle.

REPORT/Masakazu HONDA

PHOTO/Kunihisa KOBAYASHI

MAGAZINE/ GENROQ February 2025 issue

PRICE

29,800 yen

evaluation

These are the lightest AirPods ever, and they also feature multiple microphones for noise cancellation, designed to ensure accurate voice transmission even in windy or noisy environments.

Cost performance: 4

Sound quality: 4

Battery: 3

Features: 5

Noise canceling: 3

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