Apple has released six different generations of AirPods across three distinct lineups, making it clear that the company is serious about its presence in the consumer audio space. AirPods have been around since late 2016, and in the years since then, Apple has made some small (and drastic) upgrades to push the product line forward. They may not have the very best audio quality and battery life compared to other earbuds, but that's outweighed by how well AirPods work within the Apple ecosystem. Between easy pairing, seamless device switching, and reliable connectivity, the experience of using AirPods with other Apple gadgets has yet to be matched.
The AirPods story began in September 2016 when Apple launched the first-generation AirPods. The first-gen AirPods stuck around for quite a while, but then in March 2019, they were replaced by AirPods 2. AirPods 2 remained as the go-to AirPods choice for a couple of years — though they were eventually succeeded by AirPods 3 in October 2021. Alongside its standard AirPods, Apple also launched AirPods Pro in October 2019, AirPods Pro 2 in September 2022, and AirPods Max in December 2020.
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Key Differences Between AirPods Generations
In the case of AirPods 1 vs. AirPods 2, Apple offered minor improvements to speaker and microphone quality, slightly longer battery life, faster device switching, and a voice-activation feature for accessing Siri. AirPods 3 is where things got really exciting. The third generation introduced an all-new design with shorter stems and a wider case — not unlike AirPods Pro. Compared to AirPods 2, AirPods 3 also added spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, sweat/water resistance, longer battery life, and a MagSafe-compatible charging case.
The new AirPods Pro 2 offer a core experience that is similar to AirPods 3, but they are better in multiple ways. They feature personalized spatial audio, have active noise canceling, and come with customizable ear tips. It's a pretty great overall package, though the $249 asking price may be a deterrent to some shoppers. AirPods 3 are more affordable at $179, or folks can still buy AirPods 2 for $129.
And, last but not least, there are AirPods Max. AirPods Max are technically in the same family as AirPods and AirPods Pro, but it's a completely different product outside of the name. Where AirPods and AirPods Pro are earbuds, AirPods Max takes the shape of over-ear headphones. They have excellent sound, craftsmanship, and features, but the exorbitantly high price of $549 is bound to keep most shoppers with either AirPods or AirPods Pro.
Which AirPods Type Is Best For You?
In total, Apple has launched six AirPods so far. There are three generations in the standard AirPods lineup, two in the AirPods Pro range, and the AirPods Max. While it's been two years since the AirPods Max were announced, it looks like fans of the over-ear headphones will need to wait a bit longer for a successor. When it comes to choosing the best AirPods, the options are currently limited to the AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max.
The AirPods 2 are ideal for those who want Apple's earbuds without spending too much, but buyers would be better off picking up the AirPods 3 owing to their better features and improved battery life. The AirPods Pro 2 however are the best AirPods for most users. Apple's latest earbuds feature the new H2 chip that brings improved spatial audio and better battery life. They are also equipped with a new touch sensor for controlling volume. Even the charging case has been upgraded with Find My functionality, a speaker for emitting a sound, and a lanyard loop. Apple has also included extra-small ear tips for the AirPods Pro 2, making them accessible to even more users.
How To Tell What Generation Of AirPods You Have
Those who received their AirPods as a gift or perhaps purchased them secondhand may not be sure what generation of the earbuds they own, but there are a few easy ways to confirm. Each version of Apple’s AirPods is marked by a model number, and these model numbers correspond to the generation: A2931, A2699, or A2698 for AirPods Pro 2nd generation; A2565 or A2564 for AirPods 3rd generation; A2084 or A2083 for AirPods Pro 1st generation; A2032 or A2031 for AirPods 2nd generation; and A1523 or A1722 for AirPods 1st generation. There’s so far only one generation of the AirPods Max, but for those just curious, the model number is A2096.
To find the model numbers for a particular set of earbuds, AirPods owners can check in their phone’s settings or on the earbuds themselves. On a smartphone, hit ‘Settings > Bluetooth’ or ‘Settings > [your AirPods]’ and tap the ‘More Info’ button. The model number will be displayed with the earbuds’ details. On an AirPod itself, users will find the model number printed on the underside of each earbud in tiny text. For the AirPods Max, that info is under the cushion on the left earpiece.
