Wikipedia

AirPods

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This article is about the wireless earbuds. For the car, see AIRPod.
Not to be confused with iPod.

AirPods are wireless Bluetooth earbuds created by Apple. They were first released on December 13, 2016, with a 2nd generation released in 2019. They are Apple's lower-end wireless earbuds, sold alongside the premium AirPods Pro. Within two years, they became Apple's most popular accessory, turning into a critical success and viral sensation.[3][4]

AirPods
DeveloperApple Inc.
ManufacturerFoxconn, Luxshare ICT, and GoerTek
Product familyAirPods
TypeWireless earbuds
Release date
  • 1st generation: December 13, 2016 (2016-12-13)
  • 2nd generation: March 20, 2019 (2019-03-20)
Introductory price
  • US$159.00 (1st & 2nd gen.)
  • US$199.00 (2nd gen. with Wireless Charging Case)
Discontinued1st generation: March 20, 2019
System on a chip
InputAirPods (each)
Dual beam-forming microphones, dual optical sensors,
ConnectivityAirPods (each)
Bluetooth
Charging Case
Lightning port[1]
Qi (Wireless Charging Case)
Current firmware
1st gen: 6.8.8 (December, 2019)[2]
2nd gen: 3A283 (September, 2020)
Pro: 3A283 (September, 2020)
DimensionsAirPods (each)
0.65 x 0.71 x 1.59 in
(16.5 x 18.0 x 40.5 mm)
Charging Case
1.74 x 0.84 x 2.11 in
(44.3 x 21.3 x 53.5 mm)[1]
MassAirPods (each)
0.14 ounces (4 g)
Charging Case
1.34 ounces (38 g)[1]
Websitewww.apple.com/airpods/

In addition to playing audio, AirPods feature a built-in microphone that filters out background noise, which allows phone calls and talking to Apple's digital assistant, Siri. Additionally, built-in accelerometers and optical sensors can detect taps (e.g. double-tap to pause audio) and in-ear placement, which enables automatic pausing when they are taken out of the ears.[5]

On March 20, 2019, Apple released the 2nd generation AirPods, which feature the H1 chip, longer talk time, and hands-free "Hey Siri" support. An optional wireless charging case was added in the offerings.

1st generation

Apple announced the 1st generation AirPods on September 7, 2016 at an Apple Special Event alongside the iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2. Apple originally planned to release the AirPods in late October,[6] but delayed the release date.[7] On December 13, 2016, Apple began taking online orders for AirPods. They were available at Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Resellers, and select carriers on December 20, 2016.[8][9]

AirPods contain a proprietary Apple W1 SoC processor which helps optimize battery use and processes the Bluetooth 4.2 connection as well as audio connection. The advanced connectivity functions of the W1 requires devices running iOS 10, macOS Sierra, watchOS 3, or later.[1] They can also function as standard Bluetooth headphones when connected to any device that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, including Windows laptops and Android devices.[10][11][12][13]

There are two microphones in each AirPod, one at ear level, facing outward, and another at the bottom of the stem.[14][15]Each AirPod weighs 0.14 oz (4 g), and its charging case weighs 1.34 oz (38 g). AirPods holds a charge of around five hours, while charging them for fifteen minutes in the case gives three hours of listening time.[15] The charging case provides 24 hours of total usage.[16] During a complete dismantling, each AirPod was found to contain a 93 milliwatt hour battery in its stem, while the charging case contains a 1.52 watt hour or 398 mAh at 3.81 V battery.[17]

The model numbers for the 1st generation AirPods are A1523 or A1722.[18]

The 1st generation AirPods were discontinued on March 20, 2019 after the 2nd generation was released.[19]

2nd generation

Apple announced 2nd generation AirPods on March 20, 2019.[20][21] They are the same design as the first generation, but have updated features.[21] They include an H1 processor which supports hands-free "Hey Siri", Bluetooth 5 connectivity, and Apple claims 50% more talk time and faster device connection times.[21] "Announce Messages with Siri” was added in iOS 13.2, which allows Siri to dictate and reply to text messages.[22]

2nd generation AirPods can be purchased with the same charging case as the 1st generation, or for an additional $40 bundled with the Wireless Charging Case, which can be used with Qi chargers. The Wireless Charging Case can be purchased separately for $79 and is compatible with 1st generation AirPods. It moves the charging indicator LED to the exterior of the case.[23] The Wireless Charging Case was initially announced in September 2017 alongside the AirPower charging mat, but was delayed by AirPower's protracted development and eventual cancellation.[24]

Compatibility

AirPods are compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, including Android devices, although certain features such as automatic switching between devices are only available on Apple devices using iCloud.[11]

The 1st AirPods have full functionality with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models with iOS 10 or later, Apple Watch models with watchOS 3 or later, and Mac models with macOS Sierra or later.[25]

The 2nd AirPods are fully compatible with devices running iOS 12.2 or later, macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later, and watchOS 5.2 or later.[26]

Support

Apple has a program to service batteries and purchase replacement individual AirPods and charging cases. The replacement of one or both AirPods or the charging case is $29 each with AppleCare+, and $89 each without AppleCare+.[27] Apple offers free battery servicing with AppleCare+, or $49 each battery without AppleCare+, however this is just a replacement service as AirPods batteries cannot be removed.[27]

AirPods contain upgradeable firmware. Its original firmware was 3.3.1. In February 2017, Apple released 3.5.1,[28] 3.7.2 in May 2017,[29] and then 6.3.2 on March 26, 2019.[30] In July 2019, 6.7.8 was released and 6.8.8 followed in September 2019.[31] In June 2020, firmware 2D15 was released (G2).[32] The latest firmware is 3A283 (G2 and Pro).[33] AirPods automatically sync through Apple's iCloud service, allowing users to switch audio sources to other supported devices connected by the same Apple ID.[34]

Sales

Analysts estimate Apple sold between 14 million and 16 million AirPods in 2017.[35] In 2018, AirPods were Apple's most popular accessory product, with 35 million units sold.[36][37] 60 million units were sold in 2019.[38] Analysts estimate AirPods make up 60% of the global wireless headphone market and that Apple’s entire Wearables products (Apple Watch, AirPods, and AirPods Pro) “is now bigger than 60% of the companies in the Fortune 500”.[39][40][38] An estimated 5-7% of Apple's revenue from AirPods comes from replacement earbuds and cases.[41]

Reception and criticism

On announcement day, AirPods were compared to Apple's previously existing EarPods (2012–present), with The Verge noting "They look... just like the old EarPods, with the wires cut off."[42] Initially mocked by many for their unfamiliar design (including CNN asking "Would people actually wear these?" in 2016),[43] their popularity grew rapidly over the years and they were voted the most popular "hearable" brand of 2019.[4]

One criticism of AirPods is their high price (about $150); however, at launch they were actually priced less than most "true wireless" earbuds on the market (e.g. the Samsung Gear IconX at $200 and Bragi Dash at $299) and remain competitively priced with similar products from other major brands.[44][45][46]

Another prominent criticism was a problem that caused the charging case battery to deplete at a rapid rate despite the AirPods not being used. Users were reporting upwards of 30% idle discharge per day.[47] In response, Apple upgraded the AirPods' firmware to version 3.5.1, which addressed connectivity and battery drain problems.[48]

The lithium-ion batteries in AirPods can see significant degradation over time, with two-year-old sets lasting for less than half of the advertised five hours.[49][50] As mentioned previously, Apple offers "battery service" to combat this, but this is actually a replacement program as batteries in AirPods cannot be removed.[51]

As for sound quality, SoundGuys gives the AirPods a rating of 7.3/10, but they admit that consumers likely would not buy AirPods if they were looking for the best sound quality earphones.[52]

Cultural phenomenon

At an Apple earnings call, Tim Cook, current CEO of Apple, called AirPods “nothing less than a cultural phenomenon.”[53] AirPods had become a viral sensation with memes circulating across the internet about its appearance and its relation to the removal of the headphone jack in iPhones.[54] However, as time wore on, AirPods became known as a “flex”, or a status symbol.[55]

Because AirPods can easily be kept in for long periods of time, AirPods have also had an effect on how people interact with each other. Having earphones in is generally perceived as a “do not disturb” signal, and some AirPod users use this fact to strategically avoid awkward small talk.[56] But in the collaborative workplace, constant use of AirPods has sometimes been interpreted as a sign of disrespect to fellow co-workers, causing conflict in the office.[57] A college professor has also lamented that AirPods have decreased students’ daily social interactions.[58]

Competition

AirPods from Apple can cost between $159.00 to $199.00, and some consumers argue that there are better options for wireless earphones based on quality and cost.[59][60] One of Apple's biggest competitors is Samsung, which markets wireless earbuds that are very similar to AirPods.[61] Another similar product line is from Apple's Beats Electronics, which sells products such as the Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds which are more expensive than AirPods but are arguably of better quality.[62]

Internal electronics

All of the electronics and circuitry responsible for Bluetooth transmission (receiving and transmitting), audio drivers for the speakers, and for the microphone, are entirely stored within the head of the AirPod. The battery is stored in the stem. The battery and circuit boards are connected via flex/ribbon cable, which is very delicate due to its size.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "AirPods - Technical Specifications". Apple Inc. Archived from the original on August 31, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  2. ^ Orr, Andrew (January 22, 2018). "iOS: How to Check Your AirPods Firmware Version". The Mac Observer. Archived from the original on August 31, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018. The latest AirPods firmware version [as of January 2018] is 3.7.2.
  3. ^ "Apple's updated AirPods will release in 2019: report". MobileSyrup. December 3, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Fingas, Roger. "Apple sold 35 million AirPods in 2018, currently most popular 'hearable' brand". AppleInsider. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  5. ^ Kovach, Steve. "Everything you need to know about Apple's new AirPods". Business Insider. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  6. ^ "Apple - Press Info - Apple Reinvents the Wireless Headphone with AirPods". www.apple.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2016.
  7. ^ "Apple Delays AirPod Rollout". Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
  8. ^ Greg Emmanuel (December 14, 2016). "Review: Apple AirPods Are Pretty F--king Cool". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 14, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  9. ^ "Apple AirPods are now available". December 13, 2016. Archived from the original on December 14, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  10. ^ Pierce, David (September 7, 2016). "Hands On: Apple's AirPod Wireless Earphones Look Very nice And Work Great". Wired. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  11. ^ a b Woollaston, Victoria (March 2, 2017). "Apple AirPods review: better than previous iterations, but still a letdown". Wired UK. Archived from the original on August 31, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  12. ^ "Everything You Need To Know About Apple Wireless Earbuds, The Airpods - Wearable In Ear". Wearable In Ear. September 16, 2016. Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  13. ^ "Apple's W1 Chip for AirPods Is More Than Just a Bluetooth Controller". NDTV Gadgets360.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  14. ^ Walton, Tommy (January 20, 2017). "A New Solution to Volume on AirPods". Medium. Archived from the original on June 22, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2018. One microphone is on the outside of the casing, below the acoustic port, and one at the bottom of the stem.
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  16. ^ "AirPods". Apple. Retrieved December 30, 2018.
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  21. ^ a b c "AirPods, the world's most popular wireless headphones, are getting even better". Apple Newsroom. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
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  23. ^ AirPods, the world’s most popular wireless headphones, are getting even better. Apple.com. 20 March 2019.
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  25. ^ "AirPods (1st generation) - Technical Specifications". support.apple.com. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  26. ^ "What's the difference between AirPods 1 and AirPods 2?". iMore. January 22, 2020. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  27. ^ a b "AirPods Repair - Official Apple Support". support.apple.com. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  28. ^ "Apple Quietly Updates AirPods Firmware to Version 3.5.1". www.macrumors.com. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  29. ^ "Apple Releases New Firmware Update for AirPods". www.macrumors.com. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  30. ^ "New AirPods Sound Quality Debated as Orders Begin to Arrive Around the World". www.macrumors.com. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  31. ^ "What is the current AirPods firmware version? | AirPods FAQ". Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  32. ^ "Apple Updates Second-Generation AirPods Firmware to Version 2D15". MacRumors. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  33. ^ "Apple Updates AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro Firmware to Version 3A283". MacRumors. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
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  35. ^ Team, Trefis. "How Big Can Apple's AirPods Business Become?". Forbes. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  36. ^ "Apple's updated AirPods will release in 2019: report". MobileSyrup. December 3, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  37. ^ Fingas, Roger. "Apple sold 35 million AirPods in 2018, currently most popular 'hearable' brand". AppleInsider. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  38. ^ a b Wood, Charlie. "Apple sold nearly 60 million AirPods in 2019, analysts estimate". Business Insider. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  39. ^ "Apple's AirPods Business Is Bigger Than You Think". Fortune. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  40. ^ CFA, Evan Niu (September 10, 2019). "Apple Still Dominates the Hearables Market". The Motley Fool. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  41. ^ "People love AirPods so much they spend more than half a billion a year replacing them". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  42. ^ Patel, Nilay (September 7, 2016). "Apple AirPods hands (and ears) on". The Verge. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  43. ^ Kelly, Samantha Murphy (December 21, 2016). "Apple AirPods review: Do they actually stay in your ears?". CNNMoney. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  44. ^ "Pixel Buds". Google Store. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  45. ^ Kastrenakes, Jacob (September 28, 2017). "Samsung's truly wireless earbuds are on sale for $50". The Verge. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  46. ^ O'Kane, Sean (September 5, 2016). "Bragi's new wireless earbuds are simpler and a lot cheaper". The Verge. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  47. ^ "AirPods Users Complain Of Charging Case Battery Drain Issues". Digital Trends. December 28, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  48. ^ Mayo, Benjamin (February 1, 2017). "Apple AirPods silently receive bug fix firmware update to version 3.5.1". 9to5Mac. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  49. ^ Semuels, Alana (March 21, 2019). "Your AirPods Will Die Soon". The Atlantic. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  50. ^ Gallagher, William. "Here's why your AirPods battery life is getting worse, and what you can do about it". AppleInsider. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  51. ^ Fowler, Geoffrey A. "Perspective | Everyone's AirPods will die. We've got the trick to replacing them". Washington Post. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  52. ^ "New Apple AirPods review: Are they any better?". SoundGuys. March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  53. ^ Miller, Chance (April 30, 2019). "Apple working to increase AirPods supply". 9to5Mac. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
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  55. ^ "How Apple's AirPods became a 'flex' — and why it matters". NBC News. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  56. ^ Dolan, Rebecca (August 23, 2018). "Sorry, Pal, I Don't Want to Talk: The Other Reason People Wear AirPods". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  57. ^ "'A totally different phenomenon': Airpods are changing agency office life". Digiday. June 11, 2019. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  58. ^ "Students, professors say AirPods make students less social". The GW Hatchet. February 19, 2019. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
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  60. ^ Flynn, Liz (October 12, 2019). "Why Are AirPods So Expensive? Here's Why They're Overpriced". Money Inc. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
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