After Rumors of Problems, Apple AirPods Are Finally Here

Apple releases wireless headphones Apple AirPods to the public on Tuesday.

After rumors that Apple’s AirPods would not be available until after Christmas, Apple announced the launch and sale of AirPods. This comes after one of Apple’s biggest technological disrupts, the removal of the headphone jack from the iPhone 7. In addition, Apple delayed the release of AirPods indefinitely explaining that the company did not want to ship a product “before it’s ready.” Anonymous sources told the Wall Street Journal that the delay in the sale of AirPods was due to wireless problems.

In a blog post, Apple announced the opportunity for people to purchase wireless headphones online and starting next week, stores will begin selling the new device at their local stores and authorized resellers.

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Apple releases wireless headphones Apple AirPods to the public on Tuesday. (Image Credit: Apple.com)

 

Described as an “effortless wireless listening experience”, the new device by Apple will allow people to do the same thing they currently can with wired headphones, except for a few additional features.

The new features include the ability to answer phone calls wirelessly, accelerometers that can determine if you’re talking and block out other background noises, microphones that allow you to communicate with Siri, and a newly designed Apple designed chip called W1, which enhances Bluetooth capabilities.

How do the AirPods work?

apple-airpods
Apple releases wireless headphones Apple AirPods to the public on Tuesday. (Image Credit: Apple.com)

The setup process for AirPods is pretty straightforward. All AirPods users have to do is open their charging case near their iPhone and with a touch of a button, the AirPods are automatically connected to Apple products including the iCloud, iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac. In addition, with a simple tap, users can play and pause music. While, double tapping will allow users to activate Siri.

Tech Specs: AirPods

What makes AirPods different than the other Apple products is the newly designed W1 chip. According to Apple, the AirPods’ W1 chip allows for higher-quality audio and longer lasting battery life. AirPods will be able to last for up to five hours off of a single charge and can the charging case can recharge the AirPods, providing 24 hours of additional listening time.

The new W1 technology will also spread to the company’s Beats headphones as the wireless BeatsX headphones will also feature the same wireless chip as the AirPods. However, those headphones were reportedly delayed until February 2017.

How much do Apple’s AirPods Cost?

apple-airpods
Apple releases wireless headphones Apple AirPods to the public on Tuesday. (Image Credit: Apple.com)

Available on Apple.com today, AirPods cost $159 and will soon be available in stores within the next few weeks. However, Apple revealed the first orders will be in limited quantities. In addition, Apple warns customers to check online for availability and estimated delivery times.

Apple Store
Stock Photo: TORONTO – SEPTEMBER 20: People line up in front of the Apple Store in Toronto, Canada on September 20, 2013. Apple’s newest iPhones, the 5C and the 5S go on sale across Canada this day. (Canadapanda / Shutterstock.com)

Shares of Apple were trading up 2.16% on Tuesday afternoon at $115.74.