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5 Year Check In: Is anyone still using AirPods 1st Gen Without Issues in 2021?
- Thread starter ntlman
- Start date
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I finally relented and got a new set of AirPods (2nd gen, sealed, new, for $80)
I simply couldn't handle the abysmal battery life anymore on my original 2016 AP1's
They will now live in my gym bag as they do still have enough life for most gym stuff (for now).
The normal battery life has been wonderful to have again, but the real star of the show is the H1 chip in there and how fast it connects and switches devices, etc. Very pleasurable upgrade.
I really hope they don't mess too much with the OGAP's over time.
I love the shape, fit, open (let outside sound in) design, etc.
I simply couldn't handle the abysmal battery life anymore on my original 2016 AP1's
They will now live in my gym bag as they do still have enough life for most gym stuff (for now).
The normal battery life has been wonderful to have again, but the real star of the show is the H1 chip in there and how fast it connects and switches devices, etc. Very pleasurable upgrade.
I really hope they don't mess too much with the OGAP's over time.
I love the shape, fit, open (let outside sound in) design, etc.
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I voted “functional, but with major issues”. My launch day AirPods still work, but they’re only good for about 15 minutes of audio. Battery life was noticeably degraded around the 2-2.5 year mark (approximately 60% of original) and after moderate use.
My launch day Gen 2s are holding up much better. It could be related to improved battery management software, a difference in amount of use (probably less, but not significantly so), or just luck.
My launch day Gen 2s are holding up much better. It could be related to improved battery management software, a difference in amount of use (probably less, but not significantly so), or just luck.
I get about 30 minutes of audio with the right, 20 minutes with the left. And about 3 minutes of a phone call.
Got mine in April 2017 and had to purchase 2nd gen on release day since the 1st gen AirPods started losing over 80% of charge in less than 45 minutes of listening to music. I've tried them out again a few weeks ago and the left one doesn't last for more than 30 seconds, which doesn't constitute functional in my book.
Still got mine, they still work great with the caveat that Apple replaced the batteries in them for free a couple of years ago.
I'd have moved to AirPod Pros years ago if they weren't so painful in my ears.
I'd have moved to AirPod Pros years ago if they weren't so painful in my ears.
I've had my 'day 1' Airpods replaced every year due to poor sound quality/mic not working.
If it weren't for replacements being free under warranty, I would've chucked them in the bin ages ago.
If it weren't for replacements being free under warranty, I would've chucked them in the bin ages ago.
Same (I thought...)
My multiple attempts (and then returns) with APP convinced me that the product is just not what I'm looking for.
With how I use Airpods, I specifically like and prefer the open design that just "rests just outside the ear".
It's so comfortable - truly it disappears - and letting in some ambient audio by design is perfect.
I totally get the appeal of APP if the form factor better fits what ones needs are.
They are definitely different enough where they both should exist in perpetuity.
Batteries on mine wouldn't last 15 minutes after two years. Had them replaced at Genius Bar.
New ones work alright but I suspect they don't switch between devices as good as was originally advertised.
New ones work alright but I suspect they don't switch between devices as good as was originally advertised.
They hold a charge for about 30 seconds to two minutes at most. So while they do connect and play back audio and everything else, they are essentially useless because of the completely depleted batteries in both earpieces.
I bought them in January 2018 and they started "dying" very rapidly and suddenly sometime in late 2019, early 2020. Which is expected, but it was still very frustrating.
The charging case, however, does seem to hold 2-3 charges and I totally would use it with a pair of 2nd Gen AirPods. Except no retailer I've come across offers (genuine) replacement AirPods that are cheaper than just buying a completely new set of 2nd Gen AirPods.
I have APP now and I'm quite happy with them except for some issues with the "auto"-switching on M1 mini and M1 iMac(I actually have to go ethernet only and turn off Wifi for Bluetooth to be usable).
I bought them in January 2018 and they started "dying" very rapidly and suddenly sometime in late 2019, early 2020. Which is expected, but it was still very frustrating.
The charging case, however, does seem to hold 2-3 charges and I totally would use it with a pair of 2nd Gen AirPods. Except no retailer I've come across offers (genuine) replacement AirPods that are cheaper than just buying a completely new set of 2nd Gen AirPods.
I have APP now and I'm quite happy with them except for some issues with the "auto"-switching on M1 mini and M1 iMac(I actually have to go ethernet only and turn off Wifi for Bluetooth to be usable).
Battery only lasts about 90-120 minutes but they function normally.. Will be looking into the AirPo Pro's or whatever replaces them in the future
I've just replaced my 1st Gen AirPods a few months ago. They worked/were functional, but the left one kept losing it's connections and the battery drained in like 15 minutes of use.
Bought the AirPods Pro's and couldn't be happier.
Bought the AirPods Pro's and couldn't be happier.
well.....I cheated mine were down to 2 mins run time 
so I just heard of Pod Swap (this company has a process where they can replace the batteries (WOW, not easy)) and I ordered the replacement 1st gen AirPods and received them on the 14th popped out my battery tired Pods and popped in the "New" Pods into my 1st generation battery case and WOW they LOOK great and operate as new. My ole pods are on their way back to Florida to have the batteries replaced reconditioned and resold.....COOL!
so I just heard of Pod Swap (this company has a process where they can replace the batteries (WOW, not easy)) and I ordered the replacement 1st gen AirPods and received them on the 14th popped out my battery tired Pods and popped in the "New" Pods into my 1st generation battery case and WOW they LOOK great and operate as new. My ole pods are on their way back to Florida to have the batteries replaced reconditioned and resold.....COOL!
Battery is the only downside for me, but saying that I can still get a good hour and half out of them
I wanna get some new ones with ANC but can't decide which ones to get for now
I wanna get some new ones with ANC but can't decide which ones to get for now
I replaced one around the 3 year mark (it just died). The other one had significantly less battery life, but I was dealing with it. Now they're both cutting out after about 30 minutes (no idea why - doesn't appear to be a battery life issue) - tried resetting the pairing, no change - so I'm thinking the one that wasn't replaced is causing the issues with bluetooth getting dropped.
Waiting for the AP3's to replace them.
I do have a pair of JayBirds I can use in a pinch...should charge them up.
Waiting for the AP3's to replace them.
I do have a pair of JayBirds I can use in a pinch...should charge them up.
I had them replaced due to battery degradation about a year and a half ago. (Apple bar didn’t know about the replacement fee at he time but they did it for me for 90 total) About an hour for a call and three for music. Before replacement it was about 20 min a call and an hour for music with the right dying after 40 min.
The batteries on my OGs finally died and I used PodSwap to get a new pair. Quite a nice service.
I’ve been meaning to ask others about this service. $70 for a swap seems reasonable, especially when compared to buying a brand new pair altogether. Do they replace the case, as well, or just the AirPods, alone?