AirPods

This article is about the wireless earbuds. For the newer type of wireless earbuds created by the same company, see AirPods Pro. For the car, see AIRPod.
Not to be confused with iPod.

AirPods
First generation AirPods
DeveloperApple
Manufacturer
Product familyAirPods
TypeWireless earbuds
Release date
  • 1st generation: December 13, 2016; 7 years ago (2016-12-13)
  • 2nd generation: March 20, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-03-20)
  • 3rd generation: October 26, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-10-26)
  • AirPods 4: September 20, 2024; 2 months ago (2024-09-20)
Discontinued
  • 1st generation: March 20, 2019 (2019-03-20)
  • 2nd and 3rd generation: September 9, 2024 (2024-09-09)
System on a chip
InputAirPods (each)
Dual beam-forming microphones, dual optical sensors
ConnectivityAirPods (each)
Bluetooth
Charging case
Lightning port (1st–3rd generation)[1]
Qi (Wireless Charging Case for all models)
MagSafe (Wireless Charging Case for 3rd generation)
USB-C port (AirPods 4)
Apple Watch charger (Wireless Charging Case for AirPods 4)
Current firmware1st gen: 6.8.8[2] (December 2019)[3]
2nd gen: 6A326[2] (June 25, 2024)
3rd gen: 6A326[2] (June 25, 2024)
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 (4.0 g)
Charging case
1.34 ounces (38 g)[1]
RelatedAirPods Pro
Websiteapple.com/airpods

AirPods are wireless Bluetooth earbuds designed by Apple. 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.

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. A higher-end version includes a charging case that supports Qi charging.

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.

On September 9, 2024, Apple announced the AirPods 4, which feature the H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB-C charging case. A higher end model features active noise cancellation and a charging case that supports Qi and Apple Watch chargers.

  1. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference AirPods tech specs was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c "About firmware updates for AirPods". Archived from the original on January 9, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Apple's updated AirPods will release in 2019: report". MobileSyrup. December 3, 2018. Archived from the original on May 18, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  5. ^ Fingas, Roger (March 15, 2019). "Apple sold 35 million AirPods in 2018, currently most popular 'hearable' brand". AppleInsider. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  6. ^ Kovach, Steve. "Everything you need to know about Apple's new AirPods". Business Insider. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2020.