“Wireless. Effortless. Magical.” These are the three adjectives Apple uses to describe the magical piece of technology which they claim will forever change the way one uses headphones. AirPods are marketed as convenient and effortless, an evolutionary piece of technology which grew popular rapidly, ever since their launch on December 13th, 2016.

Along with the two individual AirPods, they additionally come with their charging case. Once the charging case is opened, they can be connected with ease to any device (phone, iPad, watch, computer etc.) through Bluetooth, and can be connected to non-Apple technological appliances as well. Once the AirPods are connected to a specified appliance, audio automatically plays as soon as they are placed, and the music is then paused when the AirPods are taken out. Furthermore, in order to adjust the volume, change the song, make a call, or even receive directions, simply double-tap them to activate Siri.

Apple reassures users that AirPods will forever change the way individuals use headphones. Camilla Purdy (10) mentions, “ I would say to an extent, AirPods are worth it. I definitely believe they are overpriced, but it is so much easier to be active with AirPods.” Since AirPods are wireless, users find that running and working out with them is much easier compared to the older model of Apple earphones.

Since launching the first iPhone in 2007, Apple has come a long way, releasing a multitude of technologically advanced devices. Additionally, AirPods also use optical sensors and a motion accelerometer to detect that they have been placed in the ears of their users. AirPods also deliver an incredible five hours of listening time after one charge. Individual AirPods rarely run out of charge due to the charging case which they are encased within. In case an AirPod does run out of charge, simply keep the AirPod in the case for 15 minutes, and enjoy the three hours of the listening time your AirPods will subsequently possess.

Initially, after their release, AirPods seemed fairly peculiar. Many criticized the “pod” which seemed to be levitating within an individual’s ear; the absence of a cord seemed incomprehensible to generations who had grown so accustomed to conventional earphones. However, as time later progressed, society seemed to mutually agree that these earpieces were indeed worthy of being the new trend. In fact, Amanda Sund (10) remarks, “now it’s embarrassing to be seen walking around with a cord.”

The physical demeanor of these new technological advancements is only half the reason many chose to indulge in this decadently priced entity. Xanthe Schaub (12) shares, “AirPods are excellent for working out and driving, very handy on the go.” The aerodynamic structure of AirPods makes them so that even when users are on a run, they remain safely tucked into the earlobe and rarely fall out.

Although majority of the features which AirPods offer seem to resonate with users, Nest Duro (10) comments, “since Apple makes all AirPods the same size, some people have the problem of AirPods falling out of their ear because they don’t fit right, so maybe Apple can work on creating different sized AirPods.”

In my personal opinion, I believe that AirPods are exorbitantly priced, no matter how spectacular their features are; spending $159 (6,900 Baht) for earphones is absurd. However as an AirPods user, despite the initial price of the earphones, all the features hold true to advertisement. The conveniences which AirPods gift users with, is unparalleled to regular headphones. Running with AirPods rather than regular earphones is a much more enjoyable experience.

The rapid adaptation of AirPods into our society once again proves the dominance of technology in the 21st century.  The exorbitant price of AirPods proves that although the financial barriers of technology may be a burden, at the end of the day, technology sells. AirPods are simply one of the numerous technological advancements which further continue simplifying the world we inhabit today.

Many argue that this rapid advancement of technology may prove to be detrimental to society, both physiologically and physically. The convenience of technology has already begun consuming a variety of jobs which no longer depend upon human reliance. The future may be arriving sooner than planned. Tomorrow’s technology may be arriving today.