AirPods 4: how high are the expectations from Apple's new product and what will definitely not be there
Next year, Apple plans to present a new AirPods model, which will be more correctly called the AirPods 4 "family". The plural is appropriate here, as the manufacturer is going to replace the existing AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 models with two wireless headphones that will be sold at approximately the same prices.
"The principle in this regard," writes BGR.com, "remains the same: the more money you are willing to pay, the better AirPods experience you will get. And this strategy of Apple causes natural irritation among users of their products. Instead of simplifying the AirPods family, Apple complicates it by offering essentially the same headphones at different prices. Therefore, next year it will be difficult to choose between the best option and a more budget-friendly model.
However, this is not the biggest problem with AirPods. Often, owners of wireless headphones are indignant about the need to buy new ones instead of simply replacing the battery in old ones.
Is there any hope that something will change with AirPods 4?
Experts say that this is unlikely to happen in the near future, let alone next year.
At the moment, the gadget's battery lasts for several years. Then it starts to hold a charge poorly. And then there is the option of either contacting Apple for help, where they will help, but you will have to pay to replace the headphones or the case.
Another option is to get a discount on the purchase of new AirPods, which is generally more profitable.
However, in any case, you're paying for a new pair of AirPods, while the old model might work just fine. Unless, of course, you want to upgrade to the newer versions of AirPods Pro and Max for better sound, noise reduction algorithms, and other features. However, AirPods Pro will eventually require replacement for the same reason.
There is only one reason: the design of the wireless headphones in the form of a single body makes battery replacement impossible. And Apple has not yet invented (or wanted to invent) a better way to manufacture AirPods.
At the very least, the announcement about AirPods 4 says nothing about their repairability.
It turns out that it's more profitable for the company to sell a new pair of AirPods to one customer every 2-3 years rather than replace the batteries for less, and your dissatisfaction is just your problem.