*Some features require iOS 13 or iPadOS and are not supported on Phone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPod touch (6th generation), iPad Air, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2 and earlier .
(1) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction AirPods (2nd generation), charging case, and wireless charging case units (devices tested using pre-release software). The earbuds were paired with pre-production iPhone Xs Max units with pre-release software. The playlist contained 358 different audio tracks (256 kbps AAC format) purchased from the iTunes Store. The volume level was set to 50%. Testing AirPods included playing audio until one of the earbuds was completely discharged. Battery life may vary depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
(2) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction AirPods (2nd generation), charging case, and wireless charging case units (devices tested using pre-release software). The earbuds were paired with pre-production iPhone Xs Max units with pre-release software. The volume level was set to 50%. Testing included using the AirPods to make a cellular phone call until one of the earbuds was completely drained. Battery life may vary depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
(3) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction AirPods (2nd generation), charging case, and wireless charging case units (devices tested using pre-release software). The earbuds were paired with pre-production iPhone Xs Max units with pre-release software. The playlist contained 358 different audio tracks (256 kbps AAC format) purchased from the iTunes Store. The volume level was set to 50%. Testing AirPods included playing audio until one of the earbuds was completely discharged. After that, the AirPods were fully charged again, and the audio continued to play until one of the earbuds was discharged again. This cycle was repeated until both the AirPods themselves and the charging case were completely discharged. Battery life may vary depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
(4) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction AirPods (2nd generation), charging case, and wireless charging case units (devices tested using pre-release software). The earbuds were paired with pre-production iPhone Xs Max units with pre-release software. The playlist contained 358 different audio tracks (256 kbps AAC format) purchased from the iTunes Store. The volume level was set to 50%. In the 15-minute charge test, fully discharged AirPods were charged for 15 minutes, then audio continued to play until one of the earbuds was completely discharged. Battery life may vary depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
(5) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction AirPods (2nd generation), charging case, and wireless charging case units (devices tested using pre-release software). The earbuds were paired with pre-production iPhone Xs Max units with pre-release software. The volume level was set to 50%. In the 15-minute charge test, fully discharged AirPods were charged for 15 minutes, then the phone conversation continued until one of the earbuds was completely discharged. Battery life may vary depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
(6) Requires an iCloud account and macOS 10.14.4, iOS 12.2, or watchOS 5.2.
(7) Latest iOS version required.
(8) Testing conducted by Apple in February 2019 using preproduction AirPods (2nd generation), charging case, and wireless charging case units (devices tested using pre-release software). The earbuds were paired with pre-production iPhone Xs Max units with pre-release software. The volume level was set to 50%. Testing included using the AirPods to make a cellular phone call until one of the earbuds was completely drained. After that, the AirPods were fully charged again, and the phone conversation continued until one of the earbuds was discharged again. This cycle was repeated until both the AirPods themselves and the charging case were completely discharged. Battery life may vary depending on device settings and usage, environmental conditions, and many other factors.
Nice, but expensive gift for connoisseurs of "apple" products
Simultaneously with the new iPhone, Apple announced another interesting device: AirPods wireless headphones. This is the first time Apple is releasing Bluetooth headphones, but this decision was obvious - the new iPhones do not have a 3.5 mm headset jack, so iPhone 7/7 Plus owners have to either use an adapter or carry branded headphones with a Lightning connector.
And in general, the wires do not really fit into the aesthetics of Apple, especially those like headphones - fragile, constantly breaking down, tangled in your pocket into unimaginable knots. Everyone who has used Apple smartphones or players for a long time knows that headphones (for all their beauty and, admittedly, good sound) are practically expendable.
So the release of AirPods is overdue and turned out to be completely logical. True, two facts could disappoint fans of the company: firstly, AirPods are not supplied with a smartphone, they must be purchased separately, and secondly, Apple did not have time to release headphones at the same time as the iPhone 7/7 Plus.
Equipment
Let's say right away: AirPods is the product in which, despite its apparent simplicity, the magic of Apple is felt. And this magic begins with a box: square, white, but with a convex glossy image of headphones.
When we open the box, we get a new wave of pleasant emotions: inside there is a traditional envelope with leaflets / manuals, and under it there is a Lightning cable and a rectangular, but with strongly rounded sides, box made of white glossy plastic. It contains the headphones themselves.
We open the lid of the box (it is magnetized, so in order to lift it, you need to make a little effort - and this is a separate pleasure). And we see two headphones. Each of them is again held by a magnet, so some resistance must be overcome in order to pull them out.
Now for the fun part: this white plastic box is not just a package. This is a docking station. When the headphones are in it, they are charging, as evidenced by a colored LED indicator. When the headphones are charging, it flashes red, and when they are fully charged, it glows green.
Also, the LED may turn white when you press the flat white button on the back of the docking station. You need it to connect your headphones to Apple devices that aren't signed in to iCloud. We will talk more about connecting AirPods to different gadgets below.
Of course, the docking station itself also needs to be charged, and for this there is a Lightning connector at the bottom of it. Thus, the same cable can be used for this as for charging the iPhone.
Design
Externally, AirPods look very similar to traditional EarPods, except, of course, for the lack of wires. The shape of the "droplets" themselves is almost identical. And, it should be noted, this is a good decision, since the shape of the Apple headphones is really optimal.
However, a close comparison of AirPods and EarPods reveals a number of differences that are quite significant in terms of functionality. Firstly, the leg of AirPods is longer and thicker than that of EarPods, which is quite logical: after all, it houses the Apple W1 processor, accelerometer, battery, and Bluetooth module. Secondly, next to the miniature speaker grille, we see proximity sensors on the AirPods in front and behind (there are none in EarPods). AirPods know when you put them in your ears and when you take them out!
And the third difference: AirPods have more holes for microphones, including the legs located at the bottom. And this is understandable, because one of the main scenarios for their use is as a Bluetooth headset and at the same time a Siri call device.
An interesting solution (already related not to the functionality, but to the appearance of the product) is the metal edging of the lower part. It may seem alien (although it does not seem so to us), but at the same time it creates a completeness of the image.
Note that AirPods sit well in the ears, do not fall out with sudden movements of the head. However, we cannot guarantee that on the street, for example, when running, they will not jump out at the most inopportune moment. Perhaps this is the most risky moment.
As for the subjective assessment of the appearance, then, in our opinion, it is beautiful in itself. But there is a caveat: a person with these headphones looks rather strange. From the outside, it may seem that these are some strange jewelry in the ears, a hearing aid, or something else. Everyone has long been accustomed to the look of Bluetooth headsets, even more so to ordinary headphones, but here it is something different.
This fact, as well as the hypothetical probability of losing an earpiece (at least one) stops you from acquiring AirPods and using them on the street if you wish. However, we assume that this is a matter of habit.
Connecting and interacting with iPhone
The magic continues when we decide that enough admiring and it's time to connect the headphones to the iPhone and start using them for their intended purpose. So, having internally prepared for the need to press some buttons, go into the Bluetooth settings on the smartphone, make one connection attempt after another, we open the lid of the docking station, putting the iPhone next to it - and immediately we see a window appear on it with the image of headphones and the offer connect them.
After connecting, this window will display the charge of both the headphones themselves and the docking station. Well, in order to get started, just put the headphones in your ears, hear the beep and play music on your iPhone.
If you take one earpiece out of your ear while music is playing, it will automatically pause. If you remove both earbuds, playback will end.
Calling Siri is implemented in the same simple way. It is enough to tap your finger twice on any earpiece - and Siri is activated.
As for incoming and outgoing calls, in the first case they automatically go to the headphones, and in the second case, when dialing a number on the iPhone, we can choose whether the sound goes to the headphones or to the smartphone's speakers.
Connecting to Apple Watch
One of the most interesting features of AirPods is the collaboration with smart watches Apple Watch. Starting with watchOS 3.0, you can use your watch as a music player without connecting to your iPhone, which means you can play music stored directly in the memory of your Apple Watch. But, of course, this requires wireless headphones. AirPods are ideal for this task.
True, the connection scheme here is a little more complicated than in the case of the iPhone. First, you need to download music to your watch - for this you need to go to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, open the "Music" section and synchronize it with your watch. It is important that music can only be synchronized with the watch when it is connected to the charger (even if the watch is already charged).
After the music is synchronized with the Apple Watch, you need to launch the Music application on the watch and select the watch from two playback sources. After that, go to "Settings" on the watch, select Bluetooth and click on AirPods (although they may be automatically connected).
Everything, after that you can play music directly from the watch, transferring it to headphones without an intermediary in the form of an iPhone. And this means that you can, for example, not take your smartphone with you to workout at the gym or for a run.
The sound quality when playing music from the watch is no different from that when using a smartphone. But we will talk about this issue in more detail later.
Connecting to other devices
To use AirPods, we recommend that you have a device running macOS Sierra, iOS 10, or watchOS 3. We've covered how to connect AirPods to your iPhone and Apple Watch, and here we'll explain how sync works with iPad and MacBook or iMac.
On a computer running macOS Sierra, click on the volume speaker in the top menu bar and select AirPods under Output Device. On the iPad, the scheme is the same as in the case of the iPhone, but if you are not signed into your iCloud account there or automatic connection fails for some other reason, open the dock with headphones, press and hold the button on the dock - and wait until the headphone window appears.
The same scheme works with devices from other manufacturers. On many sites (including discussions on the official Apple website) it is reported that the headphones are not compatible with smartphones, tablets and laptops on other operating systems. However, we tested the AirPods with the OnePlus 3 smartphone and found that they connect to it in the same way and work quite well.
True, there are two nuances. Firstly, before you start playing music, the headphones emit a slight background noise (hiss) and an unpleasant click sounds every few seconds - as if a connection or some kind of switch is taking place. Secondly, during music playback, this background noise, albeit barely noticeable, still remains. We emphasize that all this does not apply to Apple devices from the list of officially supported ones. But we will talk about this in the next section.
Sound quality and run time
Even before the “full-time” acquaintance, the most important concern for us was the sound quality. Bluetooth headphones are notorious for background noise and serious sound degradation, and this often applies even to expensive models. But Apple wouldn't be itself if it didn't achieve a sound that's virtually indistinguishable from wired EarPods.
As for the duration of work on a single charge, the headphones can provide about five hours of sound. That is about five albums. Decent result! And given that for recharging it is enough to put them in the docking station (and literally for 15 minutes - this will provide about three more hours of sound), the problem of “the headphones are discharged at the most inopportune moment” is unlikely to arise.
findings
There is something to love about AirPods: beautiful design, the most convenient docking station, maximum intuitiveness, excellent sound quality, but most importantly, the same Apple magic that is felt most clearly in this product. Every moment of interaction with AirPods is a pleasure, many details of both software and hardware delight and delight like a child's toy.
Is this joy worth almost 13,000? Here everyone can decide for himself, depending on his income and the threshold of spontaneous purchase. This is definitely not the most necessary thing, in some ways even controversial from the point of view of practical use (we are talking about wearing them on the street), but very pleasant. The perfect gift for Apple lovers.
Apple AirPods deserve our Original Design Award for original solutions that combine usability, functionality and great looks.
It has generated more controversy and curiosity than any other recent move by the company. Part of this decision is due to Apple's intention to "incentivize" the transition to the use of wireless headphones. Below we will explain in the questions and answers what the new "apple" wireless headphones are and how they work.
What are AirPods?
AirPods are Apple's wireless earbuds released in September 2016.
How much do AirPods cost?
The cost of headphones in retail ranges from 13,000 to 16,000 rubles.
Where can I buy AirPods?
Headphones are available at Apple retail stores and third-party retailers such as or .
Do AirPods come free with new iPhones?
Unfortunately no. iPhone XS and XS Max come with wired EarPods that connect to your device via the Lightning port.
The latest iPhones lack an audio jack. Does this mean I should use AirPods?
No. iPhone is compatible with Lightning-enabled wired headphones or any other Bluetooth headphones. You can also use an adapter that works with regular headphones.
AirPods work via Bluetooth?
Yes. AirPods use Bluetooth to connect to iPhone.
What is the special chip implemented in AirPods?
AirPods are powered by the Apple-designed W1 processor that powers the headphones. The chip makes it easy to pair AirPods with iPhone - just open the case next to your smartphone and the device will display a window to sync with iPhone.
The W1 also provides wireless connectivity, helps conserve battery power, and works with the motion accelerometer and optical sensors to automatically adjust playback and turn on the microphone so that the wearer can use one or two headphones. Thanks to this, AirPods turn on the sound as soon as the user puts them on.
Is the W1 Processor Exclusive to AirPods?
No. This chip is implemented in some other models of Apple headphones, for example, Beats.
How many sensors are in AirPods?
Each AirPods has an infrared sensor that detects when the device is in your ears. In addition, there is an accelerometer that detects taps on AirPods (more on that below).
Can I only use one earpiece?
Yes. Each headphone is separately synchronized with the iPhone, so if you wish, you can use only one of the pair, and the W1 chip will tell the iPhone which one works.
How to charge AirPods?
The headset comes with a charging case, at the bottom of which there is a Lightning port for charging it. In addition, the branded case has its own battery. If you forgot to charge your headphones before going out, just put them in a case for 15 minutes and the charge will last for three hours of battery life.
What is the battery life of AirPods?
According to Apple, AirPods allow you to listen to music for 5 hours without recharging. When using the charging case, the headphones can work up to 24 hours.
Can I use AirPods with Mac or Apple Watch?
Yes. In fact, when you sync your AirPods to your iPhone, the earbuds automatically pair with your Mac and Apple Watch, as long as they're running macOS Sierra (or later) and watchOS 3 (or later), respectively.
Which iPhones are compatible with AirPods?
The headset will work on any iPhone running iOS 10 or later.
Can I connect AirPods to third party devices?
Yes. AirPods can connect to any standard Bluetooth audio player or Android device. Synchronization with the device is carried out using the button on the charging case.
What happens if one of the headphones is lost?
Unfortunately, due to the diminutive size of the headset, the headphones are easy to lose. Apple has provided the ability to replace one of the AirPods for a fee ($69).
Do AirPods have quality sound?
The sound quality on AirPods is nearly identical to the wired EarPods that come with iPhone.
Are AirPods waterproof?
No. However, the headphones are safe to use in the rain or at the gym, but swimming with them is not recommended.
After an absence of almost two months, the hyped AirPods are finally on sale. At the end of December, the first buyers received the coveted white boxes on pre-orders. Needless to say, many were impressed by the exciting promotional video with their capabilities, demonstrated back in September last year - at the presentation of iPhones. Does everything correspond to reality?
In this post, we will provide a brief manual on the features of the operation of innovative AirPods. Although no special instructions are required, the interaction is intuitive.
Primary settings
So, first of all, we remove the case with the headphones from the package. This is what the basic package of a wireless headset looks like. In order for the headphones to turn on, just open the case cover. Now you need to make the first connection with the device. It can be either an iPhone or any other gadget from Apple. Activation and connection to devices are elementary. The only thing you need to do is to carry out the initial setup, and then pairing will occur automatically.
For initial setup and creation of a “trusted pair”, bring the ajar case (with headphones inside) to the device (pre-activate Bluetooth on it). This is necessary so that the headphones do not connect to all nearby gadgets in a row, but work only with a device from the trusted list.
After that, the connection procedure should automatically be initiated on the smartphone screen, nothing more is required from you. When completed, click on "Finish". You can use! 
By the way, we draw your attention to the fact that AirPods is a headset not only for iPhones. They are fully compatible with any Apple device that supports Bluetooth transmission. It can be computers, tablets, laptops, even smart watches - Apple Watch.
In the future, the headset can quickly switch to broadcasting from any other Apple device that is combined with this iPhone under the same AppleID account. The headphones instantly sync with the new device, and are ready to resume playback at the place where they left off before.
Many users have also successfully paired their AirPods with smartphones from other manufacturers. It is clear that they do not have Siri,
AppleID, and therefore the functionality of wireless headphones will not be used to the full, but still there is such an opportunity, and this cannot but rejoice. 
In this case, in order to listen to music or answer a call, the regular “double touch” manual is enough. More about them in the next section.
Control Features
In general, all control of the device comes down to double touching the case. You need to invoke Siri, make (or answer) a call, pause playback (or resume it) - all done by double-tapping the outer part of the speaker - right in the center.
You can independently set the most convenient control mode for you. To do this, in the "Bluetooth" section (in the device settings) - among the list of other devices, find your AirPods headphones. In the "Double-tap the headphones" item, you can check the boxes next to the desired control mode. 
Here you can also activate or deactivate automatic ear detection (i.e. when the headset is brought to the ears, it is activated by default). Give the headphones an original name to make it easier to find them in the list of connected devices. Activate the automatic activation of the microphone when you start talking. 
At first glance, it may seem that the proposed management tools are somehow very few, but in fact you will not need more. The bulk of the “hands-free” communication tasks can be performed by the assistant built into the iPhone system - Siri. The user gives her voice commands that the device paired with the headset “hears” through the microphones built into the bottom of the AirPods. 
So you can call anyone, and listen to the weather report (news), “write” and send a message - without even touching the touchscreen. Siri will make the sound louder / quieter, find the desired song from the list, remind you of a meeting, and much more. At the same time, you will not interfere with anyone, the information will be fed into your ear.
Both headphones have their own chip and their own microphone, which means they can be used separately. In the default settings, both microphones are active, since this virtually eliminates the appearance of extraneous noise during communication. And all your subscribers are guaranteed to always hear you - even on a crowded street with a strong wind.
Possible connection problems
Sometimes users have some difficulties with connecting wireless headphones. Especially when trying to pair with new devices from other manufacturers, after successfully connecting with gadgets from Apple earlier.
If for some reason the headset does not automatically start, we recommend that you take the following steps.
- Try to place the case closer to the device during the initial setup. Since sometimes there are problems with the stability of the Bluetooth connection. The optimal distance is about 5 cm. You can also disable and re-enable Bluetooth on the device paired with the headphones.
- After opening the case with headphones, press and hold the service key built into the case. It is located on the back of the case - in the center.
Keep it pressed until the status indicator on the top panel inside the case (between the two earbuds) flashes white. Thus, the previous settings are reset and the headset is again ready for the initial connection to a new gadget. 
- The third possible reason for a connection failure is a discharged battery, both of the headphones themselves and of the battery built into the case. Connect the case (through the connector at the bottom) with a Lightning cable to the charger (or USB port), and try pairing again later. It usually takes a couple of hours to fully charge.
If the connection is successful, the iPhone screen will display the charge level - separately for the headphones, and separately for the case. In the future, this information will be displayed in the battery widgets on the smartphone. 
Moreover, the battery of the case itself can be recharged even without headphones inside, plug it in and calmly go about your business. Then it is enough to place the AirPods “on the base” for 15 minutes to provide them with several hours of full-fledged work.
This is what the manufacturer promises us, knowingly warning about possible deviations - up or down - due to different settings and intensity of use of the headset by different owners. Tested users confirm that the headphones still withstand the promised day of broadcasting (it is clear that with quick charge cycles). 
In order for the user to have an idea about the charge level of the case without unnecessary gestures, it has a special indicator (we have already talked about it). So if it is green, the battery of the case is fully charged. If yellow, it means that there is only energy left for one recharging of AirPods. Or you can just ask Siri how much battery is left.
Appeared in 2016. The announcement of the next version of Airpods 2 is scheduled for autumn 2018. Initially, it was assumed that only an updated case would be released. Between these two periods, there were no detailed news about the release of Airpods 2, but something is already known.
What remains the same
It is reported that outwardly the headphones will not change and will remain the same as Apple Airpods 1. They can still be connected to a computer and TV, and the battery life will remain the same.
New features of Apple AirPods 2
- There was a lot of debate about whether the new generation of headphones would be environmentally noise canceling. In real life, there are many situations when it is necessary to hear what is happening around. There are doubts that Apple will add such an option.
- It is known for sure that the headset will be able to charge through the AirPower station. It will complement a number of devices that replenish the charge using wireless charging.
- Most likely, it will be possible to access the Siri voice assistant in iWatch and iPhone and other Apple products without hands. Now you need to get the phone, press the "Home" button twice.
Photo: AirPower Station Airpods 2 release date in the world and Russia
Many users are concerned about the question: when will AirPods 2 come out. The company plans to introduce headphones only at the next full-fledged presentation. It may take place in the spring of 2019. In addition, the announcement of AirPods 2 may be delayed until the summer of 2019 and the traditional WWDC conference. When AirPods 2 will appear in Russia is a separate assumption. Most likely on sale will appear in September 2019.
New AirPods 2 price in Russia
Now the headphones of the first series cost a lot - about 11,990 rubles. The package includes:
- a case with which the headset is charged;
- two headphones.
Apple recently included in the sale a wire that connects the end and the beginning of the headset so that they do not get lost. Naturally, it will have to be purchased separately, it is not included in the package.
