AirPods are Apple’s brand of wireless earbuds. They offer Apple’s trademark simple design, high audio quality and seamless user interface. They integrate with all Apple products, offering features like instant pairing, automatic switching, Find My location tracking and more. You can also treat them like ordinary Bluetooth earbuds for use with a PC or Android device.
There are three product lines. The entry-level buds offer the basics, with the option of adding noise cancellation. The Pro models have in-ear rubber tips for a better fit and stronger noise cancellation, and add advanced features like precision finding and hearing aid functionality. AirPods Max are premium over-the-ear headphones.
The first AirPods were announced on September 7, 2016 alongside the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Compared to traditional Bluetooth earbuds, Apple’s offered instant device pairing and smart device switching. The flip-open magnetic case makes it easy to charge the buds, and offers a quick way to top up their charge.
Apple introduced the wireless earbuds as the high-end solution after removing the phone’s headphone jack — although the iPhone 7 also came with wired earbuds with a Lightning port in the box for free.
They were originally scheduled to release in October 2016, but were delayed to December 13, 2016. The original retail price was $159.
AirPods 2
The second-generation model was announced online on March 20, 2019. The new H1 chip and Bluetooth 5 capabilities inside allowed for more advanced features, like “Hey Siri,” faster pairing times and longer battery life.
They also came with an optional wireless charging case compatible with Qi chargers. The entry-level price was unchanged at $159, but the model with a wireless charging case cost $199. The wireless charging case could also be purchased separately for use with the original models for $79.
AirPods Pro
AirPods Pro are the more advanced models.
AirPods Pro were introduced on October 28, 2019. The buds feature a shorter, wider stem with force-sensitive touch controls. The rubber tips, available in multiple sizes, provide a stronger seal, enabling active noise cancellation. Spatial Audio lets you hear surround sound mixes of your music, using head tracking to make it sound like you’re in the center of a live performance (on supported audio tracks).
However, these premium features come at a higher price of $249.
AirPods Max headphones
The first over-the-ear headphones sold under the Apple brand.
AirPods Max are Apple’s full-size over-the-ear headphones, announced on December 8, 2020. The larger speakers can provide a truly superior sound quality. The Digital Crown at the top allows for easy adjusting of the volume, while the button switches between noise cancellation modes.
They were updated with a USB-C port and new colors in September 2024. Unfortunately, they were not updated with new features like Adaptive Audio or Conversation Awareness. However, using a wired connection, you can listen to high-quality lossless audio.
An all-new, lighter version is rumored for 2027. Presumably, these all-new headphones would have updated internals and catch up with smart features available on the other models.
AirPods 3
Featuring a streamlined, rounder design.
The third generation of the entry-level buds was announced on October 18, 2021. They feature a stouter, rounder design more similar to the pro models. They also support Spatial Audio, although due to the lack of rubber ear tips, lack active noise cancellation. The charging case now supports MagSafe as well as Qi wireless charging.
They were sold for $179 new, with the prior model still available for sale at $129.
AirPods Pro 2
The second generation is the current model of Apple’s high-end earbuds, first announced on September 7, 2022. The H2 chip inside boosts battery life by 30 percent. It also powers more advanced features (that have been added over time) like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and more — with double the sound cancelling capability. The charging case is MagSafe-compatible, and adds a lanyard loop. For Find My compatibility, the case has a built-in U1 chip for precision finding and a speaker of its own. They are currently for sale at $249.
AirPods 4 are more advanced, and borrow much from AirPods Pro.
The fourth-generation buds replaced both the second- and third-generation models, with two new models. Both come with the H2 chip, which enables Personalized Spatial Audio and higher audio qualities. The new charging case has a USB-C port, the now-standard connector. They are currently for sale at $129.
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
The same earbuds also come with Active Noise Cancellation, and all its smart features — Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. The tweaked shape of the buds and the advanced H2 chip enable this without having in-ear tips. They replaced the third-generation model in the lineup. They are currently for sale at $179.
The related Powerbeats Pro 2 have ear hooks for a more secure fit.
Beats, an Apple subsidiary, also produces earbuds using the same technology. However, the Beats products come in different styles and colors.
Beats Solo Buds are small and compact earbuds, much like AirPods. They come in gray, purple, black and translucent red. They offer long battery life, a small, compact case and a much lower starting price at just $79.99.
Beats Studio Buds + add active noise cancellation and more premium sound, at a comparable price of $169.99.
Beats Fit Pro feature short wings on the top to stay firmly in your ears, and also feature advanced sound and noise cancellation at $199.99.
Powerbeats Pro 2 have large wings that wrap around your ear, 45 hours of battery life and a built-in heart rate monitor for health and fitness tracking.
Beats Solo 4 and the higher-end Beats Studio Pro are premium on-ear and over-the-ear headphones.
AirPods features
AirPods noise canceling
AirPods can keep ambient noise down, like stray marching bands.
AirPods support noise canceling to silence out background noise. There are a few different smart modes you can use:
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) uses microphones on the outside to cancel out the sound through the ear buds. This is more effective on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, as they have a better seal in/around your ear.
Transparency mode boosts the noise of your surrounding environment, so you can be more aware of street traffic or others in the room.
Adaptive Audio intelligently blends noise cancellation and Transparency mode so that ambient sounds are muted, while important sounds like alarms or sirens come through.
Conversation Awareness is like Adaptive Audio, but specifically for speech. You’ll have background noise silenced, but when you speak or someone is talking to you, it’ll lower your media volume and boost vocal volume.
Voice Isolation will cut out background noise while you’re on a phone call, so the other person only hears you.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode are supported on AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and all models of AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, although AirPods Max do not support Adaptive Audio nor Conversation Awareness.
AirPods pairing
AirPods intelligently pair with your Apple products.
One of the best AirPods features is its smart pairing. You don’t have to dig into Bluetooth settings, hold a button down and wait for it to start blinking, nor wait to unpair it from another device. Just open up the case next to your iPhone and you’ll see a card slide up from the bottom of the screen to connect them.
They also intelligently switch between all your devices on the same Apple Account. So if you move from your iPhone to your iPad to your Mac to your Apple TV, you can keep playing audio seamlessly.
AirPods hearing aids
The Hearing Aid function will help you hear conversations in noisy places.
AirPods Pro 2 can be used as clinically-approved hearing aids, for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. You can take a hearing test directly from the Health app, which will create a custom audio profile you can use. In our own testing, it can work surprisingly well.
AirPods case
Check out the fleur and marble colors of this case.
Some cases are simple and just add a pop of color, as Apple is staunchly opposed to making them in anything other than white. This can help you identify which ones are yours, if multiple people in your family have a pair.
Other cases add more personality and cute styling. You can buy a case that resembles a tiny classic Macintosh or iPod, for the retro Apple fans in your life. Or, cases that look like a cute shark, ice cream, a peach and more.
Some AirPods cases have an integrated spot for an AirTag, to make them easier to find. This can add in precision finding to older models that don’t support it.
AirPods firmware update
You can hurry up an AirPods firmware update.
Apple periodically brings out new AirPods firmware with improvements and bug fixes. It’s well worth installing these updates because they fix bugs and sometimes contain significant new features. While the process is a little obtuse, you can force AirPods to update.
You can check the current firmware version in Settings. Open Settings > Bluetooth and look under My Devices for the name of your AirPods. Tap in the blue ⓘ icon and look under Version.
To force your AirPods to update:
Make sure that your AirPods are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s connected to Wi-Fi.
Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.
Plug the charging cable into your charging case, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.
Keep the lid of the charging case closed, and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Apple recently explained exactly how to update your AirPods firmware. The process can happen automatically, in the background, but there is a way to speed up the AirPods update process. Plus, it’s a good idea to manually check you’re running the latest version, which brings bug fixes and sometimes great new features.
Read on for more details, and find all current AirPods firmware versions, along with instructions for getting the AirPods update as quickly as possible.
Here’s how to check if your AirPods are running the latest firmware on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Plus what to do if they aren’t, and what you can do to force AirPods’ firmware to update.
Did Samsung just stack the odds in a war with Apple for audio supremacy? Photo: Pixlr AI
In a big move reshaping the premium audio landscape, Samsung subsidiary Harman International acquired Masimo Corporation’s Sound United consumer audio business for $350 million in cash, the companies said this week — including some of the industry’s most storied brands.
The deal brings renowned audio brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz and Polk Audio under Samsung’s expanding audio empire — potentially creating new challenges for Apple in both the consumer audio, automotive and smart home markets.
And the seller happens to be Apple legal rival Masimo, whose lawsuit against the iPhone giant put a stop to blood oxygen sensing in Apple Watch. Ouch.
Don’t pay too much for AirPods 4, with ANC or without. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
AirPods 4 are already Apple’s most reasonably priced wireless earbuds, and a deal lets you pick up a pair for 17% less than the low regular price ($149 instead of $179). There are sales on the version with active noise cancellation as well as the budget version without ANC (at just $99, down from $129). Or you could go for AirPods Pro 2, which are 32% off at $169.
Whether you need to replace an aging set of earbuds or get your first, now could be the time to buy.
Getting $69 off the top-shelf cans is a good deal. Photo: Floating Pixels
In a rare AirPods Max deal, Amazon offers $69 off not just one or two colors of Apple’s premium over-ear, noise-canceling headphones with USB-C charging, but all of them. It’s not the absolute lowest price we’ve seen, but picking up a pair of AirPods Max for just $479.99 ain’t bad. Especially considering we don’t see discounts on them all that often.
According to one supplier, some iPhone assembly could move out of China, and maybe even to the US. Photo: Steve Jurvetson/Flickr CC
Apple supplier Luxshare started discussing potential manufacturing relocations due to tariffs with customers, including a possible production shift to the United States, according to a new report. It cited comments made by company chairwoman Wang Laichun during an analyst call Wednesday. The Chinese manufacturer assembles iPhones and AirPods for the tech giant.
“If there is a commercial guarantee and we are able to conduct a good evaluation, we do not rule out having some products being localized to meet the needs of the US market,” Wang stated, adding that the company would carefully weigh “long-term development and safety considerations” before making such moves.
Use your AirPods to hear the plane's in-flight movies with this inexpensive Bluetooth transmitter and receiver. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Even in 2025, most in-flight entertainment systems don’t offer Bluetooth connections. But with this affordable Bluetooth adapter, you can pop in your AirPods and enjoy your choice of the airline’s featured movies, TV shows and music in a glorious state of noise-cancellation-induced bliss.
That’s way better than packing an additional pair of wired headphones or using (or even purchasing) a crappy pair of earbuds on the plane. That’s why this Eve II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver is such a useful device for travelers. Perfect for any upcoming air travel, it’s on sale now for only $42.97 (regularly $59) with free shipping.
In the near future, Lassen tweeters may find their way into various manufacturers' wireless earbuds. Photo: xMEMS Labs
The new solid-state xMEMS Labs Lassen micro speaker is a silicon micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) tweeter. It eliminates the need for a separate piezo amplifier while delivering premium sound quality in wireless earbuds, xMEMS Labs said Thursday. As the company’s latest tiny speaker, it could play a big role in next-gen buds.
“Lassen is a revolutionary design based on a proven platform,” said Mike Housholder, VP of Marketing & Business Development at xMEMS. “It will bring the benefits of 2-way earbud audio to a broader market by eliminating the extra cost of the piezo amplifier and minimizing the space and power required to deliver a truly immersive TWS sound experience.”
★★★★☆
The Alogic Roam 21000mAh Power Bank keeps your gadgets going on the go. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Anyone who constantly moves around with multiple devices knows finding a reliable power bank for laptop charging can be a challenge. After more than a week of using the new Alogic Roam 21,000mAh Power Bank, I’m ready to share my hands-on experience with the premium charger. Is it worth the investment? Yes. Let’s dive in, and I’ll tell you why.
Which new Air is best? D. Griffin Jones puts the latest MacBook Air and iPad Air to the test. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Griffin goes deep on the M3 iPad Air and the M4 MacBook Air, which he recently reviewed from his unique perspective as a Mac mini fanatic. He loved them both, but which one rules the day? And can either of them come close to his desktop dynamo?
Also on The CultCast:
Erfon digs into the M3 Ultra benchmarks.
There’s a shakeup in Siri land! Can the new boss fix Apple’s virtual assistant and/or deliver Siri’s promised AI upgrade?
Surprise, surprise — Apple is working on a new monitor.
iOS 19 might turn AirPods into real-time translators, which sounds like a killer feature for travelers.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Are you excited about an Apple Watch with camera? Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly wants to put cameras in future Apple Watch versions. This will enable the wearable to “see the outside world and use AI to deliver relevant information.”
However, Apple needs a few more generations to turn the Apple Watch with cameras into a reality.
India will soon make another major Apple product. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
Apple will soon manufacture AirPods in India for export purposes. The move comes amidst the company’s push to grow its manufacturing presence in the country.
Apple already makes iPhones in India to meet local demand and export to other markets.
Your AirPods could gain another handy new feature with iOS 19. Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly will add a live translation feature to AirPods in iOS 19 that will enable real-time conversations between people who speak different languages.
The feature will come alongside Apple “bolstering the translation technology in iOS 19.” With this advancement, Apple is set to compete with other ai translation earbuds, bringing seamless multilingual communication to AirPods. Learn more about the update here.
Anker's little 3-in-1 charger folds up tiny to go. Photo: Anker
How many times have you been out and about only to find your iPhone, Apple Watch or AirPods battery dead or running on empty right when you need it? That’s why Anker offered its MagGo 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station. It folds up tiny so you can forget about it in your bag or coat pocket until the need for charging arises. And right now you can get the snappy little charger on sale at Amazon.
The Apple Health Study comprehensively examines the connection between health and tech. Photo: Apple
Apple’s comprehensive new health study, its largest yet, investigates how its mobile devices and other technology can improve users’ physical and mental well-being, the iPhone giant said Wednesday. The Apple Health Study, now available through the just-updated Research app, comes in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate.
“We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of how technology can improve our understanding of human health,” said cardiologist and Harvard Medical School professor Calum MacRae, M.D., Ph.D., the study’s principal investigator. “We are excited to be part of the Apple Health Study, as it will continue to explore connections across different areas of health using technology that so many people carry with them every day.”
AirPods Pro 2 are — hands down — the best earbuds for iPhone users. They offer high-quality audio while also seamlessly switching between Apple devices as needed. And AirPods sales from multiple retailers mean you can pick up a pair at a sweet 32% off.
And there are more sweet discounts, including AirPods 4 at up to 22% off, and AirPods Max at up to 13% off.
With a 40,000mAh battery and 300 watts of total charging power, CukTech 30 dominates. Photo: CukTech
For Apple users seeking a high-capacity portable power solution for all their gear, the new CukTech 30 Power Bank packs a massive 40,000mAh battery, combined charging power of up to 300 watts for up to five devices at once and some useful features, the company said Wednesday.
Big upgrades could be in store for Apple's AirPods lineup in 2025. Image: Cult of Mac
AirPods Pro 3 keep generating buzz as we approach the launch of Apple’s next-generation premium wireless earbuds. Here’s what to expect from AirPods Pro 3, which probably will arrive in early 2025.
While the current AirPods Pro 2 model dominates the market two years after launch, rumors say its successor will bring substantial improvements and new features. Unfortunately, you probably shouldn’t expect changes to the recently updated AirPods 4 and AirPods Max in 2025. We could see updated earbuds or headphones from Apple subsidiary Beats, though.
You’ll be one happy duck with your new AirPods. Photo: Apple
If you’re a super lucky duck, then Santa may have left you a pair of AirPods. They are truly one of the best products Apple ever made, because they really do offer a huge upgrade on all previous headphones. Here’s how to set up your new AirPods.
AirPods Pro 2 are more than entertaining, they can be life changing for someone with hearing loss. AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
There’s an important new reason you might put AirPods Pro 2 on your gift list this year. If you know someone who resists getting the hearing assistance they need, Apple’s wireless earbuds can change their life.
It’s not hype — AirPods Pro 2 really can help people with mild to moderate hearing loss thanks to a software update released this autumn.
Enjoy enhanced AirPods functionality on Mac with AirBuddy, on sale now for only $8. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Love the way AirPods work with an iPhone but a little meh about how they work with a Mac? The AirBuddy Mac app will connect AirPods to Mac, with enhancements that provide the same advanced features you enjoy when using Apple’s earbuds with an iPhone.
'Make in India' AirPods are coming soon. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
After ramping up iPhone manufacturing in India in recent years, Apple will begin producing AirPods next year.
Apple’s supplier, Foxconn, will start assembling the wireless earbuds at a new factory near Hyderabad, Telangana, in Q1 2025. Trial production is already underway at the facility. Stay updated with the latestapplenews on Apple’s expanding manufacturing footprint.
They looked weird at first, but now it's impossible to remember a world without AirPods. Photo: Dagny Reese/Unsplash License
December 13, 2016: After months of anticipation and delay, Apple finally launches the first-generation AirPods. The tiny wireless earbuds arrive in Apple’s online store just in time for holiday shoppers looking for stocking stuffers.
Like so many Apple products, they aren’t the first wireless earbuds to arrive on the scene. However, AirPods’ rapid success will fuel a wireless listening revolution.
All the insanely great deals we can find on Apple products on Cyber Monday. AI image: MidJourney/Cult of Mac
There are plenty of great Apple deals this Cyber Monday 2024—but not from Apple directly. As usual, Apple keeps its discounts minimal (Tim Cook loves his big fat profits!). This year, you can get up to a $200 gift card with select purchases, but the newest products, like the iPhone 16, M4 MacBook Pros, iMac, and Apple Watch Ultra 2, aren’t included.
That said, third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and B&H Photo are offering significant discounts on a ton of Apple gear. From AirPods to iPhones, Apple Watches, and iPads, you’ll find some fantastic deals. Here’s a roundup of the best offers we’ve come across.
The xMEMS Sycamore micro speaker sit in the stems of AR glasses near the ear. Image: xMEMS Labs
In what could be a breakthrough for wearables and other electronics, xMEMS Labs unveiled Sycamore on Tuesday. It’s the world’s first full-range near-field MEMS micro speaker. Measuring just over one millimeter thick, the innovation promises to make some noise with compact gear you don’t put in your ears. Those would be items like open-fit earbuds, such as AirPods and sport earphones, smartwatches like Apple Watch, AR glasses and headsets like Vision Pro, and other consumer electronics.
Like other xMEMS micro speakers that bring solid-state sound to earbuds and headphones, the new technology uses a novel “sound from ultrasound” platform. It generates full-frequency audio from ultrasonic waves within a chip-sized form factor.
“With Sycamore, mobile electronics can now achieve thinner, more stylish form factors while maintaining big, rich sound,” said Mike Housholder, xMEMS VP of marketing and business development. “With better performance at both the low and high ends, Sycamore delivers powerful, full-range audio for smartwatches, smart glasses, and any other small, mobile form factor that engineers dream up.”
December 13, 2016: After months of anticipation and delay, Apple finally launches the first-generation AirPods. The tiny wireless earbuds arrive in Apple’s online store 
