EarPods
Headphones produced by Apple
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
EarPods are wired earphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc.. They were introduced in September 2012 alongside the iPhone 5 and replaced Apple’s earlier circular earbuds. EarPods are characterized by an asymmetric, contoured design intended to better fit the human ear and improve comfort and sound performance.[1] The EarPods are available in three connector options: 3.5mm headphone, Lightning and USB-C. EarPods were previously bundled with various iPhone models from 2012 to 2020.
EarPods feature a rigid plastic housing with a distinctive elongated shape that rests against the concha of the ear rather than sealing the ear canal. Unlike in-ear monitors, EarPods do not use silicone or foam tips and are considered open-fit earphones.[2]
History
The EarPods were initially only available with the 3.5mm headphone connector, and were first bundled with the iPhone 5, iPod Touch (5th generation) and iPod Nano (7th generation). They feature an inline remote with playback and volume controls, as well as an integrated microphone. However, EarPods bundled with iPod models did not include the remote and microphone.[3]
EarPods with a Lightning connector were introduced in September 2016 alongside the iPhone 7, which was the first iPhone model not to include a 3.5mm headphone connector. These EarPods are compatible with devices equipped with a Lightning port running iOS 10 or later. Because the Lightning connector does not carry analogue audio, this version incorporates an internal digital-to-analog converter.[4]
Beginning with the release of the iPhone 12 series in October 2020, Apple ceased bundling EarPods with new iPhones, except in regions where their inclusion is required by law.[5] Apple also reduced the retail price of EarPods to coincide with this change. After the discontinuation of the iPod product line in 2022, EarPods became available exclusively as a standalone purchase.[6]
EarPods with a USB-C connector were introduced in September 2023 alongside the iPhone 15 series, following Apple's transition from the Lightning port to USB-C on iPhone models.[7][8]
Reception
Initial reviews of the EarPods noted that they were a noticeable improvement over previous Apple headphones, particularly in comfort and overall sound quality. Wired highlighted that the redesign delivered better sound than the earlier model while keeping the same low price point.[9] Macworld similarly noted that a key complaint with earlier Apple earbuds was poor fit, and treated the new shape as an attempt to address that, alongside changes to perceived audio performance.[10]
Later evaluations were more mixed, often framing the EarPods as competent "included" earphones rather than enthusiast headphones. RTINGS characterized them as comfortable and portable, with sound suitable for casual listening but with limited bass and few modern features compared with wireless alternatives.[2] Reviewing the Lightning version, What Hi-Fi? argued that the sound would not satisfy audiophiles, criticising a lack of detail and dynamics while still describing them as fit for short, everyday use.[11]
Since the mid-2020s, wired headphones such as EarPods have been reported to experience renewed interest after a period of widespread adoption of wireless models, including Apple’s AirPods. Commentators have attributed this renewed interest to a range of cultural, practical, and stylistic factors, including visibility as a fashion accessory, adoption by celebrities and influencers, perceived simplicity compared with battery-dependent devices, and nostalgia.[12] Other cited factors include the absence of charging requirements, wired connections, and lower cost relative to many Bluetooth alternatives, in the context of broader discussions of digital fatigue and retro revivals.[13]