Apple AirPods (1st Gen)

AirPods (1st Generation)

Product Brand: Apple

Editor's Rating:
3.9

Pros

• Quick and easy pairing with Apple devices.
• Long battery life with up to 5 hours of listening time.
• Portable and lightweight design for easy on-the-go use.
• Automatic on/off and ear detection for convenience.
• Good sound quality for the price.

Cons

• No water resistance rating.
• No active noise cancellation.
• Limited customization options for controls.
• Compatibility may be limited with non-Apple devices.
• No wireless charging case included.
• Older model with potential connectivity issues with newer devices.

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. The most recent model, AirPods (3rd Generation), replaces the 1st and 2nd Generation models, although the 2nd Generation is still sold on Apple’s website. These models 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 pinch (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.

Apple announced the first generation of AirPods on September 7, 2016, at an Apple Special Event alongside the iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2. Apple originally planned to release the AirPods in late October but delayed the release date. On December 13, 2016, Apple began taking online orders for AirPods. They were available at Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Resellers, and select carriers on December 20, 2016.

AirPods contain a proprietary Apple W1 SoC processor, which helps optimize battery use and Bluetooth 4.2 and audio connections. The advanced connectivity functions of the W1 requires devices running iOS 10, macOS Sierra, watchOS 3, or later. They can also function as standard Bluetooth headphones when connected to any device that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, including Windows laptops and Android devices.

Two microphones are inside each AirPod, one facing outward at ear level and another at the bottom of the stem. Each AirPod weighs 0.14 oz (5.29 gram), and its charging case weighs 1.34 oz (50.65 gram). The AirPods are capable of holding a charge of around five hours. Charging them for fifteen minutes in the case gives three hours of listening time.

The charging case provides 24 hours of total usage time. During a complete dismantling, each AirPod contained a 93 milliwatt battery in its stem, while the charging case contained a 1.52-watt-hour or 398 mAh at 3.81 V battery.

The model numbers for the first-generation AirPods are A1523 and A1722.

Production of the first-generation AirPods was discontinued on March 20, 2019, after the second generation was released.

AirPods will forever change the way you use headphones. Whenever you pull your AirPods out of the charging case, they instantly turn on and connect to your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac.

Audio automatically plays as soon as you put them in your ears and pauses when you take them out. To adjust the volume, change the song, make a call, or even get directions, just double-tap to activate Siri.

Full Technical Specifications