It all started with EarPods, those wired buds that came with every iPhone. But then, in 2016, Apple decided to cut the cord and dropped the first-gen AirPods. These buds had this W1 chip that made pairing them a breeze.
At first, folks were kinda skeptical about Apple’s move. Places like The Guardian even joked they looked like “tampons without a string,” poking fun at how easy they might be to lose. But despite the digs, AirPods quickly caught on. And with no more jack for the EarPods, AirPods became the top-selling wireless earbuds. Stats show that by the end of 2023, 39% of users were rocking AirPods in the US. The next ones in line were Beats, but they were under 20%.
List of AirPods headphones by model year
At the beginning of 2024, there were seven modifications of AirPods; in fact, there are six of them. The latest modification has different charging ports. This was done to comply with the requirements of the European Union, which adopted a regulation that decided that mobile devices and other devices that require charging are equipped exclusively with a USB type C port.
| Model AirPods | Year | Model number |
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) | 2023 | A3047, A3048, A3049 |
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) | 2022 | A2931, A2699, A2698 |
| AirPods (3rd generation) | 2021 | A2565, A2564 |
| AirPods Max | 2020 | A2096 |
| AirPods Pro | 2019 | A2084, A2083 |
| AirPods (2nd generation) | 2019 | A2032, A2031 |
| AirPods (1st generation) | 2016 | A1523, A1722 |
List of AirPods charging case by model year
You can also buy a separate charging case for AirPods. You are charging case options for seven models. Here is a table with model numbers and year of release.
| Model charging case | Year | Model Number |
| MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | 2023 | A2968 |
| MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | 2022 | A2700 |
| Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation) | 2022 | A2897 |
| MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation) | 2021 | A2566 |
| MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro | 2021 | A2190 |
| Wireless Charging Case | 2019 | A1938 |
| Lightning Charging Case | 2016 | A1602 |
AirPods 1st gen, 2016
- Launch date: September 7, 2016
- Launch Price: $159
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Model number: A1523 and A1722
- Chip: W1
- Audio Technology: Dual optical sensors and accelerometers, access Siri with just a double tap
- Microphones: Dual beamforming microphones
- Battery: Up to 5 hours listening time, 24 hours with charging case
- Water Resistance: IPX4
These little guys were introduced in September 2016 alongside the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Big news, right? Especially since they removed the headphone jack that year.
Now, about the sales. There were some delays, but everyone wanted a pair when they finally started selling in December 2016. Apple hit it big with these.
The AirPods has this new W1 chip, making connecting them with Apple devices easy. Just open the case, and they’re ready to go. For non-Apple users, they still worked great as Bluetooth earbuds.
The design? It’s clean and straightforward, just like Apple’s EarPods, but without wires. They looked cool and were easy to use.
The battery life was incredible. You got up 4-5 hours on one charge, and the case could charge them a few more times. That’s almost a whole day of listening! And if you’re in a hurry, a quick 15-minute charge gives you 3 hours of use. You charge the case up via its Lightning port.
AirPods 2nd gen, 2019
- Launch date: March 20, 2019
- Launch Price: $129
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Model number: A2032 and A2031
- Chip: H1
- Audio Technology: Live to Listen audio, Hands-Free ‘Hey Siri’, Custom audio architecture, and improved synchronization
- Microphones: 2 microphones per earbud, Dual beam-forming microphones
- Battery: Up to 5 hours of listening time on one charge, 24 hours with charging case
- Water Resistance: No
AirPods 2nd Gen was launched in March 2019. Originally priced at $199, they’re now $129, quite a deal.
Design-wise, they’re not too different from the first AirPods. They’ve got the same long stems and that ‘pill’- style charging case. But here’s a cool update: a little LED indicator on the front. It glows green when fully charged and orange when it needs more juice.
Sound quality remains consistent with the first. They’re lively and clear, but not the best for bass-heavy tracks. There is no noise cancellation here.
The AirPods’ battery life is 5 hours, and the charging case’s is 20 hours. The 2nd Gen offers 3 hours of talk time per charge, thanks to the new Apple H1 chip. And yes, the case can now be charged wirelessly if you choose that option.
Connectivity gets a boost with the H1 chip. Pairing with an iPhone is quick, showing instant battery status. The “Hey Siri” feature is now available for hands-free control.
Apple’s H1 chip improves the AirPods’ performance: “2x faster switching between devices,” “50% faster call transfer,” and “30% less gaming latency.”
AirPods Pro 1st gen, 2019
- Launch date: October 28, 2019
- Launch Price: $249
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Model number: A2084 and A2083
- Chip: H1
- Audio Technology: Adaptive EQ, Live Listen audio, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, Custom high-excursion Apple driver, Custom high dynamic range amplifier, Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Vent system for pressure equalization
- Microphones: Dual beamforming microphones
- Battery: Up to 4.5 hours of listening time on one charge, 24 hours with charging case
- Water Resistance: IPX4
AirPods Pro 1st Gen had a refreshed design, new features, and a new price, but at their core. This model totally rethinks the design because AirPods Pro 1st Gen adds changeable silicone tips for better sound isolation and comfort.
The redesigned AirPods Pro had a big advantage: they stayed in ears way better than their predecessors. Thanks to additional microphones, they also offered strong noise cancellation. Plus, this cool Transparency mode lets you hear the outside world perfectly.
Sound quality is definitely a step up from the earlier models. The Pro version gives vocals and bass extra love.
They’re also water-resistant, with an IPX4 rating. You can use them in the rain, and sweat won’t bother them.
Here’s something awesome: with a firmware update, the AirPods Pro now has Spatial Audio.
The charging case gives you over 24 hours of listening time. Each full charge of the AirPods Pro offers five hours of listening (with noise cancellation or Transparency off; with them on, you get about four and a half hours) or three and a half hours of talk time using them as a speakerphone.
AirPods Max 2020
- Launch date: December 8, 2020
- Launch Price: $549
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Model number: A2096
- Chip: H1
- Audio Technology: Adaptive EQ, Live Listen audio, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Microphones: 8 microphones for Active Noise Cancellation, three microphones for voice pickup
- Battery: Up to 20 hours
Let’s chat about the AirPods Max, which hit the shelves on December 8, 2020. Priced at $549, they sure made a splash.
They’re powered by the H1 chip and come with Bluetooth 5.0. It’s pretty standard for Apple, but the audio tech is impressive. They’ve got Adaptive EQ, which means they fine-tune the music to fit your ears. There’s Active Noise Cancellation for when you want to block the world out and Transparency mode for when you don’t.
Now, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking is like having a movie theater in your ears. It adjusts the sound as you move your head, giving you a super immersive experience.
Battery life is a big deal here. Even with all these features running, you get up to 20 hours. That’s a lot of playlists, podcasts, or phone calls.
Design-wise, they’re classic Apple. Sleek stainless steel ear cups make them stand out and feel premium. But there is no 3.5mm audio port here. You’ll need an extra adapter if you’re old school and want a wired connection.
AirPods 3rd gen, 2021
- Launch date: October 18, 2021
- Launch Price: $179
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Model number: A2565 and A2564
- Chip: H1
- Audio Technology: Adaptive EQ, Live Listen audio, Custom high-excursion Apple driver, Custom high dynamic range amplifier, Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Microphones: 3 microphones in each
- Battery: Up to 6 hours of listening time on one charge, 30 hours with a charging case
- Water Resistance: IPX4
The AirPods 3rd Gen, a mix of the 2019 AirPods and AirPods Pro, launched in 2021. They’ve got shorter stems, and the non-tip design stays, making them less mask-bumpy and more comfy.
The charging case is a cool combo of the Pro and 2019 models – more comprehensive but compact. Magnets keep the earbuds in place, and they snap shut nicely.
These buds are smart. A new sensor detects if they’re in your ears. No ears? Music pauses, saving battery. They’re sweat and water-resistant, too, with an IPX4 rating, so light rain’s fine, but they’re not for swimming.
Now, the sound. Apple says the 3rd Gen has new low-distortion speakers and high dynamic range amplifiers. What does that mean? Strong bass and crisp, clear highs. The sound quality is a step up from the 2nd Gen, warmer and more robust. Sound-wise, Apple amps up the audio with new speakers and amplifiers. They also support Spatial Audio, so you get this 3D sound feel with Dolby Atmos.
But, there is no Transparency mode like the Pro. The battery life is solid – up to 30 hours with the case, but it drops to 5 hours with Spatial Audio on.
AirPods Pro 2nd gen, 2022
- Launch date: September 7, 2022
- Launch Price: $249
- Bluetooth: 5.3
- Model number: A2931, A2699, and A2698
- Chip: H2
- Audio Technology: Adaptive EQ, Live Listen audio, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, Custom high-excursion Apple driver, Custom high dynamic range amplifier, Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Vent system for pressure equalization; iOS 17 makes way for Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and Conversation Awareness
- Microphones: 1 at the end of the stem and one microphone inside the earpiece for auto-noise cancellation.
- Battery: Up to 6 hours of listening time on one charge, 30 hours with a charging case
- Water Resistance: IPX4
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen was released in September 2022 alongside the Apple Watch Ultra. It kept the look of the first-gen AirPods Pro but with some cool new upgrades.
These earbuds are still splash-resistant with an IPX4 rating. They’ve doubled down on noise cancellation, and the adaptive transparency is a neat touch. The personalized spatial audio makes your music sound more lifelike.
The upgraded H2 chip offers better noise cancellation and 3D audio. The adaptive EQ tunes the sound to your ears in real-time, delivering clear highs and deep bass.
And the battery life? You can listen for up to 6 hours on a single charge, and the MagSafe charging case boosts that to 30 hours. Sure it’s better than the 1st gen Pro, but the battery performance is the same as the 3rd gen AirPods.
AirPods Pro 2nd gen, 2023 with USB‐C
- Launch date: September 12, 2023
- Launch Price: $249
- Bluetooth: 5.3
- Model number: A3047, A3048, A3049
- Chip: H2
- Audio Technology: Adaptive EQ, Live Listen audio, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, Custom high-excursion Apple driver, Custom high dynamic range amplifier, Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Vent system for pressure equalization; iOS 17 makes way for Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and Conversation Awareness
- Microphones: 1 at the end of the stem and one microphone inside the earpiece for auto-noise cancellation.
- Battery: Up to 6 hours of listening time on one charge, 30 hours with a charging case
- Water Resistance: IP54
Let’s talk about the 2nd generation AirPods Pro with USB-C, which comes out in 2023. With the iPhone 15 moving to USB-C, it made sense for Apple to update its flagship noise-canceling earbuds, too. Priced at $249, these updated AirPods Pro offer the same top-notch active noise cancellation (ANC), solid sound, and seamless iOS integration as the Lightning port version.
You can’t get the Lightning port version on Apple’s website anymore, but it’s still available on Amazon.
Both models look the same, so if you liked the fit of the original, you’d feel the same about the USB-C version. They use the H2 chip for enhanced noise cancellation and better sound quality.
Both models last up to 6 hours of listening, reduced to 5.5 hours with spatial audio and head tracking. The charging case offers up to 30 hours of listening or 24 hours of talk time.
The key difference? The new model sports a USB-C port on the charging case, providing the same level of moisture protection and added dust resistance with an IP54 rating compared to the previous model’s IPX4.
