What Are AirPods?
The Apple Inc.-created AirPods are wireless Bluetooth earbuds. On September 7, 2016, they were originally introduced along with the iPhone 7. They rose to the top spot among Apple accessories in just two years. Although the 2nd Generation is still available on Apple’s website, the most recent model, AirPods (3rd Generation), replaces the 1st and 2nd Generation devices. Alongside the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, these devices are Apple’s entry-level wireless earbuds.
What Do AirPods Do?
The AirPods play audio in addition to having a built-in microphone that cancels out background noise, accelerometers, and optical sensors that can detect taps and pinches (for example, double-tap or pinch to pause audio), and ear placement that enables automatic pausing of audio when they are removed. The second-generation AirPods, which come with the H1 processor, more conversation time, and hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality, were made available by Apple on March 20, 2019. The options now include a wireless charging case that is an additional charge. The third-generation AirPods, which Apple unveiled on October 26, 2021, have a new exterior design with shorter stems similar to AirPods Pro, spatial audio, IPX4 water resistance, a longer battery life, and MagSafe charging support.
Compatibilities
Although certain capabilities, such as automatic switching between devices, are only accessible on Apple devices utilizing iCloud, AirPods are compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or above, including Android and Windows smartphones. All iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models running iOS 10 or later, Apple Watch models running watchOS 3 or later, and Mac models running macOS Sierra or later are fully compatible with the first-generation AirPods. With devices running iOS 12.2 or later, macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later, and watchOS 5.2 or later, the second-generation AirPods are completely functional. With devices running iOS 15.1 or later, iPadOS 15.1 or later, macOS Monterey 12.0 or later, and watchOS 8.1 or later, the third-generation AirPods are completely functional.
Support
With two-year-old sets surviving for less than half of the five hours that are stated, the lithium-ion batteries in AirPods can see considerable degradation over time. Apple offers a program to repair batteries, buy extra AirPods on their own, and buy charging cases. With AppleCare+, the cost of replacing one or both AirPods or the charging case is less than it would be without it. With AppleCare+, battery servicing is free; without it, there is a cost. However, as the batteries in AirPods cannot be taken out, this is only a replacement service. Firmware updates are available for AirPods. Version 3.3.1 of the firmware was the original. Version 3.5.1 was released by Apple in February 2017, followed by 3.7.2 in May 2017, and 6.3.2 on March 26, 2019. Version 6.7.8 was made available in July 2019, and 6.8.8 was made available in September 2019. Firmware 2D15 was released in June 2020 (G2).
Sales Of The AirPods
Analysts predict Apple sold 14 million to 16 million pairs of AirPods in 2017. With 35 million units sold, AirPods were Apple’s most popular accessory item in 2018. In 2019, 60 million copies were sold. According to analysts, Apple’s whole Wearables product line—including the Apple Watch, AirPods, and AirPods Pro—is now larger than 60% of the Fortune 500 firms and accounts for 60% of the global wireless headphone market. Replacement earbuds and cases are thought to account for 5-7% of Apple’s AirPods sales.
How Much Are AirPods In South Africa?
One of the hottest products on the market right now is a pair of AirPods. South Africans are fortunate to have access to them at a reasonably low cost. In South Africa, AirPods are available for R2,499 each. Compared to the $159 international pricing, this is a substantial savings (approximately R2,130). A single AirPod cost R1,499 (approximately $103 USD) in South Africa as of September 2019. Two AirPods cost R2,798 ($206 in US currency), which is around.
