Apple’s AirPods are now on sale, after being delayed from their original October launch. The $159 wireless earbuds are currently listed as shipping later in December, and can be ordered here, as spotted by MacRumors. Apple previously said it needed “a little more time before AirPods are ready for our customers,” although we still don’t know the reason for the delay.
Apple’s wireless AirPods are now on sale
is a senior tech and policy editor focused on online platforms and free expression. Adi has covered virtual and augmented reality, the history of computing, and more for The Verge since 2011.
After a few months of delays, the final production version of AirPods is here, and I’ve finally had a chance to test them out.
In a press release, Apple says that the AirPods “will be shipping in limited quantities at launch,” and that brick-and-mortar stores “will receive regular AirPod shipments.” AirPods will start appearing at Apple Stores, “select” carrier stores, and authorized Apple retailers next week. They’re launching in over 100 countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Mexico, and Japan.
The AirPods are a key accessory for the iPhone 7, one of the first major smartphones to ship without a headphone jack. They look almost identical to the company’s old EarPods, but now connect via Bluetooth using a W1 wireless chip, not over wires. For $159, you’ll get a pair of AirPods, a small charging case, and a Lightning-to-USB cable. They’re supposed to deliver five hours of listening on a charge, and the case allows them to charge while stored in your bag. There’s still no word on Apple’s Beats X earbuds, which appear to be delayed until next year.
Update 9:25AM ET: Added availability statement from Apple.
Apple AirPods first look
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