Analysis of AirPods 4: Remarkable Noise Reduction Capabilities in an Open-Ear Format – 9to5Mac

# Apple AirPods 4: An In-Depth Exploration of the Latest Earbuds

Apple has once more stirred excitement in the audio accessory industry with the launch of its brand-new AirPods 4. Offered in two separate models—one costing $129 and the other $179, which includes Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)—these earbuds aim to enhance the listening experience. As the first iteration of AirPods to feature an open-ear design combined with noise cancellation technology, the AirPods 4 have attracted considerable attention. Here’s an insightful glance at what the early reviews disclose about their functionality, attributes, and possible limitations.

## Active Noise Cancellation Performance

The key highlight of the AirPods 4 is undoubtedly the Active Noise Cancellation. As noted by Chris Welch from *The Verge*, the ANC performs “remarkably well,” particularly in reducing lower-frequency sounds common in airplane cabins, urban traffic, and workplace settings. Welch mentions that while users might not be immediately wowed when ANC is turned on without any playback, the true benefit is realized once music starts. Users can listen at lower volumes while effectively shutting out distractions, marking a notable advancement over earlier AirPods versions.

Jake Krol of *TechRadar* also praises the Transparency mode’s effectiveness, which enables users to remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying their audio. Krol argues that the AirPods 4 surpass the AirPods Pro in this aspect, delivering a more organic listening experience that feels less artificial. The Conversation Awareness feature further amplifies this by letting users partake in discussions without removing the earbuds.

## Audio Quality

Billy Steele from *Engadget* underscores that the audio quality of the AirPods 4 is stable across both variants, despite the lack of ANC and Transparency mode in the more affordable model. He emphasizes enhancements in bass response, treble clarity, and overall soundstage, making the AirPods 4 a formidable option for both music and video consumption. The addition of Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Adaptive EQ guarantees users an immersive and rich auditory experience.

Nicole Nguyen from *The Wall Street Journal* points out that the fit of the AirPods 4 is crucial for optimizing sound quality and ANC efficacy. Well-fitted earbuds can greatly enhance the listening experience, ensuring detailed and clear audio while successfully blocking out external sounds.

## Battery Life Concerns

Despite the numerous advantages, several reviewers have identified a significant drawback: battery life. Nguyen notes that both models provide a maximum of five hours of playback on a single charge, with the ANC variant offering four hours of use when the noise cancellation is active. This marks a decline from the AirPods 3, which touted a six-hour battery duration. David Carnoy from *CNET* shares this frustration, expressing disappointment that Apple did not enhance battery longevity with this new launch. The case adds another 25 hours of battery life with ANC off and 16 hours on, which may be adequate for casual users but might be restrictive for those on extended trips.

## Conclusion

The AirPods 4 signify a notable leap in Apple’s audio innovation, especially with the debut of Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear format. The reviews underline exceptional sound quality, proficient noise cancellation, and a user-friendly experience, particularly with the Transparency mode. However, battery life remains a point of concern, notably for users who prefer longer listening experiences.

As the AirPods 4 become available, they are open for pre-order, with deliveries commencing on September 20. For Apple fans and audio aficionados, these earbuds present a hopeful fusion of innovation and performance, though there are some considerations regarding battery life. Whether they will emerge as the preferred selection for wireless earbuds is yet to be determined, but they undoubtedly establish a new standard in the competitive audio accessory market.

Grasping iOS 18 Dark Mode: Why Certain App Icons Keep Their Original Colors

# Personalizing App Icons in iOS 18: A Dark Mode Guide and Beyond

With iOS 18’s launch, Apple has rolled out a long-awaited feature that permits users to personalize app icons on their iPhone and iPad. This fresh ability enables users to pick from light mode, dark mode, or tinted style appearances for their icons, giving a distinctive flair to the home screen. However, numerous users have observed that not all icons adjust when opting for dark mode. This article delves into effectively utilizing dark mode icons and explaining why certain icons might not refresh as anticipated.

## How to Apply Dark Mode Icons on iOS 18

Personalizing your app icons is an easy endeavor. Adhere to these instructions to activate dark mode icons on your device:

1. **Long-press** on your iPhone home screen.
2. Tap **‘Edit’** in the upper-left section of the screen.
3. Choose **‘Customize’** from the appearing menu.
4. Select **‘Dark’** to set dark mode icon colors. Alternatively, pick **‘Automatic’** to have dark mode icons turn on only at night.

This feature facilitates a more unified and tailored look on your device, adjusting the icons’ appearance based on your tastes or the time of day.

## Why Do Some App Icons Fail to Change Color?

After personalizing your icons, you might realize that some app icons, like the Reddit icon, don’t transition to a dark hue. This variation can be traced back to two primary reasons:

### 1. Developer Updates

For an app icon to shift to dark mode, app creators must refresh their applications to integrate specific dark mode icon assets. As iOS 18 gains greater acceptance, numerous developers are anticipated to issue updates that incorporate these new assets, fostering a more consistent appearance across your home screen. Until then, users may need to wait for their preferred apps to adapt to this fresh feature.

### 2. iOS Rendering Constraints

If a developer hasn’t supplied a dark icon asset, iOS tries to render one automatically. The system evaluates the icon to identify foreground and background components and applies appropriate theming. Nevertheless, this process isn’t always reliable. In cases like the Reddit icon, the system may face challenges in differentiating elements within the icon image, resulting in minimal modifications. Rather than a complete color change, iOS might only impose a slight dimming effect, which could create a discrepancy with the largely dark or gray icons surrounding it.

As a user, there’s little you can do to hasten this process. You cannot manually select or upload your own app icon images unless the developer has provided custom icon options within the app. To enjoy dark mode icons for apps that currently lack support, you will have to wait for developers to release updates featuring the new icon designs.

## Tinted Icons: A Consistent Choice

If you prefer a more cohesive look on your home screen, consider using tinted app icons instead of the standard dark mode ones. Tinted icons boast an accent color against a deep black background, offering a visually striking alternative that can be universally applied. This option may particularly appeal to users seeking a consistent aesthetic across all their icons, irrespective of whether individual apps have received updates for dark mode.

## Conclusion

The customization features introduced in iOS 18 provide an enhanced level of personalization for both iPhone and iPad users. While the capability to switch app icons to dark mode is a welcomed enhancement, the inconsistency in icon appearances can be exasperating. As developers refresh their apps to accommodate dark mode icons, users can eagerly anticipate a more coherent home screen experience. In the meantime, exploring tinted icons can offer a gratifying alternative for those in search of a unified aesthetic.

Research Suggests Dating Applications Have Not Enhanced Partner Selection

### The Effect of Dating Apps on Relationships and Society: An In-Depth Examination

In today’s digital era, dating apps have transformed how people search for romantic partners. With a simple swipe, users can tap into an extensive array of potential matches, theoretically increasing their likelihood of finding someone compatible. Nonetheless, recent studies imply that the situation may be more intricate than it seems, uncovering possible disadvantages not only for individuals but for society overall.

#### The Advantages of Online Dating

Initially, the notion of dating apps seems advantageous. By enabling users to narrow down potential partners by multiple criteria—such as age, interests, and location—these services claim to simplify the dating experience. In theory, this should result in improved matching success and greater relationship satisfaction.

However, a detailed research paper evaluating data spanning from 1960 to 2021 questions this belief. The authors discovered that, in spite of the growth of online dating, there is no notable enhancement in people’s capacity to find appropriate partners. In reality, the results suggest that the expected decrease in search costs—due to advancements in technology—has not occurred.

#### Information Overload: A Two-Edged Sword

The study underscores a phenomenon labeled “information overload,” which could undermine the benefits that dating apps are meant to deliver. Faced with an overwhelming array of options, individuals might find it difficult to accurately assess and process potential partners. The authors contend that the ability to navigate and appraise information is vital for effective mate selection, and despite technological progress, this skill has not advanced over the years.

As one of the researchers remarked, “Effective search costs reflect individuals’ capabilities to process and evaluate information, which subsequently determines their proficiency in mate selection within the marriage market.” This implies that although technology has facilitated the discovery of potential partners, it has not necessarily enhanced individuals’ decision-making abilities.

#### Societal Consequences: Rising Income Inequality

Beyond personal experiences, the emergence of dating apps may carry wider societal repercussions. As reported by Bloomberg, the filtering systems utilized by these platforms—particularly those favoring education and income—are exacerbating income inequality. Higher earners tend to marry within their income bracket, which can sustain economic divides across generations.

The study indicates that marriage decisions significantly influence household income, with the trend towards selecting partners based on education and skills becoming more pronounced in the context of online dating. This development has resulted in a measurable rise in the Gini coefficient, a widely accepted indicator of income inequality, by approximately 3 percentage points.

#### Conclusion: Reevaluating Online Dating

As dating apps persist in shaping the modern romantic landscape, it is vital to carefully assess their effects on both personal relationships and societal structures. While these platforms provide unprecedented access to potential partners, they may also lead to challenges such as information overload and heightened income inequality.

In view of this research, individuals engaging with dating apps might find it advantageous to adopt a more reflective strategy regarding their online dating journeys. By acknowledging the limitations of technology and the potential societal consequences of their choices, users can make more educated decisions in their pursuit of love.

As we traverse this changing digital dating terrain, fostering conversations about the ramifications of our decisions—both for ourselves and society as a whole—remains essential.