Music

Apple’s foray into the music world begins with the introduction of the iPod, the popular music player in the early 2000s which help Apple raise up from the brink of death. Later, Apple has introduced digital music distribution called the iTune store, updated the iPod with a new interface first featured in the iPhone, and later expand to Music streaming service and a line of popular earphones. Apple has bought over Beats by Dre, a popular headphones company in 2014 which they are still selling in their stores. Apple also introduced a line of smart speakers called HomePods which feature integration with Siri, Apple digital voice assistant.

AirPods


AirPods family as of September 2024

AirPods is Apple’s line of Bluetooth headphones. They comes from in-ear variety of over-ear of the AirPods Max.

You can take a detail look at the line up here.
WiredBudgetBest SportLuxury
AirpodsEarpods with Lighting ConnectorAirPods 4AirPods Pro 3AirPods Max
FeaturesWired earphones. Used to come with every iPhoneH2 chip; Wireless bluetooth earphones; Hey Siri; Wired or wireless charging case; Active Noise Cancellation is available for extra $50.Redesigned for 3rd generation. H2 chip; Wireless bluetooth earphones with Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency; Hey Siri; Sweat resistant; Wireless charging case with MagSafe support; USB-C port; Lossless audio support; Heart Rate monitor; 5 ear tips to choose from for better fit. Supports Live Translation with your iPhone.H1 chip; Wireless bluetooth headphones with Active Noise Cancellation; Hey Siri; leather case; aluminum and mesh finish; large 40mm drivers; 9 mics; Digital crown for volume control; 5 colors; The cup can be bought separately;
Launch Price$29From $179$249$549
August 2021 PriceFrom $13From $115-From $499
Best FeatureDecent sound. The wired click button is handy.Works well with all your Apple devicesNew and improved for September 2022Sound quality
VerdictUsed to come with every iPhone. It was not the best but it was decentIt was quite popular that when I went to Manhattan in 2017, I thought they were standard issue for every New YorkerANC works great and sound quality is not bad. But like other AirPods, they usually have a lifespan of aorund 2 years before things start to break and they are basically irreparableSound quality is good. But at this price point I'd rather have a wired + DAC setup. Best wireless Apple headphones to date. Looks more repairable than the other AirPods

The original AirPods was launched together with the iPhone 7. Apple first created a problem: the removal of the headphone jack in the then new iPhone 7 and come up with a solution: AirPods, Apple wireless bluetooth headphone solution. And then, a new Fortune 500 company is born. The AirPods was a resounding success: the revenue come this product line alone rival Adobe entire earnings. So Apple comes with more improvements which further expand Apple bottom line, the Pro (AirPods with active noise canceling) and the Max (wireless headphones with active noise cancellation). Overall, the products are of high quality but the major complaint is the lack of repairability for such an expensive product.

Update cycle

  • AirPods - (last update: Q1 2019, next expected update: circa 2022)
  • AirPods Pro (last update: Q4 2019, next expected update: circa 2022)
  • AirPods Max (last update: Q4 2020, next update: unknown)

HomePods

HomePod is Apple’s line of smart speakers. They are essentially speakers with Siri digital assistance on it.

MiniFull Size
HomePodHomePod MiniHomePod
FeaturesA10 chip; U1 chip; smaller and more affordable size; Can link up 2 HomePods Mini for stereo sound; Hey Siri; Temperature / Humidity SensorS7 chip; Can link up 2 HomePods for stereo sound; Hey Siri; Temperature / Humidity Sensor. Matter compatible.
Launch Price$99$299
August 2021 Price--
Best FeatureSounds good for $99. Apple Ecosystem integration. You can tap the thing using your iPhone and immediately can control the HomePod MiniBest sounding smart speaker. Can get very loud and crisp
VerdictPrice competitive and Siri is not as bad as everyone says. Apple ecosystem integration is what set it apartBest sounding smart speaker ever. Unfortunately, that is not what people are looking for in a smart speaker. That and the price.

The HomePod line is Apple entry to the smart speaker market. The first one is the HomePod which was engineered primary for sound that happens to have Siri. The two biggest downfall for the original HomePod was the price ($349 at launch) and Siri not be nowhere near good as the competition. Furthermore, the roll out was limited so it does not have the same market reach like the competitor.

The next HomePod, the HomePod Mini was more competitive with a $99 price and new features that compliments the Apple Ecosystem. Siri, despite vastly improved since the launch of the first HomePod is still nowhere near the competition, Alexa of Amazon and Google Assistant. We will be watching this space closely.

Update cycle

  • HomePod (last update: Q2 2017, next expected update: None. Discontinued in March 2021)
  • HomePod Mini (last update: Q4 2020, next expected update: unknown)

Music Player


Update cycle

  • iPod Touch (last update: Q2 2019, next expected update: circa 2023)

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