AirPods 4 Hands-On: Noise Cancellation for Those Who Prefer Open-Ear Designs

 

 

September 10, 2024

For the first time, Apple’s mainstream AirPods are available in two different versions. Today, Apple unveiled the AirPods 4, starting at $129, alongside a higher-tier model priced at $179 that introduces Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to the open-ear design. While brands like Samsung have tried this approach with products such as the Galaxy Buds 3, Apple's iteration of noise cancellation in an open-style earbud design has piqued curiosity. How effective will Apple’s solution be at combating the hum of city streets or the roar of airplane engines without the snug fit of silicone tips? I’m eager to find out.

Two Versions to Choose From

The AirPods 4 come in two flavors: the base model at $129 and the ANC-enabled version at $179. This marks a notable shift in Apple’s approach to AirPods, giving users more flexibility to choose the features that best suit their needs. The Active Noise Cancellation feature in the higher-tier version brings advanced noise-reducing capabilities to the table, allowing users to block out environmental noise while maintaining the signature open-ear fit that some people find more comfortable than in-ear tips.

Familiar Design with Subtle Tweaks

At Apple’s event, I got my hands on the new AirPods 4, and visually, they’re quite similar to previous generations. However, Apple has made some refinements to the design, particularly in the contours, which the company claims offer a more secure and comfortable fit. The charging case has also been updated—it's smaller and lighter than before. For those opting for the ANC model, the case supports wireless charging and features a speaker for Find My location tracking, making it easier to locate misplaced AirPods.

Enhanced Acoustic Architecture

Inside, the AirPods 4 have undergone significant internal redesigns. Apple has reworked the acoustic architecture to improve sound quality, and these earbuds now incorporate many of the advanced software features found in the AirPods Pro, such as adaptive audio, transparency mode, and conversation awareness. All of this is powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which enables features like voice isolation for clearer calls and dynamic head tracking for immersive spatial audio.

Availability and Pricing

The AirPods 4 are now available for preorder, alongside the new Apple Watch Series 10. They’ll hit stores on September 20, 2024. I’m particularly interested to see how the ANC version compares to the traditional in-ear fit of the AirPods Pro, which have been known for their excellent noise-canceling abilities. Can the AirPods 4 match that level of performance in an open-ear design? We’ll have to wait for the full review to find out.

Stay tuned for our comprehensive review coming soon!

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