Apple launches new AirPods with advanced health features

Apple has announced a new range of AirPods models and features, including the AirPods 4, which boast a new design and significant advancements, and the AirPods Pro 2, featuring groundbreaking hearing health functions.

The AirPods 4 series includes two variants: the standard model and one equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Both models feature an open-ear design aimed at enhancing fit and comfort. John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, stated, "With AirPods 4, customers can enjoy Active Noise Cancellation and the most advanced audio experience ever in an open-ear design."

The latest AirPods Max are now available in new colours such as midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange. Additionally, the AirPods Max will now support USB-C charging, enhancing their convenience.

The highlight of the announcement is the AirPods Pro 2's introduction of an all-in-one hearing health experience. This includes features such as Loud Sound Reduction, a Hearing Test, and a clinical-grade Hearing Aid. These features aim to assist the estimated 1.5 billion people living with hearing loss globally, as noted by the World Health Organization.

Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple's vice president of Health, remarked, "Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked — in fact, according to the Apple Hearing Study, a staggering 75 per cent of people diagnosed with hearing loss go untreated. We're thrilled to provide breakthrough software features with AirPods Pro that put users' hearing health front and centre, bringing new ways to help test for and receive assistance for hearing loss."

The AirPods 4 aim to improve on the original design with better sound quality, thanks to a new acoustic architecture, low-distortion driver, and high dynamic range amplifier. The devices also feature Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Voice Isolation for clearer call quality, and Siri Interactions enabling users to respond to Siri announcements by nodding or shaking their head.

With a new force sensor on the stem, control functions such as play/pause and muting or ending calls can be managed with a quick press. Apple claims that the H2 chip within the AirPods 4 ensures low wireless audio latency and excellent voice quality during gaming and other activities.

The charging case for AirPods 4 is now 10 per cent smaller in volume and supports USB-C charging, offering up to 30 hours of battery life. For users opting for the ANC model, the case is compatible with Apple Watch and Qi-certified chargers. The ANC model also features enhanced microphones and computational audio technologies for reducing environmental noise.

Apple has made significant advancements in hearing health with the new AirPods Pro 2, which will include prevention measures such as Loud Sound Reduction. This feature actively reduces loud noise exposure using an advanced algorithm. Moreover, the Hearing Test feature uses pure-tone audiometry to provide users with a personalised hearing profile.

The most notable feature is the over-the-counter Hearing Aid function, designed for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Using the personalised hearing profile, the AirPods Pro 2 can make dynamic adjustments to enhance sound quality, allowing for clearer conversations and better engagement in different environments. These features will be integrated across users' devices, allowing for personalised audio experiences in various media forms.

Apple has committed to environmental sustainability with the new AirPods models. The AirPods 4 design includes significant usage of recycled materials, and the packaging is now entirely fibre-based, contributing to Apple's goal of eliminating plastic in its packaging by 2025.