The release of the Apple AirPods 4 has sparked a conversation about their charging situation – they don’t come with a charging cable. While this might seem like a disadvantage, especially if you don’t already own a USB-C cable, there’s a broader context to consider.
On one hand, it’s understandable that someone might be caught off guard. After all, we’re in 2024, and many people have only ever owned iPhones with Lightning ports and AirPods that charged via Lightning. So, the absence of a cable could feel like a missed step. However, USB-C has long been the standard on Android devices and included with non-Apple headphones and earbuds. It’s also becoming increasingly common with other tech, like mice.
The other side of this coin is that the move towards USB-C signifies Apple’s alignment with a widely adopted standard, making it easier to charge your AirPods with existing cables. While USB-C isn’t perfect, the convenience of a reversible connector outweighs the occasional frustration with different charging and data speeds.
But there’s a twist: Apple has released two versions of the AirPods 4. The cheaper $129 model lacks active noise cancellation (ANC) and wireless charging. This means you absolutely need a USB-C cable to charge it. If you want wireless charging and ANC, you’ll need to pay the extra $50 for the higher-end version.
While this decision might seem like a simple way to upsell customers to the more expensive model, it’s important to understand the implications. Someone who goes for the cheaper option might be disappointed to find that their case won’t charge wirelessly and that they need to purchase a separate cable. It’s a classic case of sacrificing features for a lower price point.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and budget. The convenience of wireless charging and the addition of ANC, which are features found on the AirPods Pro, might be worth the extra $50 for some. For others, the cheaper AirPods 4 might be sufficient, especially if they already have a USB-C cable readily available.
Regardless of your choice, it’s important to be aware of the differences between the two versions of the AirPods 4. Apple has consolidated their AirPods naming system, but the lack of a charging cable and the absence of features in the cheaper version might leave some users feeling a little less ‘wireless’ than they anticipated.
