So I ended up biting the bullet and going to an Apple Store to pick up a pair tonight.
First and foremost, I’ll nail the headline right at the top; in the little time I have had with them, I can say the ANC has not hit me as hard and fast with the nausea/lightheadedness as the Pros did. I think there definitely is something to the thought that pressure from the tips can be at least a partial contributor to that feeling. I definitely felt it a little bit, but it wasn’t as overwhelming as I experienced with the Pros. At least in the little time I have used them, it was tolerable (although I will say, I definitely understand the “pressure” feeling someone else mentioned, which is a strange sensation at first). I need to use them more to fully decide whether I will be able to use it on a regular basis, but there is definitely a chance I might be able to as I have already gotten a little used to it. So yes, there is reason for hope!
As for my overall impressions of the 4’s:
They definitely feel different in your ears than the AirPods 3. The 3’s fit fine in my ears and I have never really had many issues, aside from a little soreness sometimes after wearing them for hours straight. The 4’s seem to fit more snugly in my ears, but not in a tight way, if that makes sense.
I would describe the 4’s as more “bean shaped” and the speaker faces more upward than past versions. Because of this, they seem to be designed to sit angled farther forward in your ear. In mine, they appear to fit best right in the little notch of my ears, as it allows that “bean” shape combined with the more upward facing speaker to slide into your ear canal and create a pretty decent seal for not having tips. Even having them in the “off” position blocks more outside noise than the 3’s do, so that is a plus for anyone even contemplating the base 4’s without the ANC.
They are surprisingly comfortable actually, as they seem to fit me like a glove, but not an overly tight one. Again, hopefully that makes a little bit of sense because it is hard to describe. Overall, in my few hours with them tonight, I have enjoyed how they feel. And they sound great as well. A little more bass than the 3’s but overall just a fuller and more powerful sound.
The transparency mode is definitely not as loud and clear as it is on the Pro’s, especially when you are talking, but it does a decent enough job. No doubt less needed than in the Pros, but it makes the most sense with the adaptive mode, where it will automatically change settings to give you the best listening experience for what is needed at any given time.
So in summary, I think it will be a person by person difference that will really have to be tested by everyone to see how they feel, but there is a chance! I think you buying a pair was the best call and I am eager to hear your impressions @TAwoniyi!
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