It seems that the second AirPods look no different from the first, so if you buy from unauthorized sellers, you can easily be deceived.
Buy AirPods 2 from a trusted store. Price – 16,990 rub. (pre-order)
AirPods 2 in a regular case, without wireless charging function – RUB 13,990.
Separate case for AirPods or AirPods 2 with wireless charging – RUB 6,990.
And yet there are differences between the first and second generations of AirPods. Here's how to tell them apart:
Apple's first headphones.
Apple introduced its headphones to the world when such an accessory as headphones was already popular. Of course, other headsets looked completely different and the players had cassettes, but people often listened to music that way. Also, the headsets were connected to each other at the top with a rim and this was not entirely convenient for users. Apple solved this problem and created in-ear headphones for the first time. The corporation's first headset was Earbuds. They were inserted into the ears and connected to each other by two neat white wires. By the way, at that time there was no other headset with white wires. This has become such a hallmark of Apple. Earbuds appeared in 2001. They were released along with the player. Already in 2002, the corporation released updated Earbuds, which looked the same until 2016, until EarPods appeared.
Legend in the flesh
Unlike most developers, the components are of very good quality, the corporation values its reputation and does not skimp. The previously developed “ears” were loved because of their design features and recognizable shape. They were created taking into account the structure of the human auricle and its geometry, which explains their convenience in comparison with competitors.
The output devices are arranged in a special way to minimize the loss of halftones and improve the sound; in low frequencies, audibility is deeper and richer.
The design is amazing! They look monolithic: without seams, gaps or cracks. The frequency range is 20Hz–20Hz in stereo, and the length of 120cm is enough for the eyes. The special coating is pleasant to the touch and reduces tangling.
You can adjust the volume and receive calls; barely noticeable keys are responsible for this functionality. The traditional mini-Jack3.5mm allows you to use them with any gadgets that have one. Sound great with Xiaomi, Honor, Samsung, Huawei, Meizu, Lenovo, Motorola, LG.
It’s a paradox, the sound transmission in them is invariably excellent: while listening to tracks of different genres, while watching films/series/videos, or talking on the phone.
The only negative is the cost. You get used to something good quickly; you don’t want to change it for something less presentable. If they fail, you will have to fork out for new ones. iPhone 7 together with them will successfully replace going to the cinema!
Headphones 2012.
In addition to the new iPhone, in 2012 the world was introduced to completely different headphones. Apple scanned hundreds of human ears to make the headphones comfortable for most people. This is how EarPods were born. There was a lot of controversy about them, but despite this they became popular again. Although now we understand that they are not as comfortable as AirPods, they were still comfortable for people, they made their ears less tired and the sound was of high quality. The developers changed the shape of the accessory so that the sound was directed into the ear canal. The EarPods also came with a box that solved the problem of wires always getting tangled. By the way, even now users still buy EarPods, and why not?!
Different AirPods don't work together
Together you can use headphones of either the first series or the second
If you install headphones from different series (A1523 and A2032 or A1722 and A2031) into the charging case, they will not work together. Then a warning will appear on the iPhone screen that you are using different AirPods models.
The fact is that the first and second AirPods operate on the basis of different chips: W1 and H1. The second increases connection stability, increases connection distance and battery life, and also improves sound quality.
You can use either two headphones from the first series or two headphones from the second series. At the same time, any charging case is suitable for any headphones.
EarPods with a lightning connector and the first wireless headphones from Apple.
EarPods have not changed since 2012. It was only with the advent of the iPhone 7 in 2016, which did not have a mini Jack connector, that EarPods with a lightning connector were released. In addition to this update, Apple introduced its new AirPods, which brought a completely new revolution. They became Apple's first wireless headphones. By the way, the company did not become the first on the market in this development. Before AirPods, other manufacturers had already produced wireless headphones, but they were not so convenient, so users turned their attention to the wireless accessory from Apple. There was also some negativity, people wrote terrible reviews about the appearance of the AirPods and so on.
But as you know, AirPods are incredibly popular at the moment. It is convenient to listen to music with them, talk on the phone, you can even listen to music in only one earphone. There was a lot of controversy about whether it was good to use headphones without wires, because the risk of losing them increased significantly. But the iPhone has a “Locator” feature that will help you find your AirPods if you lose them, you can learn how to do this from the blog article. If you are still afraid of losing your AirPods, for example, while jogging, then accessory manufacturers offer various cords for connecting the headsets to each other.
Buy headphone accessories
You can also protect your AirPods case from scratches and drops with a variety of cases. By the way, they will not only protect the case, but also make its design unique. AirPods are popular not only among iPhone users; many people buy Apple wireless headphones and connect them to Android smartphones, as you can find out how to do this from the MacTime blog article.
Number on headphones
Each earbud in a pair of AirPods has a different model number. They can be easily distinguished by this:
- First AirPods: right A1523, left A1722
- Second AirPods: right A2031, left A2032
Here's where you can find it:
The model number is on the headphones themselves
Model numbers are located on each earphone.
Model numbers are located on the underside of the earbuds. The numbers are very small, and personally I can’t see them even with glasses.
To distinguish them, I recommend using a magnifying glass or the software magnifier that is included in the iPhone. It can be added to “Control Center” through its section in “Settings”.
It's bad that the model number is indicated on the part of the headphones that is constantly in contact with the ear. Over the course of several months of use on mine, it has worn well and is difficult to distinguish.
It can be found in iPhone Settings
Only the right earphone number is shown here.
When the headphones are connected to the iPhone, their model number can be found in Settings > General > About This Device > AirPods - this also includes their serial number and firmware version.
This menu shows the model number of the right earbud only : A1523 for the first and A2031 for the second AirPods.
The fact is that it is the right one that is considered the main one, and the left one acts as an additional one. Therefore, the number will not change, even if you hide the right one in the charging case.
However, you cannot connect two different headphones to the same iPhone at the same time. Therefore, conclusions in this case can be drawn only by the number of the right one.
The number is indicated on the headphone box
There should be a sticker like this on the box
If you have new, packaged headphones, pay attention to the sticker with characteristics on one of the edges. The models of the left and right headphones should be indicated next to the barcode .
If you buy headphones from an Apple Store, from an official representative, or from another trusted place, you can trust this information. If not, try printing them out and checking what's inside.
Near the headphone numbers on this sticker, the model of the charging case is also indicated: the second AirPods can be either with a regular case or with one that supports wireless charging.
AirPods update.
Users had to wait a long time for AirPods updates. Their first changes appeared only in 2022. Visually they were no different. AirPods received a new processor. Users also had the opportunity to select cases that support wireless charging. This was a small update, which was enough to support and increase demand for the already popular AirPods. Thanks to the new processor, the 2nd generation AirPods began to switch even faster, and it was also possible to control Siri with your voice, without having to tap your ear. Talk time has also increased by 50%. Users also expected that Apple would present the headset in black, but this has never happened in the entire history of evolution. Therefore, most likely, white color will remain the calling card of Apple headphones. There is now a demand for colored AirPods, so tuning studios have appeared that paint the headphones, and if you also want a colored headset, then you can order one for yourself using the link below.
Order colored AirPods
How to charge and connect the device
Autonomous operation is 5 hours. The portable case allows you to extend their work up to 24 hours. The charged case has a built-in battery: if you put the headphones in it for 15 minutes, you will get a charge that will last for 3 hours of music playback. The case is recharged via a Lightning cable.
iPhone 7 will connect the headphones to itself: just bring the case to the gadget. The portable case syncs with all Apple devices. No need to go into settings, turn on Bluetooth, connect devices, or enter passwords. In a second, your gadget will connect to AirPods and display their status and charge level.
Apple's new AirPods, created for the iPhone 7, are the embodiment of autonomy and freedom of the future. Engineers made them as universal as possible for the human ear, ensuring the natural position of the device and the correct distribution of sound flows.
New in-ear headphones.
Apple decided to release wireless in-ear headphones and they became AirPods Pro. They also only come in white. AirPods Pro come with removable ear pads and have a different design from the regular model. The AirPods Pro have a shorter stem, vacuum tips, external microphones with a wind-absorbing mesh, a smart processor, and a powerful speaker. AirPods Pro have two modes: transparent and noise reduction. It is these features that make them more technologically advanced. True, the cost of this model can be compared with the cost of the first iPod. Now there is no need to tap on your ear through the earphone, you just need to press and press the earphone stem, on which the call, music and Siri control buttons are now located. If you are wondering whether to buy AirPods or AirPods Pro, then check out the review on the blog to make the right decision.
Now there are rumors that an AirPod Studio model may appear. The headphones will be on-ear and professional. This is quite possible, especially considering that Apple bought the Beats brand, where there are Studio headphones of the same name.
Stages of development of Apple headphones:
- 2001 - Earbuds.
- 2004 - in-ear iPod In-Ear Headphones.
- 2007 - Earbuds with microphone.
- 2008 - updated vacuum headphones iPod In-Ear Headphones.
- 2009 - Earbuds with volume and answer buttons.
- 2012 - EarPods.
- 2016 - AirPods are wireless.
- 2019 - AirPods 2nd generation.
- 2019 - AirPods Pro.
This is the evolution of Apple headphones, which the world first saw in 2001. As you can see, the popularity of headphones is growing rapidly and there are only more fans of the product every year. If you are not yet the proud owner of AirPods, then before purchasing, read the reviews of the accessory in order to choose a model for yourself that will delight you for a long time.
Watch the video for tips on choosing the best type of headphones. These tips have already helped many MacTime channel subscribers make the best choice.
View review with tips
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Headphones for iPhone with microphone
In 2009, Apple equipped the iPhone 3GS with new headphones - Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic. They differed from the previous model by the presence of a microphone and new buttons on the control panel for adjusting the volume. This model also came with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.
Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic (2009)
