Guide to AirPods – Features and Potential Sales

Guide to AirPods – Features and Potential Sales

Apple’s AirPods have undeniably made their mark as iconic audio accessories. These wireless earbuds suggest how innovative audio technology can be. Until now, Apple has launched 3 generations of AirPods and 2 generations of AirPods Pro. Even though the last pair of Apple earbuds released was the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) in September last year, Apple has continued to make firmware updates for both the AirPods and the AirPods Pro.

So, for anyone considering a purchase or keeping an eye on a potential sale, here are the remarkable features of some of the top earbuds from Apple:

1. Audio technology
The following are a few audio technology features that are present in both AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (2nd generation):

  • Custom high-excursion Apple driver
  • Custom high-dynamic range amplifier
  • Personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
  • Adaptive EQ

Additionally, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) also comprises the following audio technology features:

  • Adaptive audio
  • Active noise cancellation
  • Transparency mode
  • Conversation awareness
  • Personalized volume
  • Loud noise reduction
  • Vent system for pressure equalization

2. Design

  • AirPods (3rd generation) maintain the iconic stem and earbud design, which is reminiscent of the original AirPods and offers comfort and familiarity.
  • In contrast, AirPods Pro (2nd generation) feature a more compact design with a shorter stem, a customizable fit thanks to their silicone ear tips, and integrated pressure relief vents. These features provide a snug fit and enable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology for immersive audio experiences.

3. Sensors
The following sensors are present in both AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (2nd generation):

  • Dual beamforming microphones
  • Inward-facing microphone
  • Skin-detect sensor
  • Motion-detecting accelerometer
  • Speech-detecting accelerometer

The AirPods (3rd generation) feature a force sensor, while the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) feature a touch control sensor.

4. Chip
The AirPods (3rd generation) feature Apple’s H1 headphone chip, while the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) features the Apple H2 headphone chip and the Apple U1 chip in the MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C).

5. Battery

  • AirPods (3rd generation) and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have a battery life of up to 6 hours of listening time with a single charge.
  • With Spatial Audio enabled, the AirPods (3rd generation) have a battery life of up to 5 hours, and the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have a battery life of up to 5.5 hours.
  • Regarding talk time, the AirPods (3rd generation) have a battery life of up to 4 hours with a single charge, whereas the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have a battery life of up to 4.5 hours with a single charge.

6. Charging

  • The AirPods (3rd generation) are available in two models, with two different charging cases: the Lightning Charging Case and the MagSafe Charging Case.
  • The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are available with the MagSafe Charging Case.

7. Durability

  • The AirPods (3rd generation) and their charging case are sweat and water-resistant (IPX4).
  • The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and its charging case are dust, sweat, and water resistant (IP54).

8. Connectivity

  • The AirPods (3rd generation) have Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology.

  • The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology.

What are the AirPods Max?
Unlike the AirPods and AirPods Pro, which are wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones, the AirPods Max are wireless Bluetooth over-ear headphones. Here are a few of their key features:

  • Their audio technology includes an Apple-designed dynamic driver, active noise cancellation, personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and adaptive EQ. They also have a transparency mode, which allows the user to hear the sounds from outside via the headphones. So, one can use the AirPods Max with either Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency mode at a time.
  • The AirPods Max have nine microphones, of which six are only for active noise cancellation, one is only for voice pickup, and the remaining two are shared for both active noise cancellation and voice pickup.
  • They feature an Apple H1 headphone chip in each earcup.
  • They have a battery life of up to 20 hours (listening time) on a single charge, even with spatial audio. The AirPods Max also have a battery life of up to 20 hours for talk time.

Look out for secret and potential sales
Currently, the AirPods (3rd generation) are priced at around $170 with the Lightning Charging Case and around $180 with the MagSafe Charging Case. The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are priced at around $250 with the MagSafe Charging Case. And the AirPods Max are priced at around $550. So, if anyone is interested in buying either of these headphones, customers should watch for potential and secret sales. Retailers and online stores occasionally offer exclusive discounts, promotions, or flash sales that aren’t always prominently advertised. By staying vigilant and checking various sources, one can seize the opportunity to purchase these remarkable earbuds at a more affordable price.