Apple AirPods
AirPods OVERVIEW - UPDATED NOVEMBER 14, 2021
Apple’s truly wireless wireless and cord-free earbuds now with Qi support
AirPods 1 Features
AirPods are Apple’s wireless, cord-free in-ear headphones, and were unveiled alongside the iPhone 7 on September 7, 2016. Priced at $159 they were originally announced to be available in late October, 2016, but were delayed until December 13.
They have a very similar form-factor to the company’s wired EarPods, with the obvious omission of a cable and the addition of Bluetooth connectivity. Despite this, early reports suggest that they are better at staying in your ears.
They offer Apple’s latest wireless pairing system, based on the W1 chip. They pair instantly, and that pairing propagates across all your Apple devices via iCloud. The secret sauce behind the new pairing system turned out to be all in the W1 chip in the headphones themselves, so it works with Bluetooth LE devices all the way back to the iPhone 5.
AirPods 2 Features
In March of 2019, Apple released AirPods 2. The new version is available for $199 with the wireless charging case, or available with the standard case for $159. Existing version 1 owners can purchase the wireless charging case separately for $79.
Version 2 moved away from the W1 chip to the new H1 chip to deliver up to 50 percent more talk time compared to the first generation. The H1 should also speed up switching between devices, with Apple saying version 2 should now connect two times faster. Version 2 also includes ‘Hey Siri’ support as well.
AirPods 3 Features
In October 2021, Apple released AirPods 3. The new version is available for $179 with the MagSafe Charging Case. The 3rd Generation features immersive sound with Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking in an all-new lightweight, in-ear design. The new in-ear design helps keep them in your ear without falling out. Apple says that the AirPods 3rd gen and the case are sweat and water-resistant for IPX4.
AirPods Pro Features
In October 2019, Apple announced AirPods Pro. The Pro model features “Active Noise Cancellation and superior, immersive sound in an all-new lightweight, in-ear design.” The new in-ear design of the Pro model makes for better noise cancellation. Apple says that the Pro headphones are sweat and water-resistant rated for IPX4. The box includes three different sizes of ear tips, which should make them relatively versatile.
