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 tell in questions and answers what are the new "apple" wireless headphones and how they work.
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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 in retail Apple 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 the device via 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.
W1 also provides wireless connection, helps conserve battery power, and in conjunction with the motion accelerometer and optical sensors automatically adjusts playback and turns on the microphone so that the owner of the accessory 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 own battery. If you forgot to charge your headphones before going out, just put them in the case for 15 minutes and the charge will last for three hours 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 will automatically pair with your Mac and Apple Watch, provided they have macOS Sierra(or later) and watchOS 3 (or later), respectively.
Which iPhones are compatible with AirPods?
The headset will work on any iPhone under iOS control 10 or more new software.
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?
AirPods sound quality is almost identical wired headphones 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.
If in conventional headphones Since wires for iOS gadgets have a remote control, what about AirPods wireless accessories? How can I switch between tracks, pause songs, keep conversations while watching or filming videos, and give other commands? Let's talk about this today.
And for starters, a little about the product itself and its benefits.
- The headset comes with Apple processor W1. It provides first-class data transmission over wireless networks. Also, the part provides excellent sound and a long period without recharging. Siri features are fully supported. The assistant is called with a simple 2nd tap.
- Set up AirPods with one touch. Headphones are connected to devices automatically. The accessory recognizes when the user removes them from the ears, and instantly stops the playback of the track. With the same quality, they interact with all products of the "apple" company. To get started, just remove the headset from the case - and it is ready to interact. When putting on an element, it will connect to the gadget in a second.
- Ample opportunities are provided by the W1 processor. It was developed directly for this accessory. Communication here is 100% wireless, which allows AirPods to sound at their best, and eliminates failures. The battery drains much more slowly than other similar models on the market.
- Listening to music tracks can last up to 5 hours from one full charge cycle. As the developer says, best result on the market. And when using a special case, the duration of work increases to a day. Place the accessory in the case for 12-15 minutes and enjoy your favorite music for another three hours.
- Perhaps the only drawback of the product is quite high price. It starts from 12,000 rubles. Accessories are sold separately from the gadgets, they are not supplied in the kit. However, since the iPhone 7 line, these additions are already coming with smartphones. Headphones are equipped with Lightning - connectors and adapters for connecting ordinary elements 3.5 mm.
Automatic playback: setting
If the data exchange between the headphones and the device is made, then when placed in the ears, it immediately starts playing tracks. If you remove one element, the composition will pause. If you get both - it will be similar to pressing the stop button, that is, there will be complete silence.
We make this option active through the Bluetooth settings. Next, click on the name of the headphones themselves. After that, turn on the ear auto-detection mode. If the elements are not used, the tracks will start playing through the speakers of the iOS gadget.
With the element detection function disabled on the machine, all tracks will play through headphones. And this will happen regardless of whether accessories are in the ears or not.
AirPods Control Methods
The main tasks are solved with the help of A irpods S iri. The helper is called by the 2nd knock on any element.
Siri can do just about anything. Examples of commands that are given through an assistant, that is, with just one voice:
- playback of selected music tracks;
- increase the volume (the assistant adjusts this parameter - you can not only increase, but also decrease);
- pause track playback;
- obtaining information about the battery charge level (how to check - yes, just give a command by voice);
- information on how the user can get to the house and much more.
Among the shortcomings, we note the inability to manually turn on the next track, change the sound volume level, and more. Headphones wire type all these functions are successfully implemented.
Even with the network turned off, the user will not be able to contact Siri and issue a command. Perhaps in the future, the "apple" company will take into account the shortcomings and add new ways AirPods controls via Siri.
How to answer a call on AirPods?
If in the process of listening to music tracks the user receives a call, Siri announces the call. The answer is possible through the 2nd tap on the top of any earpiece.
So that the user can make calls, the developer equipped each element with a microphone. For its default settings, auto mode. In other words, each of them can be used as a microphone. When one element is in operation, it is he who will perform these functions.
IN Bluetooth settings"Apple" device, in the Bluetooth section, you can always force the parameter to be always right or left. When applied certain settings, the accessory will function as a microphone even when you remove it from your ear.
We control AirPods remotely
Unlike simple headphones with wires, these follow the shape of the auricle. Therefore, they are very convenient. The speakers are designed so that the loss of sound quality is minimal. But the power, on the contrary, is at the peak of its value.
The accessory is equipped with a microphone and a built-in remote control. Thanks to the latter, you can control the headphones in remote mode- turn down or turn up the volume, receive a call with a single touch, and more.
AirPods control via remote
Main functions:
- Start playback or pause. Click once on the button element in the middle to play the track or pause it. To restart the process, do the same.
- Skip to the next track. Click 2 times on the button in the middle.
- Return to the previous song. Very quickly click on the button in the center.
- Flash forward. Press quickly 2 times and hold the element in the center.
- Rewind. Everything is the same, but only a triple tap is required.
- Answer a call or end a conversation. It is performed by a single click on the central element.
- Call rejection. Press and hold the element in the center for about 2-3 seconds, then release. The successful outcome of the operation will be reported by 2 short beeps.
- Switch to incoming call or a call on hold. It is required to click on the central element. And to return to the first call, press again.
- The same as in the previous step, but with the termination of the current call. It is required to press and hold the element in the center for about 2-3 seconds, and then release. 2 short beeps will be heard again.
- Working with Siri Click and hold on the center element to launch the assistant. After that, you can ask him any questions. For example, ask to set a timer for a few seconds. Or find out what's on in theaters today. It will also be available to turn on the voice of airplane mode, Bluetooth, universal access and many other options. The assistant remarkably recognizes natural speech. Therefore, memorization of strict commands is not required, as well as memorization of key phrases.
Now you know how to control your headphones and how to connect an accessory to your iPhone. No buttons are needed for this - the elements are connected independently. Giving commands is easy. With one gesture, you can adjust the volume. All you have to do is tell Siri to “turn up the volume” and the headphones turn it up.
It is often not necessary to charge the accessory - and this is another undoubted plus of the product. You can charge from the case, which will provide several cycles and allow you to work without additional recharging for up to a day.
None external application You don't need to install for AirPods. The phone automatically recognizes the accessory. The remote control is used to answer calls to the device. It is possible not to interrupt the conversation during other activities, such as video filming.
True wireless earbuds from Apple.
With AirPods, everything is different: you forget about them as soon as you put them in your ears. It is lightweight, comfortable and versatile. They are comfortable to listen to music and podcasts, answer calls, watch movies and play games.
How to connect AirPods to iPhone?
AirPods connect beautifully and simply. The first time you connect, you need to open the cover of the headphone case and turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone. A stylish card with the image and name of the headphones will appear on the smartphone screen. Click "Connect" - and that's it, you can listen.
After the first connection, the headphones are tied not just to the iPhone, but to your account Apple ID. That is, all your devices Apple already know about these headphones and are ready to work with them.
Why do headphones need a W1 chip?
Synchronizes your headphones with all your Apple devices.
Provides a stable wireless connection even when you are away from your smartphone.
Allows the headphones to use battery more efficiently.
The W1 chip increases the connection range by almost four times compared to conventional Bluetooth. You can listen to music 30-40 meters from your smartphone without fear that it will be interrupted.
Do AirPods fit in your ears the same as wired EarPods?
It seems that the headphones are the same, only AirPods do not have wires, but this is not entirely true.
AirPods are noticeably larger, free of wires, and therefore “sit” better in the ears. The headphones have a unique shape that does not create discomfort: you can walk in them all day, play sports and even sleep. Your ears don't get tired of AirPods, you just don't notice them.
However, keep in mind that the shape and size of the ears are different for everyone. AirPods are close to universal and will fit most. But if you were uncomfortable wearing wired EarPods, this shape may not be right for you.
How do they sound?
AirPods sound better than wired EarPods. They have a slightly expanded sound range and bass. The sound remains clear even at maximum volume. But these headphones are unlikely to impress music lovers.
AirPods don't have active noise isolation so you stay connected to the outside world, opening up more scenarios to use. You can run in them on the street or use them as a headset for calls and at the same time hear what is happening around.
How to manage music?
AirPods don't have buttons so control music in the usual way will not work. You can:
Just take one earpiece out of your ear and the music will stop playing. This is convenient when you need to listen to some information or answer a question. Then put the earbud back in and playback will automatically resume.
Manage music with using Siri. To call it, tap one of the headphones twice and ask, for example, to turn down the volume. Siri also answers other questions: you can ask about the weather or ask to call someone from your contacts without taking out your iPhone.
Control music from your Apple Watch if it's connected to your iPhone.
How long do AirPods last?
AirPods allow you to listen to music for 5 hours without recharging, another 24 hours they give a case. Thanks to fast charging, just 15 minutes in the case is enough for 3 hours of listening.
It takes about 40 minutes to fully charge the case.
How do I check the battery life of my AirPods and case?
This can be done in several ways:
When you open the cover of the case, you will see a card on your iPhone that displays information about charging AirPods and the case itself, while the headphones remain inside it.
Ask Siri: "How much power do I have left in my AirPods?"
Also, the battery charge of the headphones and case is displayed in the "Batteries" widget.
Can I exercise with AirPods?
With AirPods, it is comfortable both in the gym and on a run. They are light, there are no wires, so all that remains is to find the right playlist in Apple Music.
Sweat does not harm them, but you can’t swim in AirPods: they are not protected from total immersion in water.
The prices indicated in the article are current at the time of publication of the material and may change over time.
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 some special instruction and is not 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 to do is to implement start setting, 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). Assign to headphones original name to make it easier to find them in the list of connected devices. Activate automatic switch on 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 built-in lower part AirPods microphones. 
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 practically eliminates the appearance of extraneous noise when communicating. 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 any reason auto start headset does not occur, we recommend that you take the following steps.
- Try at initial setup place the case close to the device. Since sometimes there are problems with the stability of the Bluetooth connection. Optimal distance– about 5 cm. You can also disable and re-enable Bluetooth on the device paired with the headphones.
- Having slightly opened the case with headphones, pinch and hold the built-in service key. It is located on reverse side case - in the center.
Keep it pressed until the status indicator on the top panel inside the case (between the two earbuds) flashes white. This resets old settings and the headset is again ready for the initial connection to a new gadget. 
- Third possible reason connection failure - a discharged battery, both the headphones themselves and the battery built into the case. Connect the case (through the connector, it is located below) with a Lightning cable to charger(or USB port), and try pairing again later. Usually the process full charge takes a couple of hours.
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 - in view of various 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's on fire in green– the case battery 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.
AirPods come with a case, a set of instructions, and a Lightning cable.
Case
The case has rounded edges, fits well in the hand and fits in any pocket. Opening and closing the lid is a special pleasure, turning the headphone case into an alternative to anti-stress toys.
FROM reverse side there is a button for connecting to Android devices and creating a pair with iOS devices, and on the bottom side there is a charging socket.
Over time, a dark coating forms under the lid, which has to be cleaned. It is not clear where he comes from: the case is always closed, no one touches it with dirty hands. Judging by the reviews, many owners of AirPods are engaged in periodic cleaning of cases. What to do, design costs in white colors.
Another nuance is the backlash of the cover when moving it from side to side (not in the direction of opening). There are no scenarios in which it would be necessary to move the lid in this way, but such roughness in Apple's technique is frustrating, to say the least, because they are rare.
Magnets are hidden inside the case, with the help of which the headphones literally fly into the case. The lid also magnetizes when closed, so AirPods can be safely thrown to the bottom of the bag - the headphones will not fall out or get lost.
Headphones
Wireless earbuds at first glance seem to be the same EarPods, but without wires and with slightly thickened legs. If you do not take into account the techno stuffing hidden in these legs, then these are EarPods. And it's cool. It's not even about skeuomorphism and continuity. It’s just that it’s really a very comfortable and fairly versatile shape of headphones.
If doubts before purchasing AirPods are connected with the fear of losing a dropped earpiece, then we are in a hurry to dispel them: the earbuds are held securely. main reason EarPods dropouts - wires that constantly pull the headphones down. They are not here.
The real danger lies in the habit brought up over the years to remove one of the headphones during a conversation and let it go. The EarPods would be left hanging on the wire, and the wireless earpiece would just fall to the ground. However, you can rebuild in a couple of days, and for the most unfortunate ones, there are special silicone laces on sale that connect the headphones to each other.
Sound
Sound performance is the most important part of any headphone review, but definitely the most boring when it comes to AirPods. As in the case of the wired predecessor, here we get a not very ambitious, smooth and slightly tinted in medium and high frequencies sound.
For lovers of exact specifications, we borrowed the frequency response graph from the French portal Les Numeriques.
This is a good result for urban in-ear headphones that do not claim to be an audiophile device. Still, AirPods are not loved at all for sound, although they do an excellent job with the needs of the average user.
Exploitation
Creating a pair of AirPods with an "apple" device is very simple. The W1 chip specially designed for headphones is responsible for fast synchronization. Just open the cover of the case, and the iPhone will automatically recognize the AirPods.
Confirm pairing by pressing a single button on the headphone case - and that's it, the pair has been created and has already scattered to all synchronized devices. From now on, even pressing a button is not required - the broadcast will automatically be transferred to AirPods if they are inserted into your ears.
There are no buttons on the headphones. The only possible control gesture is double tapping. The best I came up with is start and pause on the right earpiece, call Siri on the left. Another way to pause playback is to pull out one of the headphones.
TO new system navigation is hard to get used to. In this regard, EarPods are still more convenient. One or two buttons to control playback is not enough, and Siri is not a panacea. For example, I am still embarrassed to use it in public places.
To answer a call, you also need to double-tap on the earpiece. The quality of the outgoing sound is excellent: the operation of the system affects active noise cancellation. Therefore, with AirPods, you can talk with friends or call Siri even in a crowded and relatively noisy place.
If you bring an open case to the iPhone, the screen will show the charge data of the case and headphones. In addition, in the "Batteries" widget, you can see the charge of each of the earbuds. The fact is that they are identical in terms of filling, each can be used as a headset. In this case, the sound will be broadcast in mono, and the battery life of AirPods will double.
AirPods also work with all iOS devices running iOS 10 and up, Apple Watches with watchOS 3 and up, and computers running macOS 10.12 and up. In addition, the headphones can be used with any device that supports bluetooth standard 4.0. In this case, the “magic” promised by the developers will disappear, but, as Android smartphone users assure, it is quite comfortable to wear AirPods with their devices. True, there is no Siri, but with the help of third-party software, you can make Google Assistant respond to tapping.
Battery
Fully charged earbuds and case can last 24 hours of listening and 11 hours of talk time. Without a case, the headphones will work for five hours. And they charge very quickly: in 15 minutes they gain enough charge to play music for another three hours.
This means that discharging the device will never take you by surprise. One has only to charge the case with headphones every 3-4 days and not listen to music for five hours.
Verdict
- you are already fully equipped with Apple and want to add another utilitarian device to your collection;
- you are tired of the interrupted EarPods cables, but the headphones themselves completely suit you;
- you are looking for wireless headphones that won't take up much space in your bag.
- you keep losing everything;
- you live in a not very developed region, where an exotic gadget can attract unwanted attention;
- you are an audiophile to whom frequency response, THD and other obscure abbreviations are more important than everything else.
And most importantly: do not forget that the choice of headphones is always purely individual. If you like some Sennheiser or Koss more EarPods, then get wireless version unloved headphones for 12 thousand rubles - not the best idea.
But if you want to receive Apple technology If you are used to the ergonomics and sound of EarPods and like to experience aesthetic and tactile pleasure from gadgets, then you will definitely like AirPods.
