The author obtained the information about Apple's recent launch in the Taiwan market.Fourth-generation AirPodsThe specifications are for models equipped with active noise reduction, so as to compare the differences in user experience with the previously launched version.
follow upThe second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C connection interfaceFollowing the trend, the fourth-generation AirPods also switched to a USB-C connection interface, making it more convenient for users to charge with the currently popular USB-C cable.
The fourth-generation AirPods launched this time are divided into two specifications. The advanced model (active noise cancellation) adds active noise cancellation and transparency mode, and also uses the same sound algorithm as AirPods Pro 2. The charging box also has wireless charging function, built-in speakers, and supports the "Find My" function.
Advanced models keep up with the AirPods Pro experience
The standard model, like the advanced model, has been upgraded to the H2 processor, supporting interaction with Siri through nodding and shaking of the head. It can also detect quick operation gestures through the built-in force sensor of the ear handle. The charging box has also been replaced with a USB-C connection interface, but the standard charging box does not provide wireless charging, speakers, and does not support the "find" function (but is compatible with charging box accessories that support wireless charging).
In addition, the fourth-generation AirPods still maintains a semi-open structure and does not adopt the same in-ear design as the AirPods Pro series. Therefore, although the active noise reduction function can be used in advanced models, due to the limitations of the semi-open structure design, the actual noise reduction performance is naturally not as good as the AirPods Pro with in-ear earbud design, or the AirPods Max built in the form of full-cover headphones.
However, compared with other headphones that also use a semi-open architecture and support active noise reduction, the fourth-generation AirPods actually perform very well in noise reduction, with no abnormalities in sound listening. They also have a faster connection response speed with Apple devices such as iPhones and Macs, allowing users to quickly switch sound output sources between different Apple devices.
However, even with the addition of active noise reduction, a new processor, and support for quick operation gestures, the fourth-generation AirPods still have a drawback in the wearing experience. That is, they maintain the earbud design of EarPods. Although it allows users to wear them in a more comfortable manner, they are relatively more likely to fall off due to head shaking than the AirPods Pro with in-ear earbud design.
To avoid such situations, it is recommended to use commercially available accessories (such as anti-drop rings) to reduce the risk of falling, or avoid using it during personal movement.
Maintains a different positioning from AirPods Pro
As for the launch of the fourth-generation AirPods, it has been upgraded to the H2 processor and an additional model with active noise reduction function has been launched. Basically, it has almost the same user experience as the second-generation AirPods Pro, which also has the H2 processor and a USB-C connection interface (except for the obvious difference in the earbud form).
However, Apple still positions AirPods Pro and AirPods separately. In addition to providing better active noise reduction performance in AirPods Pro,Software updatesThe addition of a listening assistance function allows users to transform AirPods Pro into a "hearing aid" through about 5 minutes of operation. By reducing high volume and increasing conversation volume, people with hearing impairments can more easily hear what their conversation partners are saying.
The AirPods Max, which still uses the H1 processor, is still positioned as Apple's flagship headphone product, but this year's update only changes the Lightning interface to the USB-C specification and adds more new colors. It is expected that there will be an update opportunity until 2025.
