Apple Released the Original AirPods Eight Years Ago Today

Today marks eight years since Apple launched the original AirPods. Unveiled in September 2016 alongside the iPhone 7, the wireless headphones became available on December 19, 2016, following a slight delay.

AirPods Launched Eight Years Ago Today Feature 1
At the time, wireless headphones were already on the market but had not yet reached true mass popularity. AirPods helped redefine the category through their convenience and seamless integration with Apple devices. Apple's Phil Schiller at the time:

AirPods are the first headphones to deliver a breakthrough wireless audio experience, and with the new Apple W1 chip they deliver innovative features including high quality sound, great battery life and automatic setup. AirPods are simple and magical to use, with no switches or buttons, automatically connecting to all your Apple devices simply and seamlessly, and letting you access Siri with just a double tap. We can't wait for users to try them with iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2.

Priced at $159, the first-generation AirPods introduced key features such as one-tap pairing with Apple devices and in-ear detection for automatic play-pause functionality. Powered by Apple's custom W1 chip, they delivered enhanced audio quality compared to wired EarPods and set a new standard for battery life in a compact, completely wireless design.

Original AirPods iPhone 7

Since their debut, AirPods have evolved with the release of second-, third-, and fourth-generation models in March 2019, October 2021, and September 2024. These updates brought improvements such as better audio quality, longer battery life, hands-free "Hey Siri" functionality, a wireless charging case, and, most recently, active noise cancellation. The product line has also expanded with the premium AirPods Pro, featuring an in-ear design and active noise cancellation, in October 2019, and the over-ear AirPods Max in December 2020.

Related Roundup: AirPods 4
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

Macbookey Avatar
10 months ago
I remember the memes and mocking these received from the initial unveiling. I was a day one adopter and didn’t care what they looked like on me. Game changing device IMHO, and as expected, I knew it was only a matter of time before it was as ubiquitous as they are now. The freedom from wires and the comfort (depending on a person’s ears of course), rendered the headphone jack on my iPhone useless from that point on. The sound quality was acceptable for casual listening on the go, and everything about the experience of setting up and using them gave me the “only  would do this” vibes. Now on my 3rd set (Pros 2) and I cannot imagine life without them. Thank you !
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mectojic Avatar
10 months ago
8 years of e-waste. I get that people like these, but seriously, long live wired headphones.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
555gallardo Avatar
10 months ago
It's unbelievable that mine still rock after so many years, and they've outlived my iPhone 5c, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S10+ and my iPhone 12.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
headlessmike Avatar
10 months ago
Apple really succeeded in making wireless headphones the norm.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
I7guy Avatar
10 months ago
They were ridiculed, like so much apple stuff in Tim cooks apple, and changed the landscape yet once again.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Godspeed8230 Avatar
10 months ago

Doesn't matter, just needs to not rely on bluetooth or tiny batteries.
Well, the good thing is until Apple goes 100% wireless you still have the option.

But I also find it hypocritical that Apple claims to be sustainable while products like AirPods are de facto non-repairable. And you are spot on, they account for a big portion of e-waste.

What would Mother Nature say? yeah, right...
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)