I'm about 10x more excited for the AirPods 4 than I am about my 16 Pro Max which I'm honestly thinking about returning anyway just to spite Apple for not including a new main camera sensor. I use my AirPods Pro 2 every single day for hours on end but I find the silicone eartips cause ear canal irritation after use (yes I've tried other tips). Sensitive ears I guess. I don't have that problem with my wired EarPods and I like the open air feeling of EarPods.
Combine that with the fact that 95% of my AirPods ANC usage is actually in transparency mode (which is one of the best features ever implemented in any headphone) I was elated when MKBHD said the AirPods 4 have the best sounding transparency he's ever heard on AirPods because it's combining an already 'transparent' headphone design with Apple's best in class transparency mode. I don't care about the sound quality not being as good, AirPods Pro 2 don't hold a candle to my other IEMs so I've already accepted that AirPods have compromised sound quality. That's not what I use them for anyway.
What I want from an AirPods above all else is decent enough sound quality for everyday listening (such as YT videos/podcasts) while feeling like I'm not wearing headphones at all due to a combination of transparency mode + comfort + wireless. It sounds like AirPods 4 might be my favorite Apple product, no joke. My AirPods Pro 2 might sit in a drawer for most of the year (unless I really need better ANC which is hardly ever) much like my AirPods Max which are used for approximately less than 20 hours a year (garbage product due to the condensation issues)
My only concern now is how will they fit. I will be so disappointed if they fall out of my ears like with MKBHD. The reviews have me so hyped up.