Apple has made a significant leap forward with its latest release. The new AirPods 4 now include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology for the first time in Apple’s mid-level earbuds lineup, previously available only in the higher-end AirPods Pro and AirPods Max models. This breakthrough brings premium audio features to a more accessible price point, starting at $179 for the ANC version.
The AirPods 4 with ANC represent an impressive engineering achievement. Apple overcame the technical challenge of implementing noise cancellation in an open-ear design that doesn’t create a seal in the ear canal. This was accomplished through advanced computational audio and the new H2 chip, which adjusts the ANC algorithm up to 200 times per second for optimal performance.
Consumers who dislike the feeling of ear tips but want noise cancellation benefits now have a compelling option. The AirPods 4 provide noise cancellation for people who hate ear tips, filling a gap in the market that competitors have tried and failed to address.
AirPods 4 ANC Guide (Active Noise Cancellation)
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on AirPods 4 helps reduce background noise so you can focus on music, calls, or podcasts. This guide explains how ANC works, how to turn it on or off, and tips to get the best experience.
What Is Active Noise Cancellation?
Active Noise Cancellation uses microphones to detect external sounds and creates anti‑noise to cancel them out. This makes loud environments—like public transport or busy offices—much quieter.
AirPods 4 ANC is designed to:
- Reduce constant background noise
- Improve audio clarity
- Enhance call quality in noisy environments
How to Turn On Active Noise Cancellation
Option 1: Using Your iPhone or iPad
- Put your AirPods 4 in your ears and make sure they’re connected.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the ⓘ (info) button next to your AirPods.
- Under Noise Control, select Noise Cancellation.
Option 2: Using Control Center (iPhone / iPad)
- Swipe down from the top‑right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
- Press and hold the volume slider.
- Tap Noise Control.
- Select Noise Cancellation.
Option 3: Using Your AirPods (Stem Controls)
- Press and hold the stem of either AirPod.
- Wait for a tone indicating the noise mode has changed.
- Continue holding to cycle between:
- Noise Cancellation
- Transparency
- Off
You can customize this behavior in Settings → Bluetooth → AirPods.
Noise Control Modes Explained
Noise Cancellation
- Blocks out external noise
- Best for travel, commuting, or noisy environments
Transparency Mode
- Lets outside sounds in
- Ideal for conversations and situational awareness
Off
- Disables noise processing
- Saves battery life
How to Customize ANC Settings
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
- Tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods 4.
- Adjust:
- Press & Hold AirPods behavior
- Which noise control modes are available
- Microphone settings for calls
Battery Life & ANC
- Using ANC may slightly reduce battery life.
- Turning ANC off can extend listening time.
- Charging your AirPods regularly ensures optimal performance.
Tips for Best ANC Performance
- Make sure AirPods fit securely in your ears.
- Keep AirPods and microphones clean.
- Update your device to the latest version of iOS.
- Use ANC in environments with steady background noise for best results.
Troubleshooting ANC Issues
ANC not working? Try this:
- Reconnect your AirPods
- Restart your iPhone
- Check that Noise Cancellation is enabled
- Reset your AirPods if issues persist
Final Thoughts
AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation is a powerful feature that improves your listening experience by reducing unwanted noise. With a few taps or a simple stem press, you can switch modes and enjoy clearer sound wherever you go.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods 4 bring Active Noise Cancellation to Apple’s mid-range earbuds for the first time ever.
- The H2 chip enables ANC in an open-ear design through computational audio that adjusts 200 times per second.
- Priced at $179, these earbuds offer premium features previously only available in more expensive models.
Innovations in AirPods 4 with ANC
Apple’s latest mid-level earbuds bring significant advancements in noise reduction, comfort, and audio technology. The AirPods 4 with ANC marks the first time Apple has offered Active Noise Cancellation in its mid-tier earbuds lineup.
Design and Comfort Enhancements
The AirPods 4 with ANC features a refined design based on extensive research. Apple used what they call an “unparalleled data set” to create the most comfortable fit for more users than previous models. Unlike the Pro series, these earbuds maintain an open-ear design without silicone tips while still providing effective noise cancellation.
The charging case has been significantly reduced in size, making it extremely pocket-friendly. This compact design doesn’t sacrifice functionality – the case still offers wireless charging capabilities and USB-C connectivity for greater compatibility across devices.
The lightweight build makes these earbuds comfortable for extended listening sessions. The contoured shape sits securely in more ear types without creating the pressure some users experience with in-ear designs.
Advanced Technology and Audio Quality
At the heart of the AirPods 4 with ANC is Apple’s powerful H2 chip, which enables several standout features:
- Active Noise Cancellation: Previously only available in the Pro models, ANC now comes to mid-tier AirPods
- Adaptive Audio: Adjusts noise control based on your environment
- Conversation Awareness: Automatically lowers volume and enhances voices when you’re speaking with someone
- Improved Transparency Mode: Lets in outside sounds when needed
Sound quality has been noticeably enhanced with advanced audio features including better bass response and clearer highs. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking provides an immersive listening experience that adjusts as you move.
The microphone array has been upgraded to improve call quality, even in windy or noisy environments.
Integration within the Apple Ecosystem
The AirPods 4 with ANC seamlessly connects with all Apple devices through iCloud, allowing for automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. This integration extends to several helpful features:
Users can ask Siri for assistance hands-free or use their iPhone to check battery status. Find My integration helps locate misplaced earbuds with precision tracking and loud alerts when needed.
The AirPods 4 with ANC pairs especially well with newer devices like the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch 10, taking advantage of their enhanced Bluetooth capabilities for more stable connections.
Setup is remarkably simple – just open the case near an iPhone, and on-screen instructions guide users through the process in seconds. Audio Sharing allows two sets of AirPods to connect to one device for shared listening experiences.
User Experience and Practicality
The new AirPods 4 with ANC bring significant changes to daily use, with enhanced battery performance and notable improvements over earlier models. These updates impact how users interact with their earbuds throughout the day.
Battery Life and Charging Options
The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation deliver impressive battery performance despite adding power-hungry noise cancellation technology. Users can expect approximately 5 hours of listening time with ANC enabled and up to 6 hours with it turned off. The charging case extends total usage to about 20 hours with ANC on, or 25 hours with it disabled.
Apple has modernized the charging options by including USB-C connectivity instead of Lightning. This change aligns with industry standards and recent Apple device updates.
The case supports wireless charging through Qi-compatible chargers. This feature adds convenience for users who prefer a cable-free setup.
A quick 5-minute charge provides about an hour of listening time – helpful for those moments when users need to rush out the door.
Comparative Assessment with Previous Models
The AirPods 4 with ANC represent a significant milestone as the first mid-tier Apple earbuds to offer Active Noise Cancellation. Previously, this feature was exclusive to the premium AirPods Pro line.
The redesigned case is noticeably more compact than previous generations. Multiple reviewers have praised its pocket-friendly size, making it easier to carry daily.
Sound quality shows marked improvement over the AirPods 3, with cleaner bass response and better overall clarity. The upgraded microphones deliver clearer call quality compared to earlier models.
Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, these maintain an open-ear design without silicone tips. This design choice offers greater comfort for those who dislike in-ear pressure but provides less passive noise isolation.
At $179, they position themselves between the standard AirPods 4 ($129) and AirPods Pro 2 ($249), creating a new mid-tier option with premium features.
