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.

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 Active Noise Cancellation enabled, though, AirPods 4 quoted battery life drops to just 4 hours of listening on a single charge. That is a significant difference to AirPods Pro, which can last for up to 6 hours of listening time with noise cancellation active.

To a publication, Apple executives explained the magic behind AirPods 4 ANC feature that works without ear tips.

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

The work that began with EarPods continues to pay off as Apple prepares to ship the noise-canceling AirPods 4.