I’ve been using the same $99 AirPods for five years – here’s how I made them last

Apple’s second-generation AirPods flip 5 years outdated right now, and I am proud to say that I have been utilizing the identical precise pair that I purchased again in 2019. In tech phrases, 5 years is an eternity. 

Now, I do know what you are considering. In case your first concern after studying that is disgust (or an odd curiosity) I do not blame you. There are a number of viral tales throughout the web about folks sprouting fungus of their ears (often known as otomycosis), or getting ear infections from sporting earbuds “consistently”, that make the prospect of utilizing the identical pair for an prolonged period of time look like a foul thought.

Additionally: Two new AirPods models expected this fall – here’s everything we know so far

To which I say: do not be gross. Clear your tech. Whether or not we’re speaking about your telephone, wearable gadgets, or AirPods, a part of caring for them is protecting them clear, which additionally goes a protracted option to their longevity and operation. I’ve saved mine clear and by no means as soon as had any run-ins with fungus, microbes, or in any other case.

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However submersion in thriller liquids, being crushed, stepped on, or dropped down sewer grates, these items are literally fairly sturdy. The design of the AirPods is such that there are only a few mechanical parts to “break down” solely by put on and tear.

The truth is, most of the mostly confronted issues with the AirPods are associated to “particles” getting caught in delicate ports, affecting charging or connections, all of which could be mitigated with common tech hygiene. 

One other tip for maximizing your AirPods longevity is protecting monitor of the particular earbuds. This stuff are small and slippery, and I attempt to solely deal with them if I am not shifting. Do not attempt to multitask and pull them out of the case whereas happening stairs or strolling on the street; they’ll inevitably fly out of your fingers to someplace they will be crushed, stepped on, or misplaced.

Additionally: Apple AirPods (2019) review: A subtle, but meaningful upgrade

Moreover, think about getting a case for a last layer of safety. For around $10, you’ll be able to fortify your AirPods in opposition to the inevitable crushing it can face on the backside of a backpack, or wedged in a seat cushion, in addition to shield in opposition to moisture or influence injury from dropping the case.

The opposite aspect of this dialog is probably a lot bigger. With system producers spurring customers to purchase, improve, and substitute their merchandise to an obsessive diploma, holding onto the identical “outdated” system for years at a time is nearly an act of resistance.

Clearly, Apple needs me to improve my five-year-old AirPods with the most recent AirPods 3. They’re higher, in fact: they’ve noise-canceling capabilities, they keep in place higher, and have superior audio high quality. These are goal details in regards to the know-how, however does that render the older technology totally out of date, even when they nonetheless work?  

The sheer quantity of recent gadgets out there yearly additionally raises considerations about sustainability. What do you do along with your outdated tech as soon as you have changed it with the newer, extra feature-rich model? Most individuals are conscious that outdated tech can and needs to be recycled, however most of the time, many gadgets inevitably wind up within the trash.

The UN estimates that an average of 8kg of e-waste was produced per person in 2023, equating to round 61 million tons of digital waste added to landfills world wide. A lot of this belongs to what researchers name “invisible waste”, or rubbish comprising a big chunk of landfills however is not broadly thought of in conversations about sustainability. As you’ll be able to think about, discarded telephones, computer systems, and digital equipment make up a giant portion of this. 

And this quantity is barely estimated to maintain going up 12 months after 12 months. 

Additionally: The best noise-canceling earbuds you can buy: Expert tested

I’ve a pair of over-ear headphones, and people serve their very own goal, however I have not had a necessity to purchase new earbuds so long as my trusty AirPods hold working. And, nicely, they nonetheless do. 

It is protected to say Apple popularized the wi-fi earbud, and when the second-generation AirPods have been launched in 2019, they’d far fewer opponents than they do right now. Solely Samsung’s Galaxy Buds matched the AirPods by way of usability and options, and occupied the place reverse Apple as a product that was optimized for Samsung telephones and by extension, Android. 

Backside line

Right this moment, my AirPods not solely nonetheless maintain their very own, however they’re a part of the road of wi-fi earbuds that dominate the market share. The Apple H1 chip contained in the second-generation mannequin helps a quick connection pace for incoming calls and switching between gadgets, in addition to Siri performance, customizable faucet instructions, and commendable battery life. 

After all, there are far more earbuds in the marketplace now, however there is a purpose why Apple’s second-generation AirPods stay high sellers throughout each main purchasing season. For $100 (that is round $70 lower than the AirPods 3, by the best way) you are getting a pair of earbuds that not solely sound nice however are bodily capable of final in case you maintain them, and I am proof optimistic of that. This is to a different 5 years, and presumably extra.