Apple's latest AirPods feature an updated physical design, new case, and audio improvements, all for under $200.

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

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.

Much like the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, AirPods Max, or even the third-generation model that they replace, the AirPods 4 – with or without active noise cancellation – offer several useful features, which make them an excellent choice for anyone with an iPhone, or who’s otherwise invested in Apple’s device ecosystem.

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