Apple’s new AirPods are here, and while there are several obvious reasons to upgrade, for me it’s the small – but important – details that have my finger
Apple’s new AirPods are here, and while there are several obvious reasons to upgrade, for me it’s the small – but important – details that have my finger hovering over the buy button. A perennial success since they first launched in 2017, AirPods epitomize Apple getting things right when it comes to convenience and simplicity. Question is, if you’re a happy first-generation AirPods owner, should you be upgrading?
Apple isn’t short on headline features for the 2019 AirPods. The wireless charging case is, unsurprisingly, the biggest difference to the 2017 originals. That still has a Lightning port on the bottom, but the ability to drop your AirPods on a Qi-compatible pad – or the rear of your Samsung Galaxy S10 – and have it top up could be super-convenient to those who have embraced wireless charging.
Then there’s Hey Siri support. Being able to ask Apple’s assistant for help, to control your music, or just what the battery level of your AirPods is currently – without having to tap them first – could be a big boon, especially if you’re already in the habit of using Siri day to day.
The other big change is also power-related. Listening time for music is the same as before, with up to five hours promised from a single charge of the earbuds, or more than 24 hours when the case is taken into account. For calls, though, you’re getting 50-percent more time from the earbud’s battery – three hours instead of two – and a total of 18 hours when the case is taken into consideration, rather than 11.
Beyond the headline stuff, though, are the smaller improvements. They may not sound like much on paper, but collectively they could make a significant difference to everyday usability.
