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SALT LAKE CITY — Apple shocked and, in some cases, disappointed customers when they announced the new iPhone 7 sans headphone jack in September.
Instead of leaving customers to wrestle with tangled headphones, they disclosed plans to develop wireless headphones that would connect with a customer’s devices via Bluetooth. And thus, the AirPods were born.
As of Wednesday morning, AirPods are now available for purchase online and will be in stores next week for a price of $159. Apple will begin delivering the headphones to customers and Apple retail stores, Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers soon, though delivery estimates in the U.S. have slipped to six weeks after purchase.
“AirPods introduce an effortless wireless listening experience packed with high-quality audio and long battery life,” Apple said in a press release.
Customers can use the AirPods with any iOS device that is signed into their individual iCloud account by opening the charger case near their device and tapping to enable connection.
The headphones have a battery life of up to five hours of listening time and come with a travel and charging case that holds additional charges for a total of more than 24 hours of listening time.
Advanced sensors also detect when the AirPods are in the ear and automatically play or pause the audio as the user takes them in and out. Double tapping the headphones will activate Siri.
“...Activat(ing) Siri allow(s) you to access your favorite personal assistant to select and control your music, get directions, make and receive calls or perform any other Siri task,” Apple said.
The headphones will also include a new W1 chip that allows for “seamless connection” with Apple devices and connect instantly whenever the rechargeable battery case is flipped open near an iOS device, allowing consumers to avoid the inevitable tangle of headphone wires.
