AirPods 4th Generation is one of the current models in Apple’s wireless earbuds family, bringing music, movies, games, and phone calls together in a single compact product. Its in-ear design, lightweight 4.3-gram body, and portability with the charging case make it a convenient option to carry in a bag or pocket throughout the day. The model’s appeal is not limited to easy connectivity; its spatial audio features, designed to create a more immersive listening experience, and its microphone system, intended to improve clarity during calls, are also important parts of the overall experience.
Design and everyday use
Each AirPods 4th Generation earbud measures 30.2 mm in length, 18.3 mm in width, and 18.1 mm in height. The 4.3-gram weight provides a compact build that helps the earbuds feel light throughout the day. The design’s focus on providing a more balanced fit in the ear is meaningful for ease of use during walking, running, and similar active activities. However, because the earbuds may not feel equally secure for every user, their fit with the shape of the ear remains a personal consideration, as with other in-ear models.
The model’s resistance to water and dust provides additional peace of mind in everyday use. The IP54 protection rating contributes to more comfortable use in scenarios involving sweat, light water exposure, and dusty environments. This feature makes the product more practical for use during exercise or outdoors. The charging case also protects the earbuds while bringing carrying and recharging during the day together in one place.
Audio experience and spatial audio
AirPods 4th Generation supports personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, a technology designed to create a wider and more immersive soundstage while listening to music and watching videos. When enabled, the sound can feel as though it maintains its position relative to your head movements. It can enhance the feeling of being in a theater during movies and TV shows, while in music it can help instruments and vocals sound more enveloping.
This approach also has an impact on gaming. Being able to follow the direction of sound more easily can enhance the atmosphere, especially in games where environmental audio is important. The strong bass presentation of AirPods 4th Generation also appeals to users who want a fuller character in music and games. Keep in mind that the experience may vary depending on the content being used and the preferred audio settings.
Calls and connectivity features
The microphone-equipped design makes AirPods 4th Generation suitable not only for entertainment but also for phone calls and online communication. ENC support and beamforming microphones are designed to help speech reach the other party more clearly during calls. These features can support the calling experience in environments with surrounding noise, such as offices, crowded areas, or windy outdoor settings.
Bluetooth 5.3 provides the foundation for wireless communication with current devices. Fast automatic device switching and Siri support are also among the details that make everyday tasks easier within the Apple ecosystem. The Find My app helps track the location of the earbuds, while the motion sensor offers practical control options during use. The charging case’s Type-C port makes charging easier with compatible cables.
Battery life and charging
AirPods 4th Generation offers up to 5 hours of music listening on a single charge. With intensive use, this duration can drop to 4.5 hours. When the charging case is included, total usage time reaches up to 30 hours. This setup provides a practical advantage for people who use their earbuds intermittently throughout the day; the earbuds can recharge when placed in the case.
Fast charging support is useful when you need to resume listening after a short time. Plugging the case in before leaving home or during a short break can be a convenient way to support usage time throughout the day.
Who is AirPods 4th Generation suitable for?
AirPods 4th Generation is aimed at users who want immersive audio for music and video content, are looking for lightweight earbuds, and want to make phone calls wirelessly. Its suitability for active activities such as sports and walking, combined with its water and dust resistance, expands the model’s everyday usability. Features such as fast device switching, Siri, and Find My also become more meaningful when used with Apple devices.
The model does not have active noise cancellation. Therefore, expectations may differ for users who want to completely block out external sounds. In addition, the lack of multipoint connectivity and NFC support are limitations worth considering for those specifically looking for these features. Nevertheless, spatial audio, ENC, the lightweight design, Type-C charging, and up to 30 hours of total usage make AirPods 4th Generation a well-balanced pair of wireless earbuds.