Can't bring myself to buy 2-year old tech AirPods

[Ketsjap]

I still don't see the reason why I'd spend 160$ on Airpods. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren’t these exactly the same earbuds that are included with my iPhone XR, but without a cable?

So you basically pay a lot more for them same audio experience, but without quick access to volume controls, and you have to charge them?

(And they still look silly imo )

Seems like a step back if you ask me. But maybe I’m not seeing it right.

 

[scottcampbell]

I still don't see the reason why I'd spend 160$ on Airpods. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren’t these exactly the same earbuds that are included with my iPhone XR, but without a cable?

So you basically pay a lot more for them same audio experience, but without quick access to volume controls, and you have to charge them?

(And they still look silly imo )

Seems like a step back if you ask me. But maybe I’m not seeing it right.

They're a lot of people's favorite Apple device in recent years.

• No cables to get tangled, frayed, or eaten by your cat (don't ask how many times this happened to me—I've SAVED money with AirPods )
• "Find my AirPods" feature if you lose them
• Can charge your phone while listening to them
• Can switch devices without unplugging / replugging
• Microphone in both left and right headphone
• Audio & videos automatically pause when you remove AirPods
• Easiest pairing of any BT device
• Can use on other devices that don't have headphone jack, like newly announced iPad Pros, etc.

 

[millerj123]

They're a lot of people's favorite Apple device in recent years.

• No cables to get tangled, frayed, or eaten by your cat (don't ask how many times this happened to me—I've SAVED money with AirPods )
• "Find my AirPods" feature if you lose them
• Can charge your phone while listening to them
• Can switch devices without unplugging / replugging
• Microphone in both left and right headphone
• Audio & videos automatically pause when you remove AirPods
• Easiest pairing of any BT device
• Can use on other devices that don't have headphone jack, like newly announced iPad Pros, etc.

All good reasons. I was using the wired EarPods, and two two sets of connected wireless headphones. My AirPods are 98% of what I use now. If mine broke I’d go buy a new pair.

 

[artfossil]

What extra features are people wanting?

Water resistance!
(Although I’ve been using mine to water jog. So far, haven’t had one fall out. )

 

[quietstormSD]

Well I bit the bullet and bought them with some Target gift cards I had lying around (with a price match to Walmart $148). There was just too many times the where I wished I had them or felt I could really use them.

I do wish they had volume controls (swipe up/swipe down on stem?) and ability to skip to next song or play back or skip back to previous song (single tap/double tap). But at this point I don't see them releasing a new pair until the next iPhone launch and one more year is too much.

 

[Ralfi]

and ability to skip to next song

You can set one Airpod to skip tracks in settings.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

I still don't see the reason why I'd spend 160$ on Airpods. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren’t these exactly the same earbuds that are included with my iPhone XR, but without a cable?

So you basically pay a lot more for them same audio experience, but without quick access to volume controls, and you have to charge them?

(And they still look silly imo )

Seems like a step back if you ask me. But maybe I’m not seeing it right.

To answer your question in bold, yes and not even close at the same time.

I always hated the earpods because they never really felt secure in my ears and would come out easily if the cord was bumped or caught on my collar. The Airpods feel so much more secure because there's no cable constantly pulling on them.

When my buddy showed me his for the first time I had the same idea as you but was completely sold when he had me try them. I shook my head pretty rigorously (way more than I ever would during normal activity) and they stay put perfectly. The only time I've ever had them fall out is when I'm lying down on a bench and my ears are sweaty.

 

[ECUSnare]

Well I bit the bullet and bought them with some Target gift cards I had lying around (with a price match to Walmart $148). There was just too many times the where I wished I had them or felt I could really use them.

I do wish they had volume controls (swipe up/swipe down on stem?) and ability to skip to next song or play back or skip back to previous song (single tap/double tap). But at this point I don't see them releasing a new pair until the next iPhone launch and one more year is too much.

I agree with you on the volume up/down. If you go into the bluetooth controls while they're connected, you can change the tap controls (for example, I have mine set to previous track when double tapping the left bud and forward track with the right).

 

[iGeneo]

Well here you go...

https://9to5mac.com/2018/11/05/new-airpods-update-bluetooth-sig-certification/

 

[Ralfi]

Well here you go...

https://9to5mac.com/2018/11/05/new-airpods-update-bluetooth-sig-certification/

Very interested to see what Bluetooth 5.0 brings; Range, battery life, audio quality specifically.

Realise audio quality may not be a huge improvement, but the closer we get to uncompressed over Bluetooth (even via baby steps), the better .

 

[MrInquestador]

I love it. I was amongst the naysayers when the airpods came out and now I'm totally into it .

 

[AppleB]

I bought the AirPods yesterday by using a $100 Apple Give Back Gift Card for my old 6 Plus.
Being delivered today.

 

[saltd]

I’d like to see a black version-matte black would be perfect, but aside from that I’m pretty sure they’re perfect as-is. As was mentioned earlier-two years of everyday use will pretty much wear out the battery. I’m not sure if there’s any way to improve that. A larger battery would likely mean they’d be heavier, which would be a negative.

$150-ish dollars every 2 years seems fair. I could never go back to those tangled mess wired EarPods...

 

[AppleB]

My AirPods were just delivered.
I think they’re pretty good. The sound is good and clear.

Sitting here with them in and watching TV they don’t seem bothersome and I think it’s because of not having wires to deal with. I don’t feel the need to take them out like my Bluetooth ear piece that I was using for phone calls.

Gladly they stay in my ears very well again I believe it’s because there are no wires to tug on them.

I understand now why these things have been so popular.

 

[iFone88]

People saying “they’re the same as the EarPods that come with the iPhone just without the cable”.

They’re not.

They’re slightly bigger, they fit better and they produce a better quality of sound.

And they’re wireless, and have seamless connectivity with your devices

 

[Petey07]

I’d like to see a black version-matte black would be perfect, but aside from that I’m pretty sure they’re perfect as-is. As was mentioned earlier-two years of everyday use will pretty much wear out the battery. I’m not sure if there’s any way to improve that. A larger battery would likely mean they’d be heavier, which would be a negative.

$150-ish dollars every 2 years seems fair. I could never go back to those tangled mess wired EarPods...

I'm thinking of getting them this holiday season (Sam's Club is having a $30 discount this saturday, which makes the price comes down to $117 (listed as $147 right now) and I think it's a good deal.), but what's holding me back is when will the New Airpods (we see rumors about it), and the decision of waiting or getting it now. What updates will i be losing, or the costs of the new airpods if I get it now oppose to when the new one come out... I can always buy it now, and return it within the return period...

 

[AppleB]

I thought about waiting for a update but using the $100 gift card from my iPhone 6 Plus Give Back that’s been sitting in a drawer for 2 years takes the sting out of a update coming out soon.
I paid $59 plus tax and next day shipping. I could have done free shipping and got them tomorrow.
I’m satisfied with them so far.

 

[quietstormSD]

I agree with you on the volume up/down. If you go into the bluetooth controls while they're connected, you can change the tap controls (for example, I have mine set to previous track when double tapping the left bud and forward track with the right).

Thank you! I did not know this!

 

[AppleB]

I’m sure the AirPods 2 will have better battery and some other feature updates but I’m really enjoying these things.
When I was using my Jabra BT ear piece for phone calls their would be a point in the day when I would have to charge it.

With the AirPods and using one when the other is charging works out better. I thought it would be a pain but it’s not at all.

The seem less connection between all my devices is great.
I have a pair of older Studio Beats and going between devices is a pain.

So I’m definitely going to get new Beats with the W1 chip.

 

[phillymacuser]

I just bought a pair and I do not know why I waited so long! I actually went in to buy a wired pair and the guy at my carrier suggested Air Pods. They put them on my bill for $6 per month, interest free. They work so well. I hated the old wired version because the cord would always get stuck on something! These things switch between my phone and watch automatically. Amazing. If a new and updated version came out, I would buy those too.

 

[rmoliv]

I've had two pairs of AirPods that I purchased at different times and I sold them on both occasions after a while. They're very convenient but the sound lacks bass and detail. Actually the EarPods sound better. Nevertheless I'm looking forward for 2nd generation AirPods hoping that sound quality has improved significantly.

 

[Ketsjap]

Well, I caved and bought a pair. I was still thinking they looked stupid but after being on a trip in San Francisco for a few days it didn't look weird to me anymore. Almost half of the city seems to be wearing them!

I'm very pleased with them. The feeling of freedom you get of being cordless is amazing. I notice that I'm not taking them out of my ears anymore because you almost stop noticing you have them in.

Sound quality is okay as well.

Now I only hope they don't update them any time soon

 

[colodane]

What extra features are people wanting?

A volume control you don't have to talk at.