History of AirPods in Timeline
AirPods are wireless Bluetooth earbuds created by Apple, announced in 2016 with the iPhone 7. They quickly became a leading Apple accessory. As Apple's entry-level wireless headphones, they are part of a product line that includes AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, offering users a range of options.
September 7, 2016: AirPods Announced
On September 7, 2016, Apple announced the AirPods alongside the iPhone 7. These wireless Bluetooth earbuds marked Apple's entry into the wireless headphone market.
December 13, 2016: Online Orders Begin for AirPods
On December 13, 2016, Apple started accepting online orders for the first generation AirPods after delaying the release date from late October.
December 20, 2016: AirPods Available in Stores
On December 20, 2016, the first generation AirPods became available for purchase at Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Resellers, and select carriers.
2016: Initial Reactions to AirPods Design
In 2016, upon their announcement, AirPods were compared to Apple's EarPods with some media outlets questioning their design and potential popularity. CNN asked "Would people actually wear these?".
2017: AirPods Sales Estimates for 2017
In 2017, analysts estimated Apple sold between 14 million and 16 million AirPods, marking a significant initial success for the product.
2018: AirPods Become Apple's Most Popular Accessory
In 2018, Apple sold 35 million units of AirPods, making them Apple's most popular accessory product.
March 20, 2019: Second-Generation AirPods Released
On March 20, 2019, Apple launched the second generation AirPods, featuring the H1 chip for improved performance, extended talk time, and hands-free "Hey Siri" support. A version with a Qi-compatible wireless charging case was also released.
March 26, 2019: Firmware 6.3.2 Released
On March 26, 2019, Apple released firmware version 6.3.2 for AirPods, updating the software.
July 2019: Firmware 6.7.8 Released
In July 2019, Apple released firmware version 6.7.8 for AirPods, continuing to improve the device's performance.
September 2019: Firmware 6.8.8 Released
In September 2019, Apple released firmware version 6.8.8 for AirPods, following the previous update in July.
2019: AirPods Voted Most Popular Hearable Brand
By 2019, AirPods overcame initial skepticism to become the most popular "hearable" brand, demonstrating their market success and shift in public perception.
2019: AirPods Sales Reach 60 Million Units
In 2019, Apple sold 60 million units of AirPods. Analysts estimated that AirPods held 60% of the global wireless headphone market. Apple's wearables became bigger than 60% of companies in the Fortune 500.
2019: AirPods as a Cultural Phenomenon
In 2019, during an Apple earnings call, CEO Tim Cook described AirPods as "nothing less than a cultural phenomenon", highlighting their widespread popularity and influence. They became a viral sensation with memes and were known as a status symbol.
June 2020: Firmware 2D15 Released
In June 2020, Apple released firmware version 2D15 for AirPods (G2), providing further software improvements.
September 2020: Firmware 3A283 Released
In September 2020, Apple released firmware version 3A283 for AirPods (G2 and Pro), enhancing the user experience.
April 2021: Firmware 3E751 Released
In April 2021, Apple released firmware version 3E751 for AirPods, improving functionality and performance.
October 2021: Second-Generation AirPods Price Cut
In October 2021, following the release of the third generation AirPods, Apple reduced the price of the second generation AirPods. They remained on sale, but were only available with the Lightning charging case.
October 18, 2021: Third Generation AirPods Announced and Preorders Begin
On October 18, 2021, Apple announced the third generation AirPods featuring a new design and spatial audio. Preorders began on the same day.
October 26, 2021: Third-Generation AirPods Released
On October 26, 2021, Apple introduced the third generation AirPods, featuring a redesigned external appearance with shorter stems, similar to the AirPods Pro. The new model also included spatial audio, IPX4 water resistance, extended battery life, and MagSafe charging.
2021: Estimated AirPods Sales for 2021
In 2021, analysts estimated Apple sold approximately 120 million pairs of AirPods, continuing their market dominance.
September 2022: $169 Variant Released
In September 2022, Apple released a $169 variant of the third generation AirPods, which came with a charging case that lacked Qi and MagSafe charging compatibility.
2022: AirPods Performance Compared to Hearing Aids
In 2022, researchers in Taiwan compared the performance of AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro using Live Listen on an iPhone or iPad to medical hearing aids. The performance of the AirPods Pro was approximating the hearing aids.
September 9, 2024: AirPods 4 Announced
On September 9, 2024, Apple announced the AirPods 4, equipped with the H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB-C charging case. A higher-end version with active noise cancellation and compatibility with Qi and Apple Watch chargers was also announced.
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