Apple Introduces New Loose-Fit AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

The news that Apple launched an updated version of its (regular) AirPods was somewhat muffled by the announcement of the hearing aid capabilities brought to AirPods Pro 2 with a simple software update. But the new AirPods 4 with ANC are a big deal for the industry which has been struggling to combine the benefits of the loose-fit (now also called open-ear) form-factor with the convenience of active noise cancellation when required. The key, as always for Apple, is in the elegant implementation of Adaptive Audio.

As it happens every year, Apple promoted its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) from June 5–9, 2023. Did you notice Apple’s important breakthrough in headset audio design? It was easy to just be dazzled by all the technology involved in the Vision Pro, but this design was described as providing "mind-boggling audio fidelity" by those who tried it. The Vision Pro features an interesting audio system that was the focus for this editorial, together with Adaptive Audio and other important technology innovations.