History of AirPods in Timeline

AirPods are wireless Bluetooth earbuds created by Apple, announced in September 2016 with the iPhone 7. They quickly rose in popularity to become Apple's top accessory. As Apple's entry-level wireless headphone offering, they exist alongside higher-end models like AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

September 7, 2016: AirPods Announced

On September 7, 2016, Apple announced the first generation AirPods alongside the iPhone 7.

December 13, 2016: AirPods Online Orders Begin

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

December 20, 2016: AirPods Available in Stores

On December 20, 2016, the first generation AirPods became available for purchase at Apple Stores and authorized resellers.

2016: Initial Reactions to AirPods Design

In 2016, following the announcement, AirPods were initially met with skepticism and mockery for their design.

February 2017: Firmware Version 3.5.1 Released

In February 2017, Apple released AirPods firmware version 3.5.1.

May 2017: Firmware Version 3.7.2 Released

In May 2017, Apple released AirPods firmware version 3.7.2.

September 2017: Wireless Charging Case Announced

In September 2017, Apple initially announced the Wireless Charging Case alongside the AirPower charging mat.

2017: AirPods Sales in 2017

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

2018: AirPods Sales in 2018

In 2018, AirPods were 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 and "Hey Siri" support.

March 26, 2019: Firmware Version 6.3.2 Released

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

July 2019: Firmware Version 6.7.8 Released

In July 2019, Apple released AirPods firmware version 6.7.8.

September 2019: Firmware Version 6.8.8 Released

In September 2019, Apple released AirPods firmware version 6.8.8.

2019: AirPods Sales in 2019

In 2019, 60 million units of AirPods were sold.

2019: AirPods Voted Most Popular Hearable Brand

In 2019, AirPods were voted the most popular "hearable" brand.

2019: AirPods Declared a 'Cultural Phenomenon'

In 2019, Apple CEO Tim Cook referred to AirPods as "nothing less than a cultural phenomenon".

June 2020: Firmware Version 2D15 Released

In June 2020, Apple released AirPods firmware version 2D15 (G2).

September 2020: Firmware Version 3A283 Released

In September 2020, Apple released AirPods firmware version 3A283 for the G2 AirPods and AirPods Pro.

April 2021: Firmware Version 3E751 Released

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

October 2021: Second Generation AirPods Price Cut

In October 2021, following the release of the third generation AirPods, the second generation AirPods remained on sale with a price cut, 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 with a new design and MagSafe charging, and preorders began the same day.

October 26, 2021: Third-Generation AirPods Released

On October 26, 2021, Apple released the third-generation AirPods, featuring a redesign, spatial audio, and improved water resistance.

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 cheaper $169 variant of the third-generation AirPods with a charging case lacking Qi and MagSafe charging compatibility.

2022: AirPods Compared to Medical Hearing Aids

In 2022, researchers in Taiwan compared the performance of AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro with medical hearing aids, with the AirPods Pro performing comparably.

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.