Apple (AAPL) on updating its AirPods line, announcing new the entry-level AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with active noise cancelation, upgraded AirPods Pro 2 with a built-in hearing aid function, and new colors for the AirPods Max over-the-ear headphones during its annual iPhone event at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters on Monday.
The AirPods Pro 2 include new hearing protection features, reducing louder, more intermittent noise while still preserving the sound of what you're listening to. Apple says it's also including a new five-minute clinically validated hearing test with the AirPods Pro 2. When you're finished, you'll get your results, which you can then share with your doctor.
Apple says 75% of people diagnosed with hearing loss haven't received the support they need. Apple says the new AirPods Pro will get an over-the-counter hearing aid feature. The company says it expects to get clearance from the FDA for the hearing health functions soon.
The AirPods 4 get Apple's H2 chip, spatial audio, and improved acoustics. The company further says that you'll now be able to shake your head yes or no if you get a phone call while using your AirPods to answer or decline the call. The AirPods 4 charging case is also smaller, though it still has 30 hours of battery life, and features a USB C charging port.
Apple's AirPods 4 with active noise cancelation also get a number of new features from the AirPods Pro, including conversation awareness and a wireless charging case, while the AirPods Pro Max get a series of stylish new colors.
Apple's AirPods fall under its Wearables, Home, and Accessories business segment along with its Apple Watch, Apple TV hardware, and Apple-branded third-party accessories. In its most recent quarter, Apple said the segment brought in $8.09 billion in revenue, down slightly from the $8.2 billion it saw in the same quarter last year. The business raked in $39.8 billion throughout 2023, off from the $41.2 billion it generated in 2022.
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