For the first time ever, the entry-level AirPods have active noise cancellation (ANC). Apple unveiled the new AirPods 4 on Sept. 9 at the "Glowtime" event where the Cupertino-based tech giant debuted the new line with two variants: one with ANC and one without ANC.

In a recent interview with Engadget, Apple's vice president of hardware engineering Kate Bergeron and AirPods marketing director Eric

Apple is launching a new version of AirPods called the AirPods 4, with a refined shape that Apple says makes them the “most comfortable AirPods ever.” The new model retains the open-air design, offers a “massive improvement” in audio quality, and includes support for personalized spatial audio.

With a slightly smaller design, improved sound and Apple's powerful H2 chip features, the Apple AirPods 4 are a worthy upgrade. But what really makes them special is the noise canceling in the step-up ANC model.

The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation distinguish themselves from their predecessors with a new design that looks similar, but changes enough to sit differently in the ear. Shape is crucial with these hard-shell earbuds since they don’t have gummy tips like the AirPods Pro to create a tight seal and keep them firmly in place.