Apple’s current wireless earbuds sit in a peculiar spot in the company’s history. As of 2024, the world is firmly in the era of the AirPods Pro 2 and the standard AirPods 3, which represent the third and second generations of the premium and mainstream lines, respectively. Understanding this requires looking beyond the simple label of "AirPods" and examining the distinct product lines that have evolved over the last half-decade.
The Distinction Between Product Lines
When asking "what airpod generation are we on," it is essential to differentiate between the two primary families. The first is the AirPods Pro line, which focuses on active noise cancellation and a snug, secure fit. The second is the standard AirPods line, which prioritizes the iconic open-ear design and seamless integration. Because of this fundamental design divergence, the generations for these two series progress independently, meaning you could be using a second-generation standard model while the latest noise-canceling tech sits in the third-generation Pro.
AirPods Pro: The Current Flagship
The AirPods Pro currently sold in stores represent the second generation of the Pro line, making them the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Released in late 2022, they introduced a dramatically new design that ditched the stem for a short, pod-like shape. This shift allowed for a larger driver and a significantly improved sound profile, alongside the advanced H2 chip that powers computational audio. If you are looking at the sleek, in-ear model with active noise cancellation today, you are interacting with the latest iteration of the high-end experience.
Standard AirPods: The Mainstream Evolution
For those who prefer the traditional fit without the in-ear seal, the standard AirPods have also seen substantial updates. The AirPods 3, released in late 2021, brought a redesigned stem that is flatter and more comfortable, along with enhanced water resistance and spatial audio. Unlike the Pro line, the second generation of standard AirPods has not yet been released, meaning the AirPods 3 you buy today is currently the most advanced version available in the open-ear category.
Signs You Are on the Latest Generation
If you are unsure which version you own, there are a few telltale signs that you are using the current generation hardware. The most obvious indicator is the physical design of the charging case. The latest Pro case features a completely smooth lid with no hinge ridge, while the third-generation standard case has a distinct flat area where the earbuds rest. Additionally, connecting the earbuds to an iPhone and checking the firmware version in the Bluetooth settings will reveal the specific chip inside, confirming whether you have the H1 or the newer H2 processor.
The Trajectory of Future Iterations
While the question "what airpod generation are we on" currently points to the third and second generations, the tech landscape is always shifting. Rumors and patents suggest that Apple is already deep into research for the fourth-generation AirPods Pro, potentially featuring larger batteries, health monitoring sensors, and even advanced language translation capabilities. This constant innovation ensures that the gap between what we have now and what is coming next continues to narrow, but for now, the hardware in your hands is the peak of current wireless audio engineering.
