Ear health… it’s not something we always think about but Apple has a big feature coming your way.

The company is launching a new version of AirPods called the AirPods 4, with a refined shape that Apple says makes them the “most comfortable AirPods ever”. Despite having an open-ear design, it includes support for personalised spatial audio.

But what everyone is talking about are the health features of the AirPods Pro 2. It will come as a software update. Hearing Protection is a unique feature that is turned on by default across listening modes.

It appears that 80 per cent of US adults have not had their hearing checked in the past five years. The company is bringing a clinically validated hearing test with AirPods Pro 2 and iPhone that takes just five minutes to complete.

After users take the hearing test, AirPods Pro 2 can turn into a personalised hearing aid, Apple said. The resulting “hearing profile” will be automatically applied to music, movies and phone calls across all of a user’s devices. The company has said the features will receive clearance from the FDA and other regulators soon.

The popularity of AirPods could mean more people get hearing assistance earlier. If you consider this in terms of over-the-counter hearing aids, these are ideally best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Apple says users whose hearing tests indicate severe hearing loss will get a recommendation to see a professional.

The company will offer a passive hearing protection mode that will automatically reduce noise in loud environments like concerts. The feature is always enabled, with Apple noting that one in three people are regularly exposed to noisy environments that could damage their hearing.

Dive into AirPods 4

It took a few years but AirPods 4 is coming. The earbuds will be available in two versions: an entry-level model, known as the AirPods 4, and a higher-end model with noise cancellation, known as the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The higher-end version includes Transparency Mode to help users hear their environment while walking around, along with Adaptive Audio to reduce some environmental noise.

Both models will come with previously Pro-only force sensor that lets you squeeze the stem to play / pause media and more. The new AirPods case is 10 per cent smaller and has USB-C charging.

The new design is built with an unparalleled data set that uses advanced modelling tools, like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography, to precisely map and analyse thousands of ear shapes and over 50 million individual data points in total. This process helped refine the design to deliver the most comfortable AirPods ever with one shape that naturally fits even more users around the world.

AirPods Max with USB-C

A new version of AirPods Max has been announced and it marks a switch from Apple’s proprietary Lightning port to USB-C. Apple introduced a USB-C charging case for the AirPods Pro 2 last year but AirPods Max users are going to have to completely replace their headphones to get USB-C.

How much?

Customers can now pre-order AirPods 4 for ₹12,900 with availability beginning September 20. And AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation will come for ₹17,900. In case you are looking for AirPods Max with USB-C charging, it comes for ₹59,900.