Cook and incoming CEO John Ternus transformed a computer company into the leading audio company of the 21st century.
During Tim Cook’s 15-year tenure as Apple CEO, significant milestones like Apple Silicon chips, the iPhone’s dominance, and Apple Vision Pro marked Apple’s tech leadership even without Steve Jobs. However, one product, the original AirPods, often remains unacknowledged, as seen in The Verge’s Apple Top 50 products list where they are not in the top 10.
Before AirPods, earbuds were wired to devices. Apple’s ads featured vibrant neon backgrounds with silhouettes connected by white earbuds. But in 2016, a black and white ad with Lil Buck changed the industry by showcasing earbuds without wires. Apple became a crucial audio entity over 25 years.
At Apple’s special September 2016 event, Phil Schiller highlighted Apple’s “courage” in removing the headphone jack from iPhone 7 models. Jony Ive announced the AirPods shortly after. Despite providing a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter, the wireless future was evident. Removing the headphone jack was pivotal for audio advancements.
AirPods weren’t the first true wireless earbuds—the Bragi Dash, Onkyo W800BT, and Earin existed in 2015. But Apple’s influence was unmatched with an estimated 14–16 million AirPods sold in 2017, with sales continuously rising.
The wireless experience revolutionized listening. Headphone wires were cumbersome, easily caught on objects, and inconvenient during commutes. Initially, AirPods seemed odd but soon became a style statement, signifying a futuristic lifestyle where earbuds seamlessly fit into everyday life.
Despite initial discomfort, the open-ear design and sound quality were outweighed by AirPods’ convenience, notably the W1 chip which simplified pairing with Apple products. AirPods Pro 2 advanced noise-canceling capabilities, call quality, and introduced features like heart rate tracking and live translation. AirPods Pro 2 and 3 even serve as hearing aids.
Originally not favored, my AirPods are now essential for work, walks, and leisure. They’ve become integral in many lives. Under Tim Cook’s leadership, John Ternus spearheaded the AirPods’ development and continues to innovate as the new CEO. I anticipate the AirPods line will further integrate into the Apple ecosystem and users’ lives, and hopefully, they’ll come in colors other than white.