AirPods have changed how we listen to music and make calls. Apple’s wireless earbuds come in different types and versions. There are three generations of standard AirPods, two versions of AirPods Pro, and one AirPods Max model.
Each new AirPods release brings better sound and features. The first AirPods came out in 2016. They were easy to use with Apple devices. Newer models added things like noise cancellation and better battery life.
AirPods work with both Apple and non-Apple devices through Bluetooth. But they work best with Apple products. Users can check which AirPods they have by looking at the model number on the earbuds or in their device settings.
AirPods Through the Years
The Expanding AirPods Family
| Generation | Release Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation | December 2016 | H1 chip, Siri integration, 5-hour battery life |
| 2nd Generation | March 2019 | Upgraded H1 chip, “Hey Siri” support, optional wireless charging case |
| AirPods Pro (1st generation) | October 2019 | Active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, customizable fit with silicone tips |
| AirPods Max | December 2020 | Over-ear design, high-fidelity audio, active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, spatial audio |
| 3rd Generation | October 2021 | Shorter stems, spatial audio, IPX4 water resistance, MagSafe charging |
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | September 2022 | Improved active noise cancellation and Transparency mode, personalized Spatial Audio, touch controls on stems, U1 chip for Precision Finding with Find My, Adaptive Transparency, Longer battery life |
| 4th Generation | September 2024 | H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C charging case, improved audio quality |
Airpods Details For Every Release
1st Generation AirPods
The original AirPods, launched in December 2016, revolutionized the wireless earbud market with their seamless pairing and iconic design. Powered by the H1 chip, they offered effortless connectivity with Apple devices and hands-free Siri access.
- Pros: Easy setup, compact design, good sound quality for the price.
- Cons: Limited battery life (5 hours), no water resistance, no active noise cancellation.
2nd Generation AirPods
Released in March 2019, the 2nd generation AirPods retained the original design but brought significant internal improvements. The upgraded H1 chip enabled “Hey Siri” support, and an optional wireless charging case added convenience.
- Pros: Improved battery life, “Hey Siri” support, wireless charging option.
- Cons: Still no water resistance or active noise cancellation.
AirPods Pro (1st generation)
Launched in October 2019, the AirPods Pro marked a significant shift with the introduction of active noise cancellation and Transparency mode. The in-ear design with silicone tips provided a customizable fit and improved sound isolation.
- Pros: Active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, improved sound quality, sweat and water resistance.
- Cons: Higher price point, shorter battery life compared to standard AirPods.
AirPods Max
Unveiled in December 2020, the AirPods Max entered the premium over-ear headphone market. Boasting high-fidelity audio, active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, and spatial audio, they delivered an immersive listening experience.
- Pros: Exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, comfortable fit, premium build quality.
- Cons: High price, bulky design, no folding mechanism for portability.
3rd Generation AirPods
Released in October 2021, the 3rd generation AirPods adopted a design closer to the AirPods Pro, with shorter stems and a contoured fit. Spatial audio support and IPX4 water resistance enhanced the user experience.
- Pros: Improved sound quality, spatial audio, water resistance, MagSafe charging case.
- Cons: No active noise cancellation, higher price compared to 2nd generation.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
Launched in September 2022, the 2nd generation AirPods Pro further refined the active noise cancellation and Transparency mode. Personalized Spatial Audio and touch controls on the stems offered a more customized experience.
- Pros: Enhanced noise cancellation and Transparency mode, personalized Spatial Audio, improved battery life, Find My support.
- Cons: High price point.
4th Generation AirPods
Released in September 2024, the 4th generation AirPods brought notable upgrades to the standard model. The inclusion of the H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB-C charging case improved performance and convenience.
- Pros: Improved audio quality, USB-C charging case, longer battery life.
- Cons: No active noise cancellation, design remains largely unchanged.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods have three main types: standard, Pro, and Max
- New AirPods versions offer better sound and more features
- AirPods work with many devices but are best with Apple products
AirPods Model Evolution
Apple’s AirPods have changed a lot since they first came out. Each new version has better sound and new features. Let’s look at how AirPods have grown over time.
First-Generation AirPods
The first AirPods came out in 2016. They had a W1 chip that made them easy to connect to Apple devices. These AirPods could play music for about 5 hours on one charge. The case could charge them a few more times.
You could tap the AirPods to play or pause music. They also worked with Siri but you had to double-tap to use it. The case charged with a Lightning cable.
These AirPods were not water-resistant. They had okay sound but it wasn’t great. Still they were very popular because they were so easy to use.
Second-Generation AirPods
Apple released the second AirPods in 2019. They looked the same but had some big changes inside. The new H1 chip made them connect faster and use less power.
These AirPods could listen for “Hey Siri” which made it easier to use voice commands. The battery life was a bit better too. You could now get about 5 hours of talk time instead of 2.
Apple also made a new case that could charge wirelessly. This was great for people who already had wireless chargers. The regular case still used Lightning.
Third-Generation AirPods
The third AirPods came out in 2021 with a new design. They were shorter and had a force sensor to control them. This made them easier to use when your hands were wet or dirty.
These AirPods added some cool features like Spatial Audio and Dynamic Head Tracking. This made movies and music sound more like they were all around you. They also got water resistance so a little rain wouldn’t hurt them.
Battery life got better too. You could now listen for 6 hours on one charge. The case could also charge with MagSafe which was faster than regular wireless charging.
Fourth-Generation AirPods
The newest AirPods came out in 2023. They kept the same shape as the third gen but had some big changes. The biggest was switching to USB-C for charging instead of Lightning.
Sound quality got even better with these AirPods. They also added better noise blocking to make calls clearer. Battery life stayed about the same at 6 hours of listening time.
These AirPods got a dust-resistant rating along with being water-resistant. This means they can handle more everyday wear and tear. They also improved how well they connect to non-Apple devices.
Specialized AirPods Variants
Apple offers different AirPods models for users who want more features. These include the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Each has unique traits that set them apart from regular AirPods.
AirPods Pro Series
AirPods Pro are Apple’s high-end earbuds. They have Active Noise Cancellation to block outside sounds. Users can also switch to Transparency Mode to hear their surroundings.
The newest AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) came out in 2022. They have better sound and longer battery life than the first version. A new feature called Personalized Spatial Audio makes music sound like it’s all around you.
AirPods Pro are water-resistant. This means they can handle sweat and light rain. Apple often updates the firmware to add new features and fix bugs.
AirPods Max
AirPods Max are Apple’s over-ear headphones. They have a sleek design with a Digital Crown for controls. This knob lets users adjust volume and skip tracks easily.
These headphones offer top-notch sound quality and strong noise canceling. They block out more noise than the AirPods Pro. Users can pick from five colors to match their style.
AirPods Max have custom ear cushions for comfort. The headband is made to fit different head sizes. Like other AirPods, they connect quickly to Apple devices.
FAQs
How many generations of AirPods are there?
As of September 2024, there are a total of four generations of standard AirPods. Additionally, there are two generations of AirPods Pro, and one generation of AirPods Max, bringing the total number of AirPods models to seven.
How do I know if my AirPods are gen 1 or 2?
You can identify your AirPods generation by checking the model number. First-generation AirPods have the model number A1523 or A1722, while second-generation AirPods have the model number A2031 or A2032. You can find the model number on the underside of the AirPods charging case or in your device’s Bluetooth settings when the AirPods are connected.
Are there Gen 4 AirPods?
Yes, the 4th generation AirPods were released on September 20, 2024. They feature an H2 chip, improved audio quality, USB-C charging case, and longer battery life.
Which AirPod generation is the best?
The “best” AirPods generation depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize active noise cancellation and premium sound quality, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are the top choice. For a balance of features and affordability, the 3rd generation AirPods offer spatial audio and water resistance. If you’re on a budget, the 2nd generation AirPods remain a solid option.
Is AirPods Gen 2 or 3 better?
The 3rd generation AirPods are generally considered better than the 2nd generation due to several improvements. They offer spatial audio, water resistance, a more comfortable fit, and MagSafe charging case compatibility. However, if you don’t need these features and prioritize a lower price, the 2nd generation AirPods are still a good choice.
Which AirPods are better Pro or 3rd generation?
The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are superior to the 3rd generation AirPods in terms of features and sound quality. They offer active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, personalized Spatial Audio, and improved battery life. However, they come at a higher price point. If you don’t need active noise cancellation and prioritize a lower price, the 3rd generation AirPods are a good option.
