
What’s New & Key Features
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Two models: The AirPods 4 come in a standard model and a variant with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
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H2 chip: Same as found in higher end AirPods Pro — this helps with better audio performance, more efficient processing, and improved features overall.
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Improved sound & fit: New driver design for clearer sound, bass, and treble. Also redesigned for better comfort, with an open-ear design and shorter stem.
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Personalized Spatial Audio & Adaptive EQ: Offers immersive audio with head tracking. Adaptive EQ adjusts low/mid frequencies to account for fit and how you’re hearing audio.
Noise Control & Smart Listening
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Active Noise Cancellation (in the ANC model) for reducing external noise (like engines, traffic).
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Adaptive Audio: Blends between ANC and Transparency mode depending on what your surroundings are.
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Transparency Mode: Lets you hear the environment around you, useful for awareness or conversations without removing the earbuds.
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Conversation Awareness: When you talk to someone, it automatically lowers the audio, then raises it back when you’re done.
Controls & Sensors
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Force sensor on the stem: For media controls (play/pause, skip, calls, etc.).
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Voice Isolation: Helps reduce background noises when you’re on calls.
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Lots of sensors: inward-facing mic, optical in-ear detection, accelerometers (motion and speech detecting), etc. These help with things like auto-pause, detecting when you’re speaking, etc.
Battery, Charging, & Case
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Battery life (non-ANC model): Up to ~5 hours listening on one charge; up to ~4.5 hours of talk time. With the USB-C case, up to ~30 hours of listening.
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With Active Noise Cancellation: Single-charge listening time drops (roughly to ~4 hours with ANC on), but still substantial overall with the case.
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Fast charging: 5 minutes in the case gives you around 1 hour of listening time or ~45 minutes talk time.
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Case: USB-C connector; smaller than previous generation cases (about 10% smaller by volume). The ANC version case includes a speaker for Find My support. Also works with Qi wireless chargers and Apple Watch charger, depending on model.
Other Specs & Build
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Resistance: IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance.
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Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3.
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Size & weight: Each bud ~4.3 grams. Case dimensions roughly 50.1mm × 46.2mm × 21.2mm in the standard case version; heavier case for ANC model.
Pros & Considerations
Pros:
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More affordable way to get ANC if you go for that version.
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Improved fit and comfort vs older models.
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Upgraded audio, better call quality, useful smart features (Voice Isolation, Spatial Audio).
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More compact case, modern charging (USB-C).
Considerations:
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ANC model adds weight (case and buds) and reduces listening time compared to non-ANC version.
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For people used to in-ear (silicone tip) style (like in the Pro), some may still prefer better isolation or fit.
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Some features may require newer OS versions (e.g. iOS 18) for full functionality.
Reviews
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