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This video has a short comparison of the size/design of the 3 vs. the 4.

Perfect , answers the questions I had about sizing , def going to buy a pair eventually.

Just checked Apples site $80CAD extra for noise cancelling and the better case , honestly I don’t know if that’s worth the upgrade over the base AP4s
 
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Out of everything Apple announced these intrigue me the most, especially the ANC version. I'll be ordering soon for sure as my older AirPods are getting beat down from almost daily long term usage. These will be a very nice upgrade.
 
But it has transparency mode. Both the Pro and 4 has both transparency mode and noise cancellation. The Pro has better noise cancellation and some other bells and whistles.

Transparency mode isn't good enough?

Transparency mode is artificial. It is reproducing the outside noise. It doesn’t sound natural to me. I use this mode a lot, and I’m glad they have it. But, it’s not the same. I may be quirky, but I mostly prefer the experience of my old AirPods.

If I was on an airplane, I’d prefer my AirPod Pros 2. I’d prefer my old Bose wired headphones in that environment even more, most of the time, unless I don’t want to have to carry them.
 
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Have we come to the conclusion that the 4s don't have a magsafe case?
I'd guess since it's a smaller case, it's not compatable?

airpods.JPG
 
Transparency mode is artificial. It is reproducing the outside noise. It doesn’t sound natural to me. I use this mode a lot, and I’m glad they have it. But, it’s not the same. I may be quirky, but I mostly prefer the experience of my old AirPods.

I'm exactly the same way and it's why I continue to use AP2's, to this day

I have several pairs in my rotation for walks, gym, around house, etc
 
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I’ve preordered the 4s with ANC, it was a total no-brainer for me. I’ve had my current set of AirPods 3 since they launched and the battery life is almost as good as when I first got them and they get an absolute hammering on a daily basis, barely leaving my ears except when they need charging. Compared to the first and second gen AirPods, these have been exceptionally reliable (I went through a couple of sets of the first gens because of battery fade and more than three sets of second gens because the microphones kept dying).

I do have some AirPod Pro 2s and they are excellent, but I just don’t find the silicone tips comfortable, in fact I think they triggered a very painful swelling in my ear canal not long after I got them, so they don’t get much usage and I’m always nervous about using them too much.

While I am absolutely tempering my expectations with the ANC on the 4s, being able to have even a weaker ANC without needing the silicone tips is huge, even if it’s not as good as with a full in-ear seal. I can’t wait for them to arrive!
 


Apple today introduced the AirPods 4, which will come in two models: a base model for $129 and a model with Active Noise Cancellation for $179.

airpods-4-blue.jpg
AirPods 4 feature a big improvement in sound quality with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive media experience. Both models include the H2 chip and support features like Voice Isolation and Siri Interactions, the latter of which lets users nod or shake their head to respond to Siri announcements.

For more controls, AirPods 4 feature a force sensor on the stem to play or pause media and mute or end phone calls. The case for the AirPods 4 is the smallest case yet on any AirPods model, and it features USB-C charging with up to 30 hours of total battery life.

In addition to USB-C charging, users can also use an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger to refuel the AirPods 4 charging case.

In regards to the second AirPods 4 model, it features Active Noise Cancellation with upgraded microphones and advanced computational audio helping to reduce environmental noise. This model also has a Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness.

For both AirPods 4 models, Apple has refined the design of the AirPods to create the most comfortable AirPods ever, resulting in a shape that "naturally fits even more users around the world."

Both AirPods 4 models are available to pre-order now in the United States, and will be available starting September 20.

Article Link: Apple Unveils AirPods 4 With Two Models Featuring Improved Fit, USB-C, and More
I do not understand why they don't have some matte black AirPods...makes no sense.
 
Pros have rubber tips. Those might fit better and be more comfortable for some people.
They do fit better especially if you fit them with the Comply foam tips which fit better and are far more comfortable than the Apple silicon tips. They last a long time. I only replace mine when earwax starts showing up in the charging case. The trick when you start out with the Comply foam tips is to get the pack with all 3 sizes to determine which one works best in your ears, I use the medium sized one, and with your next order just get the size that fits correctly.


Screenshot 2024-09-12 at 10.06.01.png
 
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They do fit better especially if you fit them with the Comply foam tips which fit better and are far more comfortable than the Apple silicon tips.
WHOA! Tell me more about these. I was considering getting the new AirPod 4 + ANC because I hate the gross chemical smell of the silicone tips on Airpod Pro 2. The smell stays in your ears (quite noticeable after wiping the ear canal with a tissue or Q-tip), and worse, I got a terrible ear infection after wearing the APpro2 on a very long travel day. They irritated my ear canal which then became swollen and painful, requiring a hospital visit while on vacation.

Anyway, how are the foam tips in regards to the above? Any off-gassing odor?
 
That's my concern to is really the fit of the AP4's. If they don't fit my ear it doesn't matter what new features it has.
My hope is they don't cause my ears to ache like the 3s. My 4s with ANC should be here on Friday and I'll do an update on whether I'll be keeping or returning them
 
My hope is they don't cause my ears to ache like the 3s. My 4s with ANC should be here on Friday and I'll do an update on whether I'll be keeping or returning them
I have found that, when you get new devices in your ear, there can be some discomfort for a few days as your ears get used to the different pressure points. After that, they often adjust and no longer ache. It can be the same for new glasses.
 
WHOA! Tell me more about these. I was considering getting the new AirPod 4 + ANC because I hate the gross chemical smell of the silicone tips on Airpod Pro 2. The smell stays in your ears (quite noticeable after wiping the ear canal with a tissue or Q-tip), and worse, I got a terrible ear infection after wearing the APpro2 on a very long travel day. They irritated my ear canal which then became swollen and painful, requiring a hospital visit while on vacation.

Anyway, how are the foam tips in regards to the above? Any off-gassing odor?
I have never noticed any outgassing from Comply foam tips and that includes the Comply sleeves I use on my Shure earphones. I have used them with the Shures for about 10 years. There is a trick with the Pro2 tips. Keep a small bottle of medical-grade alcohol. Keep your used ones in the alcohol it will clean and disinfect them. Then put them out to dry for several days. They may not be usable but you are not out anything if they are not.
 
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WHOA! Tell me more about these. I was considering getting the new AirPod 4 + ANC because I hate the gross chemical smell of the silicone tips on Airpod Pro 2. The smell stays in your ears (quite noticeable after wiping the ear canal with a tissue or Q-tip), and worse, I got a terrible ear infection after wearing the APpro2 on a very long travel day. They irritated my ear canal which then became swollen and painful, requiring a hospital visit while on vacation.

Anyway, how are the foam tips in regards to the above? Any off-gassing odor?
It is apparent you are allergic to silicon. I know RN's that are allergic to silicon that is why you do not find silicon surgical gloves anymore they are all latex.

 
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