The 1st generation AirPods were released in December 2016, making them over seven years old as of 2024.
The Birth of Apple’s Wireless Revolution
The original AirPods, officially known as the 1st generation AirPods, marked a major milestone in wireless audio technology when Apple launched them in December 2016. At that time, wireless earbuds were far from mainstream, and Apple’s entry reshaped the market with its sleek design and seamless integration with the iPhone ecosystem.
These earbuds weren’t just about cutting cords—they introduced a new standard for convenience, pairing instantly via the proprietary W1 chip. The launch created a wave of excitement and skepticism alike. How would these tiny devices perform without wires? Would they deliver decent battery life? Over time, the answers became clear: the 1st generation AirPods were game-changers.
Today, understanding how old these earbuds are helps put their technical specs and usability into perspective. As technology evolves rapidly, knowing their age also explains their strengths and limitations compared to newer models.
Timeline of the 1st Generation AirPods
The timeline of the original AirPods is essential to grasp their age and relevance today. Apple announced them on September 7, 2016, during an event unveiling the iPhone 7. However, actual shipments faced delays, pushing availability to December 13, 2016.
From that point onward, they remained on sale until March 2019 when Apple discontinued them following the release of the second generation AirPods. Despite this discontinuation, many users continued to rely on their first-gen buds for years due to their solid performance at launch.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement | September 7, 2016 | Introduced alongside iPhone 7; first wireless earbuds from Apple. |
| Release Date | December 13, 2016 | Officially available for purchase after production delays. |
| Discontinuation | March 20, 2019 | Replaced by AirPods (2nd generation), ending production. |
| Current Age (2024) | Over 7 years old | Still functional but technologically surpassed by newer models. |
The Technology Inside the First-Gen AirPods: A Closer Look
The original AirPods packed quite a punch despite their small size. Powered by Apple’s W1 chip—a key innovation—they offered fast pairing with Apple devices and efficient power management. This chip was revolutionary for its time because it allowed seamless switching between devices logged into the same iCloud account.
Battery life was decent: roughly five hours of listening time on a single charge with an additional twenty-four hours provided by the charging case. While those numbers may seem modest compared to today’s standards, back in late 2016 this was impressive for truly wireless earbuds.
Audio quality was well-balanced for casual listeners but lacked some depth and bass punch found in premium competitors or later AirPod generations. Still, clarity and ease of use made them wildly popular.
Sensors inside detected when you removed an earbud to pause playback automatically—a feature that added convenience without requiring user input.
Battery Aging Over Time
One critical factor tied directly to how old these AirPods are is battery degradation. Lithium-ion batteries naturally lose capacity after repeated charge cycles. For first-generation AirPods now over seven years old, battery life often falls well below original specs.
Users frequently report only two to three hours of listening time before needing a recharge after extended use over several years. The charging case also suffers from reduced holding capacity. While replacing batteries isn’t straightforward due to sealed designs, Apple offers battery service options at a cost.
This aging process is inevitable but crucial in understanding whether your first-gen AirPods remain practical or should be upgraded.
Comparing First-Gen AirPods to Later Models
To truly appreciate how old first-generation AirPods are—and what that means—comparing them side-by-side with later iterations highlights technological leaps made since their debut.
| Feature | AirPods (1st Gen) | AirPods (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2016 | 2021 |
| Chipset | Apple W1 Chip | Apple H1 Chip (faster switching & voice activation) |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | 5 hours per charge | 6 hours per charge with spatial audio support |
| Sweat/Water Resistance | No official rating | IPX4 rated (sweat & water resistant) |
| Sensors & Features | AIR proximity sensors & accelerometers (auto-pause/play) |
Adds skin-detect sensors, force sensor controls, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking |
| Casing & Charging | Standard Lightning charging case (no wireless charging) |
Casing supports MagSafe & wireless charging options |
This comparison shows how much Apple has refined its wireless audio tech since launching those first buds in late 2016. The improvements in battery life alone make newer models more appealing for heavy users today.
The Design That Started It All Still Holds Up Well Today
Despite being over seven years old now, the design language of first-generation AirPods remains iconic and instantly recognizable worldwide. Their compact white stems and minimalist look set trends across countless brands trying to replicate that effortless style.
While some complain about fit or comfort compared to newer earbuds offering customizable tips or better sealing against external noise, many users still find these classic pods comfortable enough for daily use even now.
User Experience Over Time: What Age Means Practically?
Owning first-generation AirPods today means balancing nostalgia and functionality against inevitable wear-and-tear issues. The initial wow factor has faded somewhat as newer models offer enhanced features like active noise cancellation or spatial audio effects unavailable back then.
Still, many users appreciate their simplicity—just open the case near an iPhone or MacBook and enjoy instant connection without fussing with Bluetooth menus manually every time.
However, those wondering “How Old Are AirPods (1st Generation)?” should note:
- The batteries likely don’t last as long as they used to.
- No support for hands-free “Hey Siri” commands out-of-the-box.
- Lack of water resistance makes them less ideal for workouts or rainy conditions.
- No noise cancellation or transparency modes compared to newer versions.
- The charging case does not support wireless charging.
- Sporadic connectivity issues may arise due to aging components or software updates over time.
Despite these drawbacks tied directly to their age, many users still swear by their trusty originals because they simply work well enough for everyday calls and music streaming without fussing over too many bells and whistles.
The Impact of Software Updates on Older Models
Apple occasionally rolls out firmware updates improving stability or adding minor features even for older models like the first-gen AirPods. However, these updates rarely add major new functionality due to hardware limitations inherent in older chipsets like W1 versus H1 chips found in later versions.
Software support longevity is another angle where age matters here: older devices eventually stop receiving updates altogether as companies focus resources on current hardware lines—something owners should keep in mind when evaluating continued use versus upgrading.
Caring For Your First-Generation AirPods To Extend Their Lifespan
If you’re holding onto your original buds despite being curious about “How Old Are AirPods (1st Generation)?”, there are practical steps you can take to maximize performance:
- Avoid moisture: Keep them dry since they lack water resistance; sweat can degrade internal components quickly.
- Keeps cases clean: Dirt buildup can interfere with charging contacts; wipe regularly using soft cloths.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: High heat or freezing cold can damage batteries irreversibly.
- If batteries decline severely: Consider Apple’s battery replacement service rather than purchasing new ones immediately—it might be more cost-effective.
- Packing away properly: Store unused buds inside their case rather than loose in bags or pockets where damage risk increases.
- Keeps firmware updated: Connect periodically so your device receives any available fixes improving stability.
- Avoid excessive drops:The plastic build is durable but not invincible; impacts can cause internal damage affecting sound quality or connectivity.
These care tips help squeeze more life out of aging tech while you decide whether it’s time for an upgrade or not.
The Price Evolution Since Launch Day
At launch in December 2016, first-generation AirPods retailed at $159 USD—a premium asking price reflecting cutting-edge tech back then. Prices fluctuated slightly over time depending on supply-demand dynamics but remained fairly stable until discontinuation around early 2019 when second-generation models took center stage at $159 as well but with improved features justifying renewed interest.
Today used units sell anywhere between $50-$100 depending on condition—reflecting depreciation tied directly both to how old these units are plus technological obsolescence against newer offerings featuring better specs like noise cancellation or longer battery life.
A Snapshot Table Showing Price Changes Over Time:
| Date Range | Selling Price Range (USD) | Main Reason For Change |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2016 – Dec 2017 | $159 (MSRP) | Lack of direct competition; novelty pricing |
| Jan 2018 – Mar 2019 | $140-$160 | Slight discounts before discontinuation announcement |
| Apr 2019 – Present | $50-$100 (used/refurbished) | Discontinued model; replaced by newer generations; battery wear concerns |
Key Takeaways: How Old Are AirPods (1st Generation)?
➤ Released in December 2016.
➤ First Apple wireless earbuds.
➤ Discontinued in March 2019.
➤ Over 7 years old as of 2024.
➤ Replaced by newer AirPods models.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the 1st generation AirPods as of 2024?
The 1st generation AirPods were released in December 2016, making them over seven years old by 2024. Despite their age, many users still find them functional, though they have been surpassed by newer models in terms of features and performance.
When were the 1st generation AirPods officially announced and released?
Apple announced the 1st generation AirPods on September 7, 2016, alongside the iPhone 7. However, due to production delays, they were not available for purchase until December 13, 2016.
How long were the 1st generation AirPods sold before being discontinued?
The original AirPods remained on sale from their release in December 2016 until March 2019. Apple discontinued them following the launch of the second generation AirPods, which offered improved features and battery life.
What technological features did the first-generation AirPods introduce at their release?
The first-generation AirPods featured Apple’s W1 chip, enabling fast and seamless pairing with Apple devices. This chip allowed easy switching between devices on the same iCloud account and efficient power management, setting a new standard for wireless earbuds in 2016.
Why is it important to know how old the first-generation AirPods are?
Understanding the age of the first-generation AirPods helps explain their technical limitations compared to newer models. As technology advances rapidly, knowing their age provides context for battery life, connectivity options, and overall usability today.
Conclusion – How Old Are AirPods (1st Generation)? Understanding Their Legacy Today
The first-generation AirPods debuted over seven years ago—a considerable stretch in tech timelines where innovations come fast and furious. Despite aging hardware limitations such as shorter battery life compared with modern successors and missing advanced features like water resistance or active noise cancellation—they remain iconic gadgets that kickstarted true wireless earbuds’ widespread adoption globally.
Knowing exactly how old your pair is helps set realistic expectations about performance longevity while appreciating what they brought into our lives back when wires ruled supreme yet convenience started winning hearts everywhere through those tiny white buds introduced at the end of 2016.
Their legacy lives on not just through nostalgia but through shaping entire product categories across multiple brands aiming ever closer toward seamless user experiences originally championed by those trailblazing first-gen Apple earbuds nearly a decade ago now!