The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Short answer: AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation make a meaningful difference against low-frequency noise such as airplane-like rumble, trains, traffic and air-conditioning, but they do not silence the world like sealed in-ear earbuds. Their open, non-sealing fit is the entire point: you get ANC without silicone tips and retain more awareness of your surroundings, at the cost of weaker isolation, less consistent bass and only moderate protection from voices and high-pitched sounds.
That makes AirPods 4 with ANC a compelling choice for Apple users who dislike ear tips—not a cheaper replacement for AirPods Pro. The evidence below separates Apple’s specifications from independent test results and explains what a fair hands-on test should measure, since fit and operating conditions have an unusually large effect on this design.
The verdict in one minute
Apple introduced two AirPods 4 models in September 2024: the standard AirPods 4, launched in the United States at $129, and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation at $179. Both became available on September 20, 2024. Those are launch/list prices, not necessarily current transaction prices; check the current seller, stock and price before publishing or buying. Apple’s announcement is available in its AirPods 4 launch release.
- Buy AirPods 4 with ANC if you use an iPhone or other Apple hardware, dislike silicone tips, want moderate noise reduction and value environmental awareness.
- Choose standard AirPods 4 if you mainly want the open fit and Apple integration and do not need ANC or wireless charging.
- Choose AirPods Pro if you need the strongest isolation, a more adjustable and secure fit, stronger bass, longer continuous listening or Pro-specific hearing features.
- Consider sealed competitors if maximum ANC, long battery life or full Android controls matter more than Apple integration.
The central question is not whether the ANC works. Independent testing indicates that it does. The better question is whether the reduction in steady low-frequency noise is worth accepting an open fit that lets more speech, treble and outside sound through.
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- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
What AirPods 4 with ANC actually are
AirPods 4 with ANC are open, unsealed earbuds. They do not use interchangeable silicone ear tips, and the stem is the only meaningful retention feature. That distinguishes them from AirPods Pro and most conventional ANC earbuds, which use a sealed ear-canal fit to provide passive isolation as well as active cancellation.
The earbuds use Apple’s H2 chip, a custom high-excursion driver and a high-dynamic-range amplifier. Apple lists Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Adaptive EQ. A pressure-equalization vent is intended to make the design more comfortable without creating the plugged-up sensation some people experience with sealed tips. The full technical specification is in Apple’s AirPods 4 technical specifications.
| Specification | AirPods 4 with ANC |
|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 |
| Earbud weight | 4.3 grams each |
| Charging-case weight | 34.7 grams |
| Resistance rating | IP54 for dust, sweat and water resistance under controlled laboratory conditions |
| Wireless connection | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Case charging | USB-C, Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger |
| Battery rating with ANC | Up to 4 hours per charge; up to 20 hours with the case |
| Battery rating with noise control off | Up to 5 hours per charge; up to 30 hours with the case |
The ANC version’s case includes a speaker for Find My alerts and proximity features. Apple says Find My functionality for this case requires iOS 26 or later, so that feature should be checked against the operating system used at publication time. The case can charge by USB-C, Qi or an Apple Watch charger, but Apple sells the USB-C charging cable separately.
IP54 is not a waterproofing promise. It describes testing under controlled conditions, is not a permanent condition and does not make the earbuds suitable for submersion. Do not charge the earbuds or case while they are wet.
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The open design is simultaneously AirPods 4 ANC’s greatest advantage and its largest limitation. People who find silicone tips uncomfortable may be able to wear these earbuds for hours with less pressure and less of the occluded, plugged-up feeling associated with sealed models. People whose ears do not hold the one-size shape securely may experience movement, inconsistent bass or a noticeable reduction in ANC.
Independent testing supports treating fit as a personal variable rather than a minor detail. SoundGuys recommends trying AirPods 4 with ANC before buying because the stem does not provide a secondary retention system. RTINGS describes the design as one-size-fits-all and notes that sealed AirPods Pro models generally provide better isolation and bass reproduction through their ear-tip seal.
A proper evaluation should check three separate things:
- Long-term comfort: Wear the earbuds for several hours, including with ANC on and off. An initially comfortable open fit can still create pressure at the outer ear over time.
- Retention: Walk, climb stairs and perform light exercise. Do not treat a short walk as proof that the earbuds are secure during vigorous workouts.
- Consistency: Re-seat each earbud and compare bass and ANC. If the sound changes substantially when an earbud shifts, that is a fit limitation rather than an audio-quality defect that every listener will share.
AirPods 4 ANC are therefore best suited to listeners who dislike ear tips, want to hear their surroundings or find sealed earbuds fatiguing. They are a poorer fit for listeners who need maximum passive isolation or a highly secure exercise fit.
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How effective is the ANC?
The practical result is best described as useful low-frequency reduction, limited speech reduction. AirPods 4 ANC can make a noisy environment less tiring and can make speech, podcasts and music easier to follow, but the open shell cannot block as much sound passively as a sealed earbud.
Rank #2
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
| Noise type | What the evidence suggests | What to expect in use |
|---|---|---|
| Airplane-style cabin rumble | One of the more suitable ANC targets | Rumble should be reduced, but not eliminated; a poor fit can reduce the benefit. |
| Train, bus and road noise | Low-frequency engine and rolling noise are reduced more effectively than voices. | Music and podcasts may become easier to hear without raising the volume as much. |
| Office HVAC and exhaust fans | Reported as noticeably reduced by What Hi-Fi. | A steady office can feel quieter even though nearby speech remains present. |
| Nearby conversation | More audible than through AirPods Pro 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. | Do not buy these expecting a silent office or complete removal of coworkers’ voices. |
| Drilling, announcements and high-pitched subway noise | Upper-midrange and high-frequency sounds remain relatively exposed. | These sounds can still interrupt a podcast or song. |
| Wind | Performance is fit- and environment-dependent and should be tested rather than assumed. | Report whether wind creates rumble, pumping or audible microphone noise. |
What Hi-Fi reports noticeable reductions in engine rumble, air-conditioning, exhaust fans, traffic and train noise, while finding voices, drilling, high-pitched subway sounds and announcements more audible than with AirPods Pro 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
RTINGS calls the isolation unusually capable for an open design, but also reports little passive attenuation in the low and mid frequencies. In a laboratory comparison, SoundGuys measured approximately 20 dB of hybrid ANC reduction in the mids and highs. That figure belongs to SoundGuys’ test setup; it is not a universal performance guarantee for every ear shape or environment.
Transparency mode is less essential than it is on sealed earbuds because the open housing already allows considerable environmental awareness when ANC is off. Adaptive Audio can still be useful: What Hi-Fi found it helpful because it dynamically adjusts the degree of sound blocking as surroundings change. The result is convenience rather than silence.
Sound quality: clear and enjoyable, but not AirPods Pro bass
The AirPods 4 ANC sound is generally described as clear, balanced and pleasant rather than aggressively colored. What Hi-Fi found the presentation clear, detailed, agile and voice-friendly. SoundGuys reported a 3.6 mean opinion score in its MDAQS evaluation and attributed part of the result to reduced sub-bass and the unsealed design.
The important comparison is not whether the tonal balance resembles Apple’s other earbuds. It is whether the physical fit produces the same result in your ears. An open earbud does not create the same seal-dependent bass authority as a Pro model. If one side sits slightly differently, bass and perceived volume may differ between ears or change during a walk.
AirPods 4 ANC should not be described as sounding identical to AirPods Pro. A fairer description is a familiar, generally balanced Apple presentation in a more open format. AirPods Pro has an advantage in bass consistency, bass extension and isolation because its ear-tip seal does more of the acoustic work.
A useful listening sequence includes:
- Spoken podcasts: Check intelligibility at a low listening level with ANC on and off.
- Acoustic vocals: Listen for clarity, sibilance and whether voices remain natural.
- Bass-heavy music: Compare sub-bass weight and consistency after gently re-seating the earbuds.
- Orchestral or layered recordings: Check whether detail and separation survive ANC processing.
- Low-volume listening: Compare whether ANC makes the recording easier to follow without increasing volume.
ANC can change the perceived tonal balance, particularly when background rumble is removed. A serious review should report those changes instead of treating ANC and sound quality as entirely separate tests.
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Apple lists dual beamforming microphones, an inward-facing microphone, a speech-detecting accelerometer and Voice Isolation. The open fit does not automatically make the microphones poor, but call performance depends on signal processing, the connected device and the environment.
SoundGuys reports that AirPods 4 call processing uses AI processing on the connected iPhone to filter background noise. That means microphone behavior can differ between an iPhone and another source device. Its review found generally good performance in typical conditions, but not perfect background suppression.
Rank #3
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
What Hi-Fi heard clear voices during a busy rush-hour street call, while still detecting intermittent traffic and a small amount of background hiss on the other end. It judged AirPods Pro 2 better overall for calls.
Do not generalize from one quiet indoor call. A meaningful call test should cover a quiet room, office, busy street, wind and a reverberant indoor space. The reviewer should identify the paired device and state whether Voice Isolation was enabled. For an Apple-centric audience, test with an iPhone; for Android or Windows readers, test those platforms separately.
Battery life is the clearest compromise
Apple rates AirPods 4 ANC for up to four hours per charge with ANC enabled and up to five hours with noise control off. The case raises the totals to up to 20 hours with ANC enabled or up to 30 hours with noise control off. Apple also says that a five-minute charge provides approximately one hour of listening.
These are controlled maximum estimates using preproduction hardware, a preproduction iPhone 16 Pro Max, prerelease software, 50 percent volume and a specified AAC playlist. Actual runtime changes with volume, calls, ANC mode, Adaptive Audio, Spatial Audio and other settings. The assumptions are detailed in Apple’s battery test notes.
Independent results vary because the test protocols vary:
- Macworld measured 4 hours and 16 minutes while switching among ANC modes at a volume six clicks below maximum and listening to music, podcasts and an audiobook.
- SoundGuys measured 6 hours and 21 minutes with noise cancellation and Transparency disabled, while noting that those modes reduce runtime.
Those results are not contradictory. The longer SoundGuys result is a no-noise-control result, while Macworld’s mixed-mode test is closer to everyday use that includes ANC. Neither should be compared directly with Apple’s four-hour ANC rating without matching the modes, volume, codec, software and audio content.
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For a new review, report separate results for ANC on, ANC off, mixed listening and a voice call. Record the first earbud to shut down, volume level, Spatial Audio status, Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, volume normalization, paired device and firmware. Four hours with ANC is workable for commuting and work sessions, but it is short beside several sealed competitors, and frequent top-ups consume the case’s smaller ANC-enabled capacity more quickly.
Apple ecosystem advantages—and Android limitations
AirPods 4 ANC support Bluetooth 5.3 and function as Bluetooth headphones with Apple and non-Apple devices. Apple states that functionality can be limited outside its ecosystem. Basic pairing and audio playback are not the same as receiving the full feature set.
The strongest experience is with current software on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV or Vision Pro. Personalized Spatial Audio requires compatible hardware and software. Apple also lists device, operating-system, firmware, language or regional requirements for features including Voice Isolation, Conversation Awareness, Siri Interactions and Live Translation. Those requirements can change, so verify the exact combination before promising a feature in a buying guide or review. Apple’s current specifications and compatibility notes should be the publication-time reference.
Rank #4
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- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
SoundGuys notes that controls are distributed through Apple’s operating systems rather than a dedicated AirPods app. On Android, the earbuds can still be useful for Bluetooth playback, but What Hi-Fi confirms that Android users do not get the complete iOS and Siri feature set or a dedicated control app.
That makes the buying recommendation straightforward: AirPods 4 ANC are an Apple ecosystem product that happens to support basic non-Apple Bluetooth use. They are not a feature-complete Android purchase.
AirPods 4 ANC versus the alternatives
Versus standard AirPods 4
The standard AirPods 4 and the ANC model share the general open-earbud design and H2 chip. The ANC model adds Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Conversation Awareness, a wireless-charging case and a case speaker for Find My alerts. Macworld’s comparison identifies those principal differences.
Choose the standard model if you want the open fit and Apple integration but mostly listen in quiet environments. Choose the ANC model if you regularly commute, work near HVAC or want the extra flexibility of noise control and wireless case charging. The standard version is not simply a worse ANC model; it is the better-value choice for someone who does not need ANC.
Versus AirPods Pro 2
AirPods Pro 2 uses silicone tips to create a seal. That gives it stronger passive isolation, more consistent bass and a more secure, adjustable fit for many listeners. AirPods 4 ANC feels less invasive and remains more naturally aware of the environment, but it cannot reproduce the same seal-based isolation for everyone.
RTINGS directly gives AirPods Pro the advantage in isolation and bass reproduction. SoundGuys also notes that AirPods Pro 2 supports hearing-aid functionality while AirPods 4 ANC does not. Do not present the open model as offering the Pro hearing-aid experience.
| Priority | Better choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| No silicone tips or plugged-up feeling | AirPods 4 ANC | Open, lightweight 4.3-gram earbuds with moderate ANC. |
| Maximum isolation and bass | AirPods Pro | The sealed fit blocks more sound passively and supports more consistent low-end response. |
| Open fit at the lowest launch price | Standard AirPods 4 | It provides the general design and H2 chip without paying for ANC features. |
| Android controls and long battery endurance | A sealed competing model | AirPods can play audio over Bluetooth, but non-Apple feature support is limited. |
| Pro-specific hearing features | AirPods Pro 2 | AirPods 4 ANC does not provide the cited Pro hearing-aid functionality. |
Accessories and charging details worth checking
The ANC case supports USB-C, Qi-certified wireless charging and Apple Watch charging. Because Apple sells the USB-C cable separately, a buyer without a compatible cable may need a USB-C cable for AirPods. A Qi wireless charger is useful only if wireless charging is part of the intended setup; it is not required when USB-C is available.
A protective case can be worthwhile, but compatibility matters. Look specifically for an AirPods 4 ANC case or a case that explicitly identifies the AirPods 4 ANC charging case. A generic AirPods or AirPods Pro case may not fit, may obstruct the case speaker or may interfere with wireless charging. Apple’s charging and case specifications are documented here.
A fair test protocol for AirPods 4 with ANC
Because the design is so fit-dependent, a review that reports only impressions from one listener and one quiet room is incomplete. The following protocol produces more useful results and makes comparisons with standard AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro more defensible.
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- Record the setup: Note the exact AirPods model, firmware version, paired phone, operating-system version, region and audio source.
- Test more than one fit: Try at least three seating positions or, if possible, more than one listener. Record comfort after several hours, movement during walking and whether bass or ANC changes after re-seating.
- Use matched noise modes: Compare ANC off, ANC on, Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode in the same location and for the same time.
- Build a noise matrix: Test low-frequency rumble, bus or subway noise, office HVAC, nearby speech, keyboard and desk sounds, street traffic and wind.
- Measure usefulness, not just quietness: Report whether podcasts, speech and music become easier to hear at the same volume. A lower perceived noise floor is more meaningful than a claim that the room became silent.
- Match audio comparisons: Use the same clips, volume and source device when comparing AirPods 4 ANC with standard AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro. Include spoken audio, acoustic vocals, bass-heavy music and layered recordings.
- Run separate battery trials: Test ANC on, ANC off, mixed listening and a voice call. Record volume, Spatial Audio, Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio and other relevant settings, and report which earbud shuts down first.
- Test calls in several places: Use a quiet room, office, busy street, wind and a reverberant indoor space. Repeat on iPhone and, if relevant, Android or Windows, and disclose whether Voice Isolation was active.
- Verify the case: Test USB-C, Qi and Apple Watch charging if those options are available. Check Find My case behavior with the required operating-system version rather than assuming it works on every device.
- Check software features before publication: Confirm the availability of Live Translation, Siri Interactions and other software-dependent functions in the reviewer’s exact region, device and operating-system versions.
What this review cannot establish
The available research supports short-term conclusions about fit, ANC, sound, calls, battery behavior and ecosystem compatibility. It does not establish long-term battery degradation, repairability or durability beyond Apple’s IP54 laboratory rating and the cited review protocols. Those subjects need dedicated long-term testing or should be marked unresolved.
Likewise, a launch price is not a current deal. Retail price, seller, stock, warranty terms and regional availability should be checked on the day an article is published. Software features should receive the same treatment because Apple’s requirements can depend on device, operating system, firmware, language and region.
Who should buy AirPods 4 with ANC?
Buy them when the open fit is non-negotiable and moderate ANC is valuable. They make the most sense for an iPhone owner who wants to reduce commuting rumble or office noise without inserting silicone tips, and who values a small case, automatic Apple-device integration and awareness of surrounding sound.
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Skip them when “ANC” means the strongest possible isolation. If your priority is sleeping beside noise, long-haul travel, maximum bass, secure vigorous-exercise fit, all-day battery endurance or the Pro hearing features, a sealed AirPods Pro model or a competing sealed earbud is a better direction.
Before buying, try to confirm the fit. With AirPods 4 ANC, comfort and retention are not secondary preferences: they determine how much bass you hear and how much noise the ANC can reduce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AirPods 4 ANC as effective as AirPods Pro?
No. AirPods 4 ANC can reduce low-frequency rumble effectively for an open design, but AirPods Pro’s silicone seal provides stronger passive isolation, more consistent bass and generally stronger overall noise blocking. AirPods 4 ANC is preferable mainly when you dislike silicone tips or want more natural environmental awareness.
Can AirPods 4 with ANC work with Android phones?
Yes, they can work as Bluetooth headphones for basic audio playback. However, Apple-specific controls and features are limited outside the Apple ecosystem, and Android users do not receive the full iOS and Siri feature set or a dedicated control app.
How long does AirPods 4 ANC battery last?
Apple rates the earbuds for up to four hours with ANC enabled and up to five hours with noise control off. The case ratings are up to 20 hours with ANC enabled and up to 30 hours with noise control off. Actual results vary with volume, calls, software features and listening modes.
Are AirPods 4 ANC waterproof?
No. The earbuds and case have an IP54 dust-, sweat- and water-resistance rating under controlled laboratory conditions, but that is not a permanent condition or a submersion rating. Apple warns against charging them while wet.
Do AirPods 4 ANC have the AirPods Pro hearing-aid features?
No. The cited comparison identifies hearing-aid functionality as an AirPods Pro 2 feature, not a feature of AirPods 4 with ANC.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: AirPods 4 with ANC succeed by making noise cancellation available in an open, tip-free design. They reduce steady rumble well enough to improve commuting and office listening, but voices, treble and wind remain more exposed than with sealed earbuds. If that comfort-and-awareness trade-off matches your ears and you use Apple devices, they are a distinctive and sensible choice. If you want silence, bass authority, secure retention or the longest battery life, choose a sealed alternative instead.
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Quick Recap
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