Dr. Mac loves his 1st gen Apple AirPods, but it turns out he loves his new AirPods Pro even more, as he explains in episode #360 of his long-running Dr. Mac’s Rants & Raves column!
AirPods Pro
AirPods Shipments Could Double to 60M This Year
Shipments of AirPods are expected to double this year to 60 million units, driven in part by the AirPods Pro.
Apple Releases AirPods Pro Firmware Update
It’s unclear what the firmware update does, and the update process is automatic. But, users are reporting their firmware version number went from 2B584 to 2B588.
Social Media, Hands On with AirPods Pro, Apple Content Bundles, with John Kheit - ACM 524
John Kheit joins Bryan Chaffin to discuss social media, mob rule, and the 1st Amendment. Yikes! They also talk about their hands-on experience with AirPods Pro and look at Apple’s content pricing and whether or not the company is likely to offer more bundles for its content (spoiler: no!).
AirPods Pro, Other True Wireless Earbuds – TMO Daily Observations 2019-11-01
Dave Hamilton and Bryan Chaffin join host Kelly Guimont to discuss Bryan’s new AirPods Pro, and some features of true wireless earbuds.
AirPods Pro go on Sale Across The Globe
New AirPods Pro landed in Apple Stores around the world, with customers in Tokyo and Shanghai some of the first to get their hands on them.
It Will Cost $89 to Replace a Lost AirPods Pro
It’s all too easy to lose wireless earbuds, but the cost of replacing an AirPods Pro should act as another incentive to be extra careful.
Encryption (Stance) Evolution, AirPods Pro – TMO Daily Observations 2019-10-28
Charlotte Henry and Bryan Chaffin join host Kelly Guimont to discuss former FBI counsel Jim Baker’s stance on encryption and new AirPods Pro.
Apple Announces AirPods Pro with Active Noise Cancellation, Available October 30th [Update]
Apple announced AirPods Pro Monday — without a media event — featuring an in-ear design with noise cancellation, as predicted by a recent leak. AirPods Pro are available for preorder now, and will ship October 30th. [Update: article has been updated with more details and features.]
AirPods Pro or Airpod Pros? – TMO Daily Observations 2019-10-22
Dave Hamilton and Bryan Chaffin join host Kelly Guimont to discuss speculation about new AirPods, their features, and earning the “pro” name.
Chinese Publication Says 'AirPods Pro' Coming by End of October
There’s a fun new leak coming out of China saying that Apple will release “AirPods Pro” by the end of October.
Win Free AirPods 2 Tomorrow With 7-Eleven
The first 500 people to place a US$50 order in 7-Eleven’s 7NOW app can win free AirPods 2. First come, first serve, while supplies last.
AirPods 2 Get a Zero out of Ten for Repairability
iFixit is back, this time doing a teardown of the AirPods 2. They remain “disappointingly disposable” and get a 0/10 for repairability.
That said, the construction isn’t entirely unimproved—this set might survive an extra trip through the washing machine. It’s just, we know Apple can do better.
Not really a surprise here.
iFixit's AirPods 2 Teardown 'Disappointingly Disposable'
iFixit recently did an AirPods 2 teardown to see what’s different and how repairable they were. The verdict?
Let’s get the second of those points out of the way right away: they are not serviceable at all. iFixit had to go to almost comical lengths to open the AirPods up, and despite their expertise and tools, the iFixit team was unable to do so without permanently damaging the product. They described the product as “disappointingly disposable,” which is to say there is no practical way to service or repair them even at a professional shop.
Pick Up AirPods 2 in an Apple Store Today
You can pick up a pair of AirPods 2 in Apple retail stores today. Previously they were only available online.
If you’re looking to get your hands on a pair of second-generation AirPods, you may be able to score a pair directly from a brick and mortar Apple Store today via in-store pickup. Not all locations have stock available, and supplies will likely be limited, so you may want to act fast if you want them today.
Headphones (including AirPods), Apple's Premium News Service – TMO Daily Observations 2019-03-21
Dave Hamilton and Charlotte Henry join host Kelly Guimont to discuss AirPods and alternatives, and chat about Apple’s premium news serivce.
New AirPods, iMac Processor Update – TMO Daily Observations 2019-03-20
Andrew Orr and John Martellaro join host Kelly Guimont to discuss the latest iteration of AirPods and an update on the new iMac processor.
AirPods 2 Released With Wireless Charging, Hey Siri
The latest product to be released by Apple is AirPods 2. They have a new H1 chip with 50% more talk time, Hey Siri, and wireless charging.
AirPods 2 Might Charge in 15 Minutes
The much anticipated AirPods 2 will charge quickly it seems. Very quickly. Cult of Mac reported on a tweet from writer Max Weinbach that said that the earbuds could be charged in 15 minutes. The case is though likely to be heavier and bigger, Mr. Weinbach said. It is also thought that the AirPods 2 will be available in black. It could all be unveiled at Apple’s expected March 25th event.
“AirPods wireless charging will happen. It will be VERY fast (0-100 in 15 minutes.) That speed is for the AirPods AND the case. It will probably use Qi charging,” said Max Weinbach on Twitter. The current version of these headphones already fast charge, but power comes from their case. The charging case has to be plugged into a Lightning cable. The next version will be all wireless.
AirPods 2 Thought to Launch in 2019
AirPods 2 are rumored to launch in the first half of 2019, and could be redesigned to have health monitoring features.
The One about Star Wars Stormtroopers Inspiring Jony Ive's Apple Earpod Design
That’s the story according to Star Wars rebooter J.J. Abrams, as revealed in a Wall Street Journal profile of Jony Ive.
Apple AirPods: Very Nice (Except for the Price)
Dr. Mac’s going to tell you all about Apple’s AirPods wireless headphones today, after a bit of backstory (for context). Spoiler alert: He likes ’em but thinks they are overpriced.
Black AirPods Exist Thanks To BlackPods
A company called BlackPods is offering custom painted AirPods, but as the name suggests they only offer them in black. Matte black, to be specific. You can buy a pair directly from the company, or send in your own pair and pay to have them coated using a custom process.
AirPod Alerts for Your Local Apple Store
When AirPods went on sale for preorder on December 13, Apple quickly became backordered. Customers found that delivery estimate for their order were up to 4-6 weeks out. Apple Stores have been receiving shipments of AirPods every day or so. Other stores like BestBuy and Target are also getting regular shipments. If you haven’t ordered AirPods yet, and don’t want to have to check with each store, you can use this handy website to get AirPod Alerts. You enter your email address and the physical address of your local Apple Store. Then, you’ll be notified whenever your store gets a new shipment of AirPods.