With the growing popularity of wireless earbuds, it’s natural to wonder how many AirPods models have been released. Well, the answer is simple; Apple has released six generations of AirPods across three distinct product lines.
Apple has been releasing new models of AirPods since their initial release in 2016, and with each new generation, they have continued to improve the design and features.
Each generation offers unique features and improvements over the previous model, so knowing which generation you have is important if you’re thinking about buying a new pair or troubleshooting any issues.
In this article, we’ll go over the various generations of AirPods in depth so you can decide which model is best for you.
How Many AirPod Generations Are There?
There are several generations available at the Apple Store, as shown below:
- First Generation: Released in September 2016.
- Second-Generation: Released in March 2019.
- Third-Generation: Released in October 2021.
- First-Generation AirPods Pro: Released in October 2019.
- Second-Generation AirPods Pro 2: Released in September 2022.
- First-Generation AirPods Max: Released in December 2020.
The Most Significant Differences Between Generations
In the case of AirPods 1 vs. AirPods 2, Apple provided minor improvements to speaker and microphone quality, slightly longer battery life, faster device switching, and a voice-activated Siri access feature. Things got really exciting with AirPods 3. The third generation introduced an entirely new design with shorter stems and a larger case, similar to AirPods Pro. In addition to spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, sweat/water resistance, longer battery life, and a MagSafe-compatible charging case, the AirPods 3 improved on the AirPods 2.
The new AirPods Pro 2 provide a core experience similar to the AirPods 3, but they are superior in several ways. They have personalized spatial audio, active noise cancellation, and customizable ear tips. It’s a pretty good overall package, though the $249 asking price may put some people off. AirPods 3 are less expensive at $179, and AirPods 2 are still available for $129.
Last but not least are the AirPods Max. AirPods Max are technically in the same family as AirPods and AirPods Pro, but apart from the name, they are a completely different product. Whereas the AirPods and AirPods Pro are earbuds, the AirPods Max are over-ear headphones. They have excellent sound, craftsmanship, and features, but the exorbitant price of $549 is likely to keep most customers with AirPods or AirPods Pro.
How to Determine Which Generation You Own
Those who received their AirPods as a gift or bought them used may not know what generation they have, but there are a few simple ways to find out. Each generation of Apple’s AirPods is identified by a model number: A2931, A2699, or A2698 for the AirPods Pro 2nd generation; A2565 or A2564 for the AirPods 3rd generation; A2084 or A2083 for the AirPods Pro 1st generation; A2032 or A2031 for the AirPods 2nd generation; and A1523 or A1722 for the AirPods 1st generation. There is currently only one generation of the AirPods Max, but for those who are interested, the model number is A2096.
AirPods owners can look in their phone’s settings or on the earbuds themselves to find the model numbers for a specific set of earbuds. On a smartphone, navigate to ‘Settings > Bluetooth’ or ‘Settings > [your AirPods]’ and select the ‘More Info’ button. The model number will be displayed alongside the earbuds’ specifications. The model number of an AirPod is printed in tiny text on the underside of each earbud. That information is located under the cushion on the left earpiece of the AirPods Max.
All You Need to Know About AirPods & Their Features
#1. Design and Quality
With the exception of the AirPods Max, all of Apple’s current AirPods models are in-ear, true wireless earbuds. In comparison to the second-generation AirPods, the third-generation model, as well as both generations of the AirPods Pro, have shorter, heavier, and wider stems. If you value comfort, consider the first and second-generation AirPods Pro. The latter also have replaceable silicone ear tips in a variety of sizes, though only the second-generation AirPods Pro come in extra-small. Furthermore, if you intend to use the earbuds during intense workout sessions, you should avoid the second-generation AirPods and AirPods Max, as neither of them are sweat and water-resistant.
The AirPods Max, as opposed to the plastic AirPods, are a large pair of over-ear headphones with stainless steel earcups and a curvy mesh headband. As a result, they’re the heaviest and largest in the lineup. They also have more color options; the earbuds are only available in white, but the Max is available in silver, space grey, blue, pink, and green.
#2. Charging Cases (MagSafe, Lightning, etc.)
Apple sells two charging cases for its earbuds: a wired charging case that charges using a standard Lightning cable and a MagSafe-compatible model that can also charge using Lightning. All MagSafe charging cases work with Apple’s MagSafe technology as well as other Qi-compatible wireless chargers.
However, Apple only sells the second-generation AirPods with the Lightning Charging Case, which only provides up to 24 hours of listening time instead of the 30 hours offered by the other cases. Apple’s Lighting Charging Case, like the other charging cases in the AirPods lineup, is not sweat- or water-resistant. In comparison, the third-generation AirPods can be purchased with either a MagSafe Charging Case or a Lightning Charging Case for $179, though we recommend skipping the latter if you can.
When the first-generation AirPods Pro were released in 2019, they came with a Lightning-only charging case, but that model has become increasingly difficult to find. Both generations of the AirPods Pro now include a MagSafe charging case; however, the case for the newer model differs from its predecessor and the third-generation AirPods in that it includes a built-in speaker and Find My Support, making it easier to keep track of it. Apple also included a built-in loop that allows you to attach the case to a lanyard.
The AirPods Max comes with their own Smart Case, which is designed to save battery life by putting the headphones in a low-power state. Unfortunately, as we mentioned in our AirPods Max review, Apple’s Smart Case isn’t all that great, primarily because it doesn’t do a good job of protecting your headphones. The case is also easily dirty and has too many slits, making it easy for the ear cups to become scratched. It is also not water-resistant, unlike Apple’s latest MagSafe Charging Case.
#3. Noise Cancellation and Other Features
With the exception of the second-generation AirPods Pro, which we have yet to test, all of Apple’s AirPods perform admirably in terms of sound quality. However, each model has a unique set of features, some of which improve the listening experience.
If you’re looking for noise-canceling earbuds, consider the AirPods Max or either generation of the AirPods Pro. All three have active noise cancellation, which muffles background noise so you can concentrate on what you’re listening to. They also include a useful transparency mode, which allows you to hear ambient sounds while listening to music or other audio content.
Where they differ is in the chips. Apple’s H1 chip powers the AirPods Max and the majority of Apple’s AirPods lineup, including the first-generation AirPods Pro, while Apple’s new H2 chip powers the second-generation AirPods Pro. As a result, the second-generation AirPods Pro features an improved Adaptive Transparency mode, which should help reduce harsh noises in your environment while also improving acoustics. Apple also claims that the new AirPods Pro can cancel up to twice as much noise as the first-generation AirPods Pro, which we have yet to test.
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Each pair of AirPods, with the exception of the entry-level AirPods, provides personalized spatial audio support with dynamic head tracking across all Apple devices. As a result, the latest AirPods models provide a more immersive, theater-like sound quality experience than the second-generation model, which lacks this feature. The second-generation model also lacks adaptive EQ, which allegedly adjusts output based on your ear shape, as well as custom high-excursion Apple drivers, which provide more powerful bass. Except for the AirPods Max, all include a custom high dynamic range amplifier that provides clear sound while also extending battery life.
Finally, while the second-generation AirPods, first-generation AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max all have dual optical sensors that detect when they’re in (or on) your ears, the third-generation AirPods and second-generation AirPods Pro don’t. Instead, the newer models employ a skin detection sensor to determine whether your AirPods are in your ears and, as a result, whether they should play or pause audio.
#4. Microphones
All of Apple’s in-ear AirPods include two beamforming mics in each ear cup, which should help reduce outside noise and focus on your voice. However, unlike other earbuds, the second-generation AirPods lack inward-facing microphones, preventing them from listening inside your ear to reduce internal noise. Meanwhile, the AirPods Max have nine microphones: eight for active noise cancellation and three for voice pickup.
#5. Battery Durability
In terms of battery life, the AirPods Max are unsurprisingly the clear winner. Apple claims that they can provide up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge when using active noise cancellation or the transparency mode. The AirPods Max supports spatial audio and can provide up to 20 hours of video playback on a single charge. Furthermore, Apple claims that a five-minute charge can provide up to 1.5 hours of listening time.
Surprisingly, despite being more expensive than the third-generation AirPods, the second-generation AirPods Pro have roughly the same battery life, while the first-generation AirPods Pro has even less. Apple claims that the third-generation AirPods and second-generation AirPods Pro have a maximum listening time of six hours and a charging time of up to 30 hours with the included charging case; however, the new AirPods Pro have a battery life of up to 5.5 hours with spatial audio and head tracking turned on, whereas the third-generation AirPods have a maximum of five hours.
In comparison, the first-generation AirPods Pro provided only 4.5 hours of listening time with active noise cancellation on and five hours without, and up to 24 hours with the included charging case. However, if you charge any of the three models for five minutes, you should get around an hour of listening time.
Naturally, the second-generation AirPods have the shortest battery life in the lineup. Apple claims that the older AirPods can last up to five hours on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the included charging case. On paper, the second-generation AirPods require 15 minutes in the case to achieve up to three hours of listening time.
#6. Controls
The second-generation AirPods Pro are Apple’s first earbuds with swipe controls. This means you can adjust the volume by swiping up or down on the stem. However, they, like their predecessor and the in-ear AirPods, rely on tactile buttons for other settings. On the third-generation AirPods and both AirPods Pro 1 and 2, for example, you must click the stem to pause, play, or answer a call. However, regardless of which AirPods model you purchase, you will be able to launch Siri with a simple voice command.
The over-ear AirPods Max, on the other hand, have physical controls. Each pair includes a Digital Crown, which is larger than the dial on the Apple Watch, as well as a secondary button for switching between active noise cancellation and transparency modes. There is, however, no power button. They activate when placed on your head.
#7. Compatibility (as well as connectivity)
Regardless of which AirPods you purchase, you will be able to automatically switch between your Apple devices. All AirPods are also compatible with the most recent iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Mac computers. However, the second-generation AirPods are also compatible with older devices, such as the iPhone 6 and the second-generation iPad Mini.
#8. Pricing and Accessibility
The price difference between each AirPods model is the most noticeable. The $129 second-generation AirPods start at $129, though third-party retailers such as Amazon frequently sell them for $99. Meanwhile, the price of the third-generation AirPods varies depending on which model you purchase. The model with the Lightning Charging Case costs $169, while the model with the MagSafe charging case costs $179. However, we regularly see third-generation earbuds selling for between $149.99 and $169.99 at Amazon, Target, and other retailers.
Which one should you get?
]Each model in the current AirPods lineup provides excellent sound quality, dependability, and ease of use. However, which one you should buy is determined by your needs and budget.
If you want noise-cancelling over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max are an easy choice. However, if you’re looking for a pair of true wireless earbuds, things become a little more complicated. If you want active noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro are the only earbuds in the current AirPods lineup that provide it. If you frequently exercise, you may want to consider the AirPods Pro (or even the third-generation AirPods), which offer IPX4 sweat and water resistance. Furthermore, both the first- and second-generation AirPods Pro include replaceable ear tips for a more secure, comfortable fit.
The second-generation AirPods Pro, on the other hand, are likely to have the best noise cancellation. While we haven’t yet put these claims to the test, Apple claims they will be able to cancel out twice as much noise as their predecessor while also offering an improved Adaptive Transparency mode. If you have very small ears, you should consider the second-generation AirPods Pro, which comes with a pair of extra-small ear tips.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, the first-generation AirPods Pro are frequently on sale for around $179.99. That’s about the same as the third-generation AirPods and only $50 more than the second-generation AirPods. They also have active noise cancellation and three replaceable sets of customizable ear tips. They also include features that the third-generation AirPods have over the second-generation AirPods, such as sweat and water resistance, a MagSafe charging case, and better spatial audio support.
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