History of AirPods in Timeline

AirPods are wireless Bluetooth earbuds created by Apple, announced in 2016 alongside the iPhone 7. Quickly becoming Apple's most popular accessory, they represent Apple's entry-level wireless headphone option, positioned alongside the higher-end AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

September 7, 2016: AirPods Announced

On September 7, 2016, Apple announced the first generation of AirPods alongside the iPhone 7. These wireless Bluetooth earbuds marked Apple's entry into the wireless headphone market.

December 13, 2016: Online Orders Began for AirPods

On December 13, 2016, Apple started taking online orders for the first generation AirPods after delaying the initial release.

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 Mockery of AirPods Design

In 2016, after their announcement, the AirPods' design was initially mocked by many due to its unfamiliar appearance.

February 2017: Firmware Version 3.5.1 Released

In February 2017, Apple released AirPods firmware version 3.5.1 as an update.

May 2017: Firmware Version 3.7.2 Released

In May 2017, Apple released AirPods firmware version 3.7.2 as an update.

September 2017: Wireless Charging Case Announced

In September 2017, Apple initially announced the Wireless Charging Case alongside the AirPower charging mat, which was later delayed and eventually cancelled.

2017: AirPods Sales in 2017

In 2017, analysts estimated Apple sold between 14 million and 16 million AirPods.

2018: AirPods Were Apple's Most Popular Accessory Product

In 2018, AirPods became Apple's most popular accessory product, with 35 million units sold.

March 20, 2019: Second-Generation AirPods Released

On March 20, 2019, Apple released the second-generation AirPods featuring the H1 chip for longer talk time and hands-free "Hey Siri" support. A higher-end version included a charging case that supports Qi charging.

March 26, 2019: Firmware Version 6.3.2 Released

On March 26, 2019, Apple released AirPods firmware version 6.3.2 as an update.

July 2019: Firmware Version 6.7.8 Released

In July 2019, Apple released AirPods firmware version 6.7.8 as an update.

September 2019: Firmware Version 6.8.8 Released

In September 2019, Apple released AirPods firmware version 6.8.8 as an update.

2019: AirPods Sales in 2019

In 2019, 60 million units of AirPods were sold. Analysts also estimated that AirPods made up 60% of the global wireless headphone market.

2019: AirPods Voted Most Popular Hearable Brand

In 2019, AirPods were voted the most popular "hearable" brand, marking a significant shift in public perception after initial skepticism.

2019: AirPods Become a 'Cultural Phenomenon'

In 2019, Apple CEO Tim Cook referred to AirPods as "nothing less than a cultural phenomenon." They became a viral sensation and later became known as a status symbol.

June 2020: Firmware Version 2D15 Released

In June 2020, Apple released AirPods firmware version 2D15 as an update.

September 2020: Firmware Version 3A283 Released

In September 2020, Apple released AirPods firmware version 3A283 as an update.

April 2021: Firmware Version 3E751 Released

In April 2021, Apple released AirPods firmware version 3E751 as an update.

October 2021: Second Generation AirPods Remained on Sale After Third Generation Release

In October 2021, following the release of the third generation AirPods, the second generation remained on sale with a price cut, but was only available with the Lightning charging case.

October 18, 2021: Third Generation AirPods Announced and Preorders Began

On October 18, 2021, Apple announced the third generation AirPods, featuring a redesign and new features like spatial audio and MagSafe charging. Preorders also began on this day.

October 26, 2021: Third-Generation AirPods Released

On October 26, 2021, Apple released the third-generation AirPods, featuring a redesign with shorter stems, spatial audio, IPX4 water resistance, longer battery life, and MagSafe charging capability.

2021: AirPods Sales in 2021

In 2021, analysts estimated Apple sold approximately 120 million pairs of AirPods.

September 2022: $169 Variant of Third-Generation AirPods Released

In September 2022, Apple released a $169 variant of the third generation AirPods with a charging case lacking Qi and MagSafe charging compatibility.

2022: AirPods Performance Compared to Medical Hearing Aids

In 2022, research compared the performance of AirPods to medical hearing aids, finding that AirPods Pro with noise canceling features approximated the performance of some hearing aids.

September 9, 2024: AirPods 4 Announced

On September 9, 2024, Apple announced the AirPods 4, featuring 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.