Is Apple Cutting Corners? Here’s Why the AirPods 4 Feel Incomplete

As an avid Apple fan, I was excited to test the Apple AirPods 4, hoping for a leap forward in both design and functionality. After all, Apple is known for innovation, and I expected these to set a new standard in wireless audio.

Unfortunately, after weeks of using them, I’ve come to realize that Apple may have cut a few corners, leaving the AirPods 4 feeling underwhelming and incomplete.

Let’s dive into why I feel this way, breaking down the missing features and what Apple could have done better.

Key Takeaways

Feature	My Experience	Comparison to AirPods 3/Pro
Battery Life	5 hours with ANC (disappointing)	AirPods 3 offers 6 hours
Design & Comfort	Lightweight but lacks silicone tips for a proper seal	Pro model provides better fit
Active Noise Cancellation	Good for an open-ear design, but not enough in noisy environments	AirPods Pro have superior ANC
Transparency Mode	Improved, but still feels robotic at times	Slightly better than AirPods 3
Sound Quality	Decent, but not as immersive as advertised	AirPods Pro’s spatial audio is better

First Impressions of the AirPods 4

When I first unboxed the AirPods 4, I was impressed by the sleek and minimalistic design. However, after spending some time using them, the open-ear design began to feel like a compromise rather than an upgrade.

Without silicone tips, there’s no real seal to block out ambient noise, and this impacts both comfort and audio quality. For a premium product, fit customization should have been a top priority.

Battery Life: Falling Short of Expectations

Battery life was one of my biggest disappointments. Apple advertises 5 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled, but in real-world use, it often felt less. For a brand like Apple, which prides itself on cutting-edge technology, this is a step back. The AirPods 3, for example, offer 6 hours of playback, and even the Pro model with ANC manages to hit 6 hours. It’s frustrating to see this newer model underperform in this crucial area.

The Missing Features

Apple positioned the AirPods 4 as a major upgrade, but several features are notably absent. These missing elements significantly impact the overall user experience.

1. Lack of Fit Customization

One of the first things I noticed was the lack of customizable silicone tips. Unlike the AirPods Pro, which comes in multiple sizes to ensure a snug fit, the AirPods 4 sticks to an open-ear design.

While this might be comfortable for some, users with different ear shapes may struggle to get these earbuds to stay in place, especially during exercise or movement.

The absence of silicone tips also means noise isolation is compromised. With an open-ear design, ambient sounds like street noise or chatter easily leak in, making it difficult to fully immerse yourself in music or podcasts. In noisy environments like a busy café or public transportation, this becomes a significant problem.

2. Active Noise Cancellation: Good, But Not Great

Apple made a big deal about including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in the AirPods 4, but in practice, it’s not as impressive as I had hoped. The ANC does a decent job of filtering out low-frequency sounds like the hum of an air conditioner or the rumble of traffic, but higher-pitched sounds—like conversations or clinking dishes—still manage to break through.

The ANC on the AirPods Pro, by contrast, creates a much more immersive experience. The Pro model’s ability to block out distractions while keeping sound quality crisp makes the AirPods 4 feel lacking by comparison. It’s disappointing, especially since Apple positions the AirPods 4 as a high-end product.

Sound Quality: Where It Falls Short

Sound quality is another area where I feel Apple could have done better. Don’t get me wrong—the AirPods 4 sound good, but not great. They promise Personalized Spatial Audio, which adapts sound based on the user’s head movements, but the overall audio experience isn’t as immersive as I expected.

The biggest issue for me is the lack of bass. While highs and mids are clear, the low end feels underwhelming, especially when compared to the AirPods Pro or other high-end wireless earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM5. This is particularly noticeable when listening to genres like electronic or hip-hop, where deep bass is a critical part of the experience.

Missing Equalizer Settings

Another major frustration is the lack of customizable sound settings. Many competing wireless earbuds come with apps that allow users to fine-tune their audio preferences through equalizer settings. But the AirPods 4 doesn’t offer any such feature. You’re stuck with Apple’s default sound profile, which may not suit everyone’s taste. Given the premium price tag, this lack of personalization feels like a missed opportunity.

Connectivity and Siri Integration: Smooth But Not Perfect

Apple has always been known for seamless device integration, and in this regard, the AirPods 4 don’t disappoint. Pairing them with an iPhone or iPad is effortless, thanks to Apple’s H2 chip, and switching between devices is quick and intuitive. Siri integration works smoothly as well, allowing for voice commands without needing to touch the earbuds.

However, it’s worth mentioning that while connectivity is generally reliable, there are occasional drops in Bluetooth connection. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s frustrating when you’re in the middle of a call or listening to a podcast. Competing models from Sony or Bose tend to offer more stable connections, even in areas with high Bluetooth traffic.

Transparency Mode: A Step Forward

On a positive note, Transparency Mode in the AirPods 4 has seen significant improvement. This feature allows ambient sound to filter in so you can stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music. In the AirPods 4, it feels more natural and less robotic than in earlier models. The Conversation Awareness feature is particularly handy, automatically lowering the volume when someone starts talking to you.

But while Transparency Mode is a nice improvement, it doesn’t make up for the other missing features. It’s useful in some situations, but I would have preferred better ANC and sound quality overall.

Competitor Comparison: Where the AirPods 4 Stand

Comparing the AirPods 4 to other top models in the wireless earbud market highlights just how incomplete they feel. The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers better sound customization with an app that lets you adjust everything from bass levels to surround sound. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, meanwhile, provide superior ANC, completely blocking out distractions in even the noisiest environments.

In contrast, the AirPods 4 feel like a compromise. Apple seems to have focused on improving Transparency Mode and Siri integration while neglecting other critical features like battery life, ANC performance, and sound customization.

Feature	AirPods 4	Sony WF-1000XM5	Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Noise Cancellation	Decent but lacks depth	Best-in-class	Excellent
Battery Life	5 hours with ANC	8 hours with ANC	6 hours with ANC
Customizable Sound	None	Full EQ control via app	Full EQ control via app
Comfort	Open-ear, no silicone tips	Includes multiple tips	Includes multiple tips

Conclusion: Could Apple Have Done Better?

While the AirPods 4 introduced some improvements, particularly in Transparency Mode and seamless integration, it’s clear that Apple cut corners in key areas. For anyone considering upgrading, I recommend weighing your priorities. If you need long battery life, customizable sound, or high-end ANC, competitors like Sony or Bose offer better value.

In the end, the AirPods 4 feels like a missed opportunity. They may work for casual listeners or die-hard Apple fans, but if you’re after premium wireless earbuds that excel in sound quality and noise cancellation, you’ll be better off exploring other options.

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