Airpods - new owners views, problems and questions

[c14nhl]

Seen this thread when I first ordered my AirPods and thought I'd return now I've had them for 3 weeks.

I'm in no way an audio file however listen to music via the AirPods over 3 hours per day. I mostly use mine for calls while in the office.

With that said, I couldn't rate them higher. The best piece of tech I've purchased in a long time!

Firstly, and something I've haven't seen mentioned much but what I truly appreciate about the AirPods, to have headphones that can be inserted and operational so instantly is amazing. No time lost untangling wires, plugging into devices, connecting via (usual process) Bluetooth.

Music quality, as I've said, in no way an audio file so take what I say with a pinch of salt but I think they're fantastic! I also own Beats Solo3s, which I also love. The AirPods sounds clearer, crisp. Volume is great. I enjoy my music loud so no matter the headphones I could go louder.

While at my desk the AirPods are next to my iPhone and they connect quickly enough that when I get an incoming call, I can pull one out, place in my ear and answer. Perfect. I tested when I first received them what the call quality sounded like on the other end, I wanted to know the quality of the mic. Sounded good to me. I've never had a complaint during any of my calls, which I'm on multiple daily, although I haven't asked.

Overall all I'm delighted with my AirPods. They're expensive yes, but what a piece of tech. For me, totally worth it.

I understand the vast majority of questions would have been answered by now but if anyone is still on the fence about pulling the trigger, feel free to ask me a question about functionally or a scenario you would like to test, more than happy to share the results.

 

[ReardenMetal]

Has anyone had an issue where once you've connected AirPods/BeatsX to another device (let's say an iPad), then reconnect it back to the iPhone, you lose Apple Watch AirPods/BeatsX battery meter views and Apple Watch BeatsX/AirPods call answering from the watch?
Talked to Apple support and they say it's a known issue, but how can that be on such a core feature for the watch?
The only workaround is power cycling my watch, which is annoying.

 

[matrix07]

Since I have AirPods my habit changed a bit. I had never imagined I would use a phone app on Apple Watch. A few days ago it just dawned on me why I wasted my time taking the phone out of my pocket instead of using the watch. Since then I put Phone complication on my favourite watch face and it works beautifully. You call from the watch and the watch will hand off the operation to iPhone. That means you don't have to unlock the phone first. Everything is just seamless.

Now if the watch can know battery level of AirPods...

 

[jaredlipsitz]

Since I have AirPods my habit changed a bit. I had never imagined I would use a phone app on Apple Watch. A few days ago it just dawned on me why I wasted my time taking the phone out of my pocket instead of using the watch. Since then I put Phone complication on my favourite watch face and it works beautifully. You call from the watch and the watch will hand off the operation to iPhone. That means you don't have to unlock the phone first. Everything is just seamless.

Now if the watch can know battery level of AirPods...

It can. Swipe up to control centre and then click on the battery icon (or click on the battery complication if you have one) and if AirPods are connected you'll get battery level of AirPods!

 

[matrix07]

It can. Swipe up to control centre and then click on the battery icon (or click on the battery complication if you have one) and if AirPods are connected you'll get battery level of AirPods!

Can I connect to both iPhone and watch at the same time? Or is it a good idea (I have 2 watches)?

I can ask Siri for battery level but I'd rather check it on battery complication on the watch like you said.

 

[coffeemadmanUK]

It can. Swipe up to control centre and then click on the battery icon (or click on the battery complication if you have one) and if AirPods are connected you'll get battery level of AirPods!

Ha! I had NO idea this was a thing - thanks!

 

[matrix07]

It can. Swipe up to control centre and then click on the battery icon (or click on the battery complication if you have one) and if AirPods are connected you'll get battery level of AirPods!

Can I connect to both iPhone and watch at the same time? Or is it a good idea (I have 2 watches)?

I can ask Siri for battery level but I'd rather check it on battery complication on the watch like you said.

Oops.. it seems my original Apple Watch just stuck on something for some reason. Today I restart it and now I can see my AirPods battery so all is good.

 

[yukhalilsel]

Added weight and bulk? Ruining the line of trousers?

Nope, me neither.

I sure hope that you’re joking about this.
The case is hardly heavy and bulky. Ruining the line of trousers? Unless your wearing tights all day round, that’s a non-argument.

 

[480951]

I’ve had my AirPods since late December and they were perfect up until a few days ago when the right AirPod would be partially dead out of the case and didn’t appear to be charging properly.

I was ready to come here and ask for help after I used a q-tip inside the case and wiped the bottoms of both pods down with no difference. Fortunately, I examined the right one closer and noticed that there was a slight residue that the cloth failed to remove. I ended up lightly using my nail and they’ve been thankfully back to normal since.

Thought I’d let people know that there might be hope if this is an issue.

 

[dgreening]

I’ve had my AirPods since late December and they were perfect up until a few days ago when the right AirPod would be partially dead out of the case and didn’t appear to be charging properly.

I was ready to come here and ask for help after I used a q-tip inside the case and wiped the bottoms of both pods down with no difference. Fortunately, I examined the right one closer and noticed that there was a slight residue that the cloth failed to remove. I ended up lightly using my nail and they’ve been thankfully back to normal since.

Thought I’d let people know that there might be hope if this is an issue.

Another thing I noticed when they don't come out charged equally. When I place them back in the case, I make sure the green light flashes amber for each Airpod. I noticed a few times 1 might just stay green and then I put the next one in and it will flash but if it doesn't turn Amber then it is not charging. This has been my experience and since I have been doing this I have not had the issue of 1 of the Airpods not being charged.

 

[827538]

Quick question: Is there a way to not have my audio stop when I only take one AirPod out? If I only take one out I want it to keep playing, I'll take them both out if I want them to stop.

Really impressed with mine after travelling. Secure, perfect reliability, very good battery life and easy to use.

Two suggestions I'd give for the next version:

Different colours: Would love to see some space grey ones to match my MacBook and iPhone, would also make them less obvious when using them.

A 'stroke' like sensor on the stick bit to control the volume, no idea how difficult that would be to implement but would give all the control I need without pulling out my iPhone.

 

[dotnet]

What is the current AirPods firmware version? I hear with the iOS 11 beta came an update? I'm using iOS 11 PB1, and my AirPods are on 3.7.2.

 

[matrix07]

Two suggestions I'd give for the next version:

Mine:

• Indicator light when charging the case to let us know they're charging or in full.
• Little beep when battery's at 10% and/or 5%.
• Volume control of course.

 

[mctrials23]

So is it still worth ordering a set of these?

I assume that its very unlikely that we will see an update to these with the new iphones and they are even less likely to include them with the iPhone 8.

 

[Ralfi]

So is it still worth ordering a set of these?

I assume that its very unlikely that we will see an update to these with the new iphones and they are even less likely to include them with the iPhone 8.

Here's my review which I've posted around the traps....

I jumped on these early - had them since December 22.


They're a big part of my week - use them every day at work & during my 3 gym workouts.


The first hurdle is fit - if your ears are like the majority out there, they'll be ok, but unfortunately they can't fit everyone. No manufacturer can make ear buds that suit every ear, especially without rubber/foam covers.


If they fit & don't feel like they're loosening during activity, then you're set.


The next thing is Siri - if you've adapted to voice commands then their lack of physical volume/track controls won't be as big an issue as you think..... Initially, this was a deal breaker for me, but having taught myself to use Siri more frequently in the lead up to their unexpected release, I thought I'd give them a go.


They were brilliant from day 1, & only get better as you get better with Siri.


They're just so seamless in not only the way they connect to your IOS device (iPhone 6s user myself), but in the way they connect you with your device.


Phone calls - The call quality (both ways) is great, even with background noises (I work with equipment fans whirring away behind me whilst on many calls during the day & the people I'm talking to say they're hearing me loud & clear).


It's genius how you can talk for 2-3 hours, hear a low battery tone, take out one Airpod, place it in the charger for 10-15 to quick charge to near full, whilst you still talk on the other. Then after 10-15 minutes, you swap them over & quick charge the other whilst using the freshly charged one.


Charging Case - This little companion completes the package. It's small enough to be mobile & fit in your pants/shorts coin pocket....it gives you 24 hours of charge & quick charges brilliantly, as mentioned above.


Battery Life - Superb. If anything, Apple's stated 5 hours music & 2 hours talk time are conservative. I'm getting a little more for both. But it's really a non issue if you're packing the charging case.

Music - Audio quality is noticibly better than the Earpods. Overall a richer, more detailed sound. I'm a big music listener. Love Spotify/Apple Music & have discovered more new music in the past 6 months than in the prior years as I have these things plugged in near all day.


I don't need the best audio quality, just enough detail with the volume turned down or up, & compared the Earpods, these are superior in both regards.


Tap commands - The simplicity & intuitive nature of either conjuring Siri (my preference) or Play/Pause music are great. & With IOS11, more options are coming with seperate tap commands for each Airpod (track skip/previous). Only a matter of time before volume tap controls are introduced, which will mean these things will sell big (bigger then they have already). Removing an Airpod (whilst using both) pauses not only audio but also Youtube clips & resumes them all once placed back in.....clever.


Noise cancellation - I've never owned noise cancelling ear buds, & due to the safety issues they can create walking down a street or at work, I'm thankful that I can still wear the Airpods whilst talking to a person face to face. Their loudness is high enough to drown out environmental noise enough for me (I don't recommend this, but I turned them up whilst mowing the lawn & was still able to enjoy my music. Gardening's now less of a chore!)


Range - This is another huge plus... I'm able to stand 27m (personal best) from the iPhone & still get uninterrupted music. At gym, I can place the phone on the open locker & exercise anywhere within the complex whilst listening to my tunes & not the repetitive playlist of the gym itself.


6 months later, I'm still discovering reasons why they were worth the money spent.


The way I see it, if you own recent iPhone/iPad, are able to work with Siri, & have similar use habits to me, then these are a must. Apple have managed to balance sound quality, mobility & practicality. As mentioned, Airpods seem to have a very decent package & whilst they're not world beaters in audio fidelity, they're not poor by any stretch.


They even work with Android devices, albeit with less functionality & slower pairing.

 

[JT2002TJ]

What is the current AirPods firmware version? I hear with the iOS 11 beta came an update? I'm using iOS 11 PB1, and my AirPods are on 3.7.2.

It's (or at least with Developers beta) the same version number for the latest version and the Beta version. To tell, you when you go into the airpods menu (on the PB1 device) you will see controls for each ear for double tap vs on option for double tap.

 

[gigaguy]

1st day using. Sound quality about 75-85% of what I'd prefer, the 'More Bass' equalizer setting helps a lot. I wear them upside down, they look less dorky. Getting skins to color them darker.
Work great with Watch and iPhone and without the chip with my Mac Mini.

 

[480951]

Another thing I noticed when they don't come out charged equally. When I place them back in the case, I make sure the green light flashes amber for each Airpod. I noticed a few times 1 might just stay green and then I put the next one in and it will flash but if it doesn't turn Amber then it is not charging. This has been my experience and since I have been doing this I have not had the issue of 1 of the Airpods not being charged.

The issue I had ended up persisting so I took it to an Apple Store where they confirmed there was something wrong with the right magnetic contacts inside the charging case. It was very intermittent but you had to press down on the right AirPod to get it to charge properly.

Anyway, I’ve had mine for 7 months and this was the first issue I’ve had. Apple ordered a replacement AirPods case (that arrived in two days) and they’re back to normal now.

 

[Ralfi]

Another benefit: It's Winter here, & I was working outside during a very cold day, made colder by the breeze.

Airpods allow your hands to stay warm as you can continue to work freely (keep hands moving) whilst talking in the cold weather, as opposed to holding one hand to your ear & it freezing by the time your call ends.

Also allowed me to answer/make calls & keep hands in pockets whilst I waited for someone else to complete their work in my confined area.

 

[twinlight]

Another benefit: It's Winter here, & I was working outside during a very cold day, made colder by the breeze.

Airpods allow your hands to stay warm as you can continue to work freely (keep hands moving) whilst talking in the cold weather, as opposed to holding one hand to your ear & it freezing by the time your call ends.

Also allowed me to answer/make calls & keep hands in pockets whilst I waited for someone else to complete their work in my confined area.

Yeah they are great for skiing also! Small size and near body keeps them warm so the battery doesn't fail due to the cold. Perfect for downhill skiing when you have multiple layers of clothing and gloves on. A swift smack on the helmet activates Siri. Same with answering calls. Makes is far easier to stay in touch with friends and family on the mountain.

 

[JT2002TJ]

1st day using. Sound quality about 75-85% of what I'd prefer, the 'More Bass' equalizer setting helps a lot. I wear them upside down, they look less dorky. Getting skins to color them darker.
Work great with Watch and iPhone and without the chip with my Mac Mini.

OMG!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I actually like them even better upside down (on the opposite side i.e. right pod in left ear upside down). I'm sure it wouldn't be good for phone calls, but for listening, it actually fits my ear even better.

 

[matrix07]

OMG!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I actually like them even better upside down (on the opposite side i.e. right pod in left ear upside down). I'm sure it wouldn't be good for phone calls, but for listening, it actually fits my ear even better.

Pic, or it didn't happen.

 

[calkenneth]

So after a couple of days with iOS 10.3, I can say that bluetooth drop-outs have diminished quite a bit. I've had a couple, but they are much rarer than before. I hope this holds. I've also had a couple of cases where I initiated a call and had to hang up and try again because the voice on the other end was highly distorted and "slowed way down". This has happened twice. Easily resolved by just calling again. So that's a bit annoying, but overall 10.3 has better bluetooth and AirPods drivers.

How are they performing now? I got my pair last week and they were cutting out like crazy when walking around outside. I finally got a new set from Apple and while it performs better, it still cuts in and out at different intersections.

I usually keep my iPhone 6 in my front jeans pocket, and it seems like when I'm walking, my upper body somehow blocks the signal to the AirPods.

 

[Puonti]

I usually keep my iPhone 7 Plus in my messenger bag, which is slung over my back. So the signal has to go through my bag and my back and I never experience drop outs.

It could be that the 7 Plus simply has more powerful BT radios, of course. Or maybe I'm more radio transparent. Or maybe you walk in either areas that are extremely open (no surfaces for the BT radio signals to bounce off of), or where radio interference is far greater.

Could be a lot of things. Even the Airpods, of course.

 

[twinlight]

My AirPods cuts out when I walk past the security checkpoint at wotk. There is probably 300+ phones within that area and the added tablets, laptops and headphones every other person has with them. Also they monitor bluetooth devices and wifi so they can figure out an estimate of number of people passing the security checkpoint.

Most times it skips a little, sometimes cuts out and a few times the Airpods lost connection.