When will Apple release its wireless AirPods? What do AirPods offer? How much will Apple’s wireless headphones cost?
Rumours regarding Apple working on wireless headphones aren’t new – they’ve been around for a few years now. However what is new is the announcement of AirPods, Apple’s wireless earphones, during the iPhone 7 launch. How much will AirPods cost, when will AirPods be available in the UK and more importantly, what do AirPods offer? These are all the questions we look to answer in this article.
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Updated 2 November with release date updates.
Apple AirPods release date, price UK: Release date and pricing
So, how much will Apple’s new wireless AirPods set back the average consumer in the UK? Apple will sell the wireless earphones for £159 in the UK once they are released, which doesn’t seem too bad when you consider that other wireless earphones (like Earin) cost £200+. However, the fact that they cost the same in the US ($159) makes prospective UK buyers feel a little cheated by the company.
If you can get over the questionable pricing tactics, to the wireless AirPods will be available in January 2017 from the Apple Store – according to Chinese supply chain sources. This might come to a disappointment to some, given that the initial release date was set for ‘late October’. You’ll have to hold out from treating others or yourself until after Christmas!
It should be noted that no release date has been confirmed by Apple, but the company did state that it didn’t feel ‘ready for its customers’.
Apple AirPods release date, price UK: What do Apple’s AirPods offer?
But what makes Apple AirPods different from other Bluetooth earphones (and headphones) on the market? AirPods offers users a way to listen to their music wirelessly, which is a lot more important now that Apple has erased the standard 3.5mm headphone jack from its iPhone 7 range. The good news is that as they are Bluetooth-powered, they can be used with more than just an iPhone – it can also be used with a Mac, iPad and even an Apple Watch.
With regards to looks, the AirPods look similar to Apple’s standard EarPods, although (obviously) without any wires attached. The tail of the earphones is slightly longer too, and the addition of hints of silver give the wireless earphones a more premium look than their wired predecessors, and also come with a rather sleek looking carry/charge case, which will keep the little batteries topped up when not in use.
