Apple’s AirPods 4 made noise cancellation mainstream on open-ear earbuds—a feat many doubted was possible without silicone tips. Released in September 2024, the ANC model delivers up to 20 hours with its charging case, an IP54 rating, and features previously exclusive to the Pro line.
Battery Life: up to 30 hours with case · Water Resistance: IP54 · Key Feature: Active Noise Cancellation option · Audio: Personalized Spatial Audio · Fit: Updated for all-day comfort
Quick snapshot
- 4th generation released September 2024 (Apple IE product page)
- 4 hours ANC per charge, 20 hours with case (Apple Support IE specs)
- 5 hours non-ANC per charge, 30 hours with case (Apple global specs)
- Ireland-specific pricing not listed separately
- Long-term durability reviews beyond 4 months
- Direct consumer feedback from Ireland users
- September 2024: AirPods 4 with ANC launched (What Hi-Fi? review)
- 2024: iOS 18 added Voice Isolation feature (What Hi-Fi? review)
- Early 2025: Four-month review published (AppleInsider Forums)
- Available now at Apple IE, Harvey Norman, Currys, DID (Apple IE Shop purchase page)
- Health feature rollouts (Hearing Test, Hearing Aid functions) (Apple IE Shop purchase page)
The table below summarizes the key technical specifications for the AirPods 4 with ANC.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Battery with Case | up to 30 hours |
| Water Resistance | IP54 |
| Compatibility | Bluetooth with Apple and non-Apple |
| Audio Features | Voice Isolation, Siri, Spatial Audio |
| Chip | H2 |
| Noise Reduction (mid-bass to high-mid) | 10 dB |
| Noise Reduction (low/mid-treble) | 15 dB |
Has the AirPods 4 come out?
Release details
Apple unveiled the AirPods 4 in September 2024, marking the first time an open-ear AirPods model shipped with Active Noise Cancellation. The H2 chip powers all audio processing, including ANC and the custom low-distortion driver that delivers deeper bass and clearer highs according to Apple’s official Ireland page.
Availability in Ireland
The AirPods 4 with ANC is available for purchase directly from the Apple Store Ireland, complete with a USB-C charging case that provides dust, sweat, and water resistance. Harvey Norman Ireland stocks the model, listing up to 4 hours of ANC listening per charge and 20 hours with the case. Major retailers Currys.ie and DID.ie also carry the product.
No regional price variations are listed for Ireland; standard Apple pricing applies across all retailers.
What’s special about AirPods 4?
Updated fit
Apple redesigned the housing with a form-fitted shape that sits more securely than the AirPods 3. Reviewers at What Hi-Fi? review describe the fit as compact, lightweight, and comfortable for all-day wear. However, without silicone tips creating a seal, the open design means passive isolation is absent—a trade-off inherent to the earbud style.
Audio features
The AirPods 4 with ANC includes Personalized Spatial Audio, Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness. The H2 chip enables Voice Isolation, which clarifies voice calls in noisy or windy conditions after the iOS 18 update. Call quality proves decent on busy Irish streets, though traffic noise remains audible without Voice Isolation engaged, according to What Hi-Fi? review.
Noise cancellation option
The headline feature targets low-frequency noise—engine rumbles, air conditioning hum, city traffic—using upgraded microphones and real-time processing. Lab tests measured an average 53% noise reduction, with 10–15 dB reduction in the mid-bass to treble range according to TechGearLab testing data. Apple claims up to 2× more ANC than the original AirPods Pro and the non-ANC AirPods 4 model.
ANC on open-ear earbuds cannot match the sealed design of the AirPods Pro—high-frequency sounds like chatter, drilling, and sharp noises still penetrate.
Is the AirPods 4 worth it?
Pros and cons
Upsides
- Up to 30 hours battery (non-ANC mode)
- IP54 dust and water resistance
- ANC works for commutes and offices
- H2 chip enables advanced audio processing
- Voice Isolation improves call clarity
- USB-C case with wireless charging (ANC model)
Downsides
- ANC reduces battery to 4 hours per charge
- 53% noise reduction vs AirPods Pro’s ~90%
- No silicone tips means less isolation
- Non-ANC model lacks case speaker and wireless charging
- Higher volume often needed for music
- High-frequency noise still penetrates
Value in Ireland
Standard Apple pricing applies across Irish retailers with no regional variations noted. The ANC model commands a premium over the non-ANC variant. Buyers seeking the best noise cancellation for the money may find AirPods Pro 2 a better fit, while those prioritizing open-ear comfort and iOS integration will appreciate the AirPods 4 with ANC.
Users with specific medical conditions—tinnitus concerns, pacemaker devices, or hearing sensitivity—should consult healthcare professionals before committing to extended daily use.
Do AirPods 4 fall out easily?
Fit concerns
The redesigned shape fits most ears better than previous generations. RecordingNOW earbud review notes improved comfort over the AirPods 3, though it still cannot match the secure fit of the AirPods Pro with silicone tips. Some users report the AirPods 4 staying in place during light activity but shifting during exercise.
User feedback
Four-month reviews describe the AirPods 4 with ANC as the best Apple earbuds for most people, citing the combination of features, sound quality, and battery life. The open design suits users who find sealed earbuds uncomfortable but introduces inherent fit variability—ear canal shape affects how securely they sit.
Is the AirPod 2 or 4 better?
Key differences
The comparison below highlights the main distinctions between AirPods generations and the ANC variant.
| Feature | AirPods 4 with ANC | AirPods 4 (non-ANC) | AirPods 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Yes (53% reduction) | No | No |
| Battery per charge (ANC on/off) | 4 / 5 hours | 5 hours | 6 hours |
| Battery with case | 20 / 30 hours | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Wireless charging case | Yes | No | Optional |
| Case speaker for Find My | Yes | No | Yes |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Chip | H2 | H2 | H1 |
What this means: the AirPods 4 ANC delivers meaningful noise reduction for commuters while keeping the open-ear design, but buyers who prioritize maximum ANC should consider the AirPods Pro 2 instead.
Upgrade reasons
The AirPods 4 represents a meaningful upgrade over the AirPods 3 in sound quality, fit comfort, and feature set. The ANC model adds meaningful noise reduction for commuters and office workers while maintaining the open-ear design. However, buyers seeking maximum noise cancellation should consider AirPods Pro 2, which delivers approximately 90% noise reduction compared to the AirPods 4’s 53% in lab tests.
RecordingNOW reviewerIf the AirPods Max is a 9/10 when it comes to noise cancelling, I would feel that the AirPods 4 noise cancelling is deserving of a 6/10.
What Hi-Fi? tech reviewerSlip the AirPods 4 on, toggle on noise-cancelling and you’ll hear those low-level sounds immediately melt away.
The Disconnekt reviewerAirPods 4 with ANC offer a comfortable fit, good sound quality and decent active noise cancellation considering they don’t have silicone tips.
Related reading: iPad A16 Case Guide Ireland
Ireland buyers comparing AirPods 4 to premium Pro siblings will appreciate this Ireland Pro vs 4 comparison breaking down key spec differences and prices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the battery life of AirPods 4?
With Active Noise Cancellation enabled, the AirPods 4 delivers up to 4 hours per charge and 20 hours with the charging case. Without ANC, battery extends to 5 hours per charge and 30 hours with the case. A 5-minute charge provides approximately 1 hour of listening time.
Are AirPods 4 water resistant?
Yes. Both AirPods 4 models carry an IP54 rating, meaning protection against dust and water splashes from any direction. This makes them suitable for workouts and light rain but not for swimming.
Can AirPods 4 connect to non-Apple devices?
Yes. AirPods 4 uses standard Bluetooth 5.3, allowing connection to Android phones, Windows PCs, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. However, some features like Personalized Spatial Audio and automatic device switching require Apple devices running iOS 18 or later.
What is the price of AirPods 4 in Ireland?
Apple Ireland lists standard pricing for both models with no regional variation. The ANC variant costs more than the non-ANC version. Check Apple IE Shop, Harvey Norman, Currys, or DID for current Irish pricing.
Do AirPods 4 support spatial audio?
Yes. Both models support Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. This feature requires an Apple device with iOS 16.1 or later for setup and personalization.
Where to buy AirPods 4 in Ireland?
The AirPods 4 with ANC is available at Apple Store Ireland, Harvey Norman Ireland, Currys Ireland, and DID Ireland. Standard Apple pricing applies across all verified Irish retailers.
What are AirPods 4 tech specs?
Key specs include the H2 chip, custom low-distortion driver with high dynamic range amplifier, Bluetooth 5.3, IP54 rating, USB-C charging case (wireless charging on ANC model), and up to 30 hours total battery. The ANC model adds active noise cancellation, transparency mode, adaptive audio, and conversation awareness.
Ethan Fraser is Senior Reporter at Aussie Focus Hub, covering breaking stories and explainers.