Active Noise Cancellation

Active noise cancellation is a feature designed to create an immersive listening experience by minimizing ambient noise. AirPods’ noise-cancelling technology blocks out external sounds, creating an immersive listening environment where the audio content takes center stage. This technology effectively cancels out surrounding distractions, from the hum of an airplane to the hustle and bustle of a busy coffee shop, allowing you to focus solely on the audio content.
Not all AirPods models have Active Noise Cancellation. For now, the feature is exclusive to AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. These models are specifically designed to provide an enhanced audio experience by eliminating external noise, ensuring that music, calls, and podcasts sound crystal clear without the distractions of the outside world.

Transparency Mode

Transparency mode, on the other hand, is designed to allow you to hear ambient sound, making it ideal for situations where you need to hear everything around you. This mode uses the built-in microphones to amplify sounds around you, allowing you to listen to music, podcasts, or make calls while still hearing traffic, announcements, or conversations around you. It's ideal for situations where safety and awareness are paramount, such as walking around town or waiting for flight calls at an airport.

The differences between active noise cancellation and transparency mode

The main difference between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode lies in their intended use cases:
Active noise cancellation is about isolation . It creates a private auditory space by blocking out the outside world, allowing you to immerse yourself in what you’re listening to without interruption. Transparency mode is about integration . It blends your audio content with the natural sounds of your surroundings, keeping you connected and aware of your surroundings without having to remove your AirPods. By switching between these modes, you can tailor your audio experience based on your current needs, environment, and personal preferences, making AirPods an incredibly versatile tool for both focus and safety.