How do Apple AirPods achieve noise cancellation without ear tips?

Apple's AirPods use the H2 chip and computational audio with multiple microphones to create sound waves that cancel out external noise, even without a seal.

What is Adaptive Audio on the new AirPods?

Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation and transparency modes based on your surroundings and activities for a seamless listening experience.

Are the new AirPods comfortable for long wear?

Yes, the open-ear design eliminates the need for silicone tips, offering increased comfort for extended listening periods.

Home / Technology / Apple's Open-Ear Earbuds Cancel Noise Without Sealing

Apple's Open-Ear Earbuds Cancel Noise Without Sealing

6 Dec, 2025

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Summary

New AirPods offer noise cancellation without needing ear tips.
H2 chip uses computational audio to cancel external sounds.
Adaptive audio adjusts noise cancellation based on surroundings.

Apple's Open-Ear Earbuds Cancel Noise Without Sealing

Apple has introduced a groundbreaking approach to noise cancellation with its latest AirPods, offering the feature in an open-ear design that eschews traditional silicone tips. The innovative H2 chip powers this technology, employing computational audio and multiple microphones to actively counter ambient sound before it reaches the ear. This allows for effective noise reduction without the need for a tight seal, addressing comfort concerns for many users.

The AirPods also feature adaptive audio, which intelligently blends active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes. This system dynamically adjusts noise cancellation levels based on the user's location and the ambient sound environment, lowering it in quiet spaces and increasing it in noisy ones. Furthermore, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers audio volume and enhances Transparency mode when the user begins speaking, facilitating natural interactions without manually pausing playback or removing the earbuds.