AirPods
AirPods are wireless Bluetooth earbuds designed by Apple Inc. They were first announced on September 7, 2016, alongside the iPhone 7. Within two years, they became Apple's most popular accessory.[4][5] AirPods are Apple's entry-level wireless headphones, sold alongside the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
This article is about the wireless earbuds. For the car, see AIRPod.Developer
- Luxshare (on contract)
GoerTek (on contract)
AirPods
- 1st generation: December 13, 2016
- 2nd generation: March 20, 2019
- 3rd generation: October 26, 2021
1st generation: March 20, 2019
AirPods (each)
Dual beam-forming microphones, dual optical sensors
AirPods (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]
AirPods (each)
0.14 ounces (4.0 g)
Charging case
1.34 ounces (38 g)[1]
In addition to playing audio, the AirPods contain a microphone that filters out background noise as well as built-in accelerometers and optical sensors capable of detecting taps and pinches (e.g. double-tap or pinch to pause audio) and placement within the ear, which enables automatic pausing of audio when they are taken out of the ear.[6]
On March 20, 2019, Apple released the second-generation AirPods, which feature the H1 chip, longer talk time, and hands-free "Hey Siri" support. An optional wireless charging case which costs extra was added in the offerings.
On October 26, 2021, Apple released the third-generation AirPods, which feature an external redesign with shorter stems similar to AirPods Pro, spatial audio, IPX4 water resistance, longer battery life, and MagSafe charging capability.
Sales[edit]
Analysts estimate Apple sold between 14 million and 16 million AirPods in 2017.[51] In 2018, AirPods were Apple's most popular accessory product, with 35 million units sold.[52][53] 60 million units were sold in 2019.[54] 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".[55][56][54] An estimated 5-7% of Apple's revenue from AirPods comes from replacement earbuds and cases.[57] Analysts estimate Apple sold 120 million or so pairs in 2021.[58]
Competition[edit]
Some consumers expressed the viewpoint that there were better options for wireless earphones based on quality and cost.[75][76] One of Apple's biggest competitors is Samsung, which markets wireless earbuds that are very similar to AirPods.[77] Another similar product line is from Apple's Beats Electronics, which sells products such as the Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds.[78]