AirPods Now Closing in on a Decade

What’s Happening

So get this: Today marks nine years since Apple shipped the original AirPods.

Unveiled in September 2016 alongside the iPhone 7, the wireless headphones became available on December 19, 2016, following a slight delay. At the time, wireless headphones were already on the market but had not yet reached true mass popularity. (wild, right?)

AirPods helped redefine the category through their convenience and smooth integration with Apple devices.

The Details

Apple’s Phil Schiller at the time:AirPods are the first headphones to deliv AirPods Now Closing in on a Decade Friday 4:18 am PST by Hartley Charlton Today marks nine years since Apple shipped the original AirPods. Apple’s Phil Schiller at the time: AirPods are the first headphones to deliver a breakthrough wireless audio experience, and with the new Apple W1 chip they deliver innovative features including high quality sound, solid battery life and automatic setup.

AirPods are simple and magical to use, with no switches or buttons, automatically connecting to all your Apple devices simply and seamlessly, and letting you access Siri with just a double tap. We can’t wait for users to try them with iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2.

Why This Matters

Priced at $159, the first-generation AirPods introduced key features such as one-tap pairing with Apple devices and in-ear detection for automatic play-pause functionality. Powered by Apple’s custom W1 chip, they delivered enhanced audio quality compared to wired EarPods and set a new standard for battery life in a compact, completely wireless design. AirPods were initially met with skepticism following their unveiling, with much of the reaction focused on their unconventional stem-based design and the removal of the headphone jack on the iPhone 7.

Tech companies have been making moves like this as competition heats up.

The Bottom Line

The earbuds were widely mocked online and compared to wired EarPods with the cables cut off, while some haters questioned their practicality and battery life. But, early reviews and real-world use quickly shifted perceptions, as the convenience of automatic pairing, reliable wireless performance, and all-day battery life made AirPods increasingly popular among iPhone users.

How do you feel about this development?