AirPods

AirPods
First-generation AirPods
DeveloperApple
Manufacturer
Product familyAirPods
TypeWireless earbuds
Released
  • 1st generation: December 13, 2016 (2016-12-13)
  • 2nd generation: March 20, 2019 (2019-03-20)
  • 3rd generation: October 26, 2021 (2021-10-26)
  • AirPods 4: September 20, 2024 (2024-09-20)
Discontinued
  • 1st generation: March 20, 2019 (2019-03-20)
  • 2nd and 3rd generation: September 9, 2024 (2024-09-09)
System on a chip
InputAirPods (each)
Dual beam-forming microphones, dual optical sensors
ConnectivityAirPods (each)
Bluetooth
Charging case
Lightning port (1st–3rd generation)
Qi (Wireless Charging Case for all models)
MagSafe (Wireless Charging Case for 3rd generation)
USB-C port (AirPods 4)
Apple Watch charger (Wireless Charging Case for AirPods 4)
Current firmware1st gen: 6.8.8 (December 2019)
2nd gen: 6F21 (October 22, 2024)
3rd gen: 6F21 (October 22, 2024)
AirPods 4 and ANC: 8B21 (November 13, 2025. )
DimensionsAirPods (each)
0.65 x 0.71 x 1.59 in
(16.5 x 18.0 x 40.5 mm)
Charging case
1.74 x 0.84 x 2.11 in
(44.3 x 21.3 x 53.5 mm)
WeightAirPods (each)
0.14 ounces (4.0 g)
Charging case
1.34 ounces (38 g)
Model NumberAirPods 4 (ANC)
Model number: A3056, A3055, A3057
Year introduced: 2024
AirPods 4
Model number: A3053, A3050, A3054
Year introduced: 2024
AirPods 3
Model number: A2565, A2564
Year introduced: 2021
AirPods 2
Model number: A2032, A2031
Year introduced: 2019
AirPods 1
Model number: A1523, A1722
Year introduced: 2016
Wireless Charging Case for AirPods 4 (ANC)
Model number: A3059
Year introduced: 2024
Charging Case for AirPods 4
Model number: A3058
Year introduced: 2024
Lightning Charging Case for AirPods
Model number: A2897
Year introduced: 2022
MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods
Model number: A2566
Year introduced: 2021
Wireless Charging Case
Model number: A1938
Year introduced: 2019
Works with AirPods 2 and AirPods
Lightning Charging Case
Model number: A1602
Year introduced: 2016
Works with AirPods 2 and AirPods 1
RelatedAirPods Pro, AirPods Max
Websiteapple.com/airpods

AirPods are wireless Bluetooth earbuds designed by Apple. They were first announced on September 7, 2016, alongside the iPhone 7. Within two years, they became Apple's most popular accessory. AirPods are Apple's entry-level wireless headphones, sold alongside the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

In addition to playing audio, the AirPods contain a microphone that filters out background noise as well as built-in accelerometers and optical sensors capable of detecting taps and pinches (e.g. double-tap or pinch to pause audio) and placement within the ear, which enables automatic pausing of audio when they are taken out of the ear.

On March 20, 2019, Apple released the second-generation AirPods, which feature the H1 chip, longer talk time, and hands-free "Hey Siri" support. A higher-end version includes a charging case that supports Qi charging.

On October 26, 2021, Apple released the third-generation AirPods, which feature an external redesign with shorter stems similar to AirPods Pro, spatial audio, IPX4 water resistance, longer battery life, and MagSafe charging capability.

On September 9, 2024, Apple announced the AirPods 4, which feature the H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB-C charging case. A higher end model features active noise cancellation and a charging case that supports Qi and Apple Watch chargers. Additionally, after iOS 26, it enables real-time foreign language conversation through AI translation.