Don't settle for subpar noise cancellation. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Active noise cancellation is one of the big selling points of AirPods Pro, so you probably expect it to actually work after you’ve splashed out $249. But if you’re running into noise cancellation problems, there are ways to fix them.
Can you handle some hot, hot beta action? Image: The CultCast
This week on The CultCast: AirPods with new sensors could be on the horizon, and that would fit perfectly with Apple’s always-on approach to health. Find out why we can’t wait for in-ear health trackers. Or for Apple to revamp the musty Messages app for Mac.
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Apple’s newest MacBook Air is $49 more affordable if you buy yours on Amazon right now. Or you can save even more by opting for a renewed previous-generation MacBook Air, which is now available for less than $850.
Renewed stock doesn’t last long, so bag yours before they’re gone.
AirPods made up for some of the Apple Watch shortfall in Q1. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Apple remains the king of the wearables, according to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker, published Thursday. In total, the analytics firm claims that total device shipments for all wearables hit 72.6 million in the first three months of 2020. Of these, Apple shipped 21.2 million units.
Apple Watch remains the world’s no. 1 smart watch by a wide margin. However, shipments declined as a result of coronavirus-related challenges in the supply chain. Nonetheless, the continuing might of Apple’s AirPods — helped by Apple’s Beats “hearables” — was more than enough to offset the decline.
Future AirPods won't just play music. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Future AirPods could boast ambient light sensors that track users’ heart rate, head movements and steps taken, Digitimes claimed Monday.
The report says the new health-tracking tech might find its way into Apple’s AirPods in the “coming 1-2” years. The feature reportedly will enable the ultra-popular wireless earbuds to track various activities and potentially monitor certain health conditions.
Bag yours for under $180 before this discount disappears. Photo: Apple
Apple’s newest wireless headphones have returned to some of their lowest prices yet, thanks to big discounts from Amazon. You can save up to $50 on AirPods Pro, Powerbeats Pro, and more for a limited time only.
You can also pick up second-generation AirPods for as little as $129, and there are big savings to enjoy on Beats headphones, too.
Order yours before they're all gone. Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
Apple’s newest AirPods, some of the best wireless headphones money can buy, are available at big discounts again. You can get yours for as little as $129.98 ($29.02 off) — or with a Wireless Case for just $149.98 ($49.02 off).
Apple is reportedly looking for a way to boost AirPods sales. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
The iPhone 12 box may be a little bit lighter than you’re expecting — as Apple stops packaging its smartphones with wired EarPods to try and push sales of the AirPods.
That’s according to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, in a note sent to clients Wednesday. Kuo also thinks that Apple could offer big discounts and promotions related to the AirPods this holiday season. That would coincide with the arrival of Apple’s next-gen iPhones — minus free packaged earbuds.
It appears Apple and CEO Tim Cook are hedging their future bets by diversifying more production outside China. Photo: Apple
Apple appears to be diversifying production outside Mainland China as a report Tuesday claims the company will be manufacturing its long-rumored over-the-ear headphones in Vietnam as well as China.
HTC has plans to release some wireless earbuds in the near future. And there are absolutely no prizes on offer for guessing which company’s existing earbuds they look like.
Android Police found evidence of the forthcoming U Ear AirPods earbuds Monday. The images were discovered through regulatory agency filings in the U.S. and Taiwan. Boasting a similar shape and glossy plastic design to Apple’s ultra-successful AirPods, the U Ear buds differ most significantly in HTC’s choice of black as a color option.
Then again, there’s nothing to stop it from releasing the product in a variety of different shades!
These AirPods Pro are full-strength. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
Pick up a pair of brand-new and awesome AirPods Pro today to enjoy $21.01 off the usual price. It’s the biggest discount yet from Amazon, reducing the price of Apple’s high-end wireless buds to just $227.99 with shipping.
The best wireless headphones are even better at a big discount. Photo: Apple
There’s never been a better time to treat yourself to Apple’s newest AirPods, with brand-new models now available from Woot for under $125. They’re selling fast, so go claim yours before they’re all gone!
An AirPods 2 firmware update benefits everyone who uses these earbuds, but some people should be extra happy. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Apple on Tuesday introduced the first firmware update for second-generation AirPods since late last year.
This should benefit those who received a replacement AirPods bud last month with unreleased firmware. They can now update both to the same firmware version so they’re usable again.
Apple created a massive ear database to ensure the perfect AirPod fit. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
To make sure that the AirPods fit as many ears as possible, Apple engineers worked with Stanford University to create a giant database of information about ear dimensions.
That’s according to Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of product marketing, quoted in a new article for Wired, published over the weekend.
This artists concept for over-ear AirPods headphones brings in design aspects from HomePods. Photo: Martin Hajek
Apple is allegedly prepping a set of over-ear wireless headphones that will be part of the AirPods line.
Currently, the company offers headphones in this style under its Beats label. But the upcoming model supposedly reflects a change in strategy. If you’re looking for high-quality alternatives, you might want to check out the Sennheiser website for premium audio options like the Sennheiser HD 550 open-back headphones.
Your next classic AirPods could be made in Vietnam. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
The coronavirus and its aftermath appear to be taking a toll on manufacturing of updated AirPods, with a new report indicating an update to Apple’s popular earbuds will be delayed slightly and roll into the first quarter of 2021.
The Nikkei Asian Review also reported Friday sources as saying around 30% of all classic AirPods to be produced this quarter for Apple will be “made in Vietnam”. That the report said is “a sign the company is accelerating its diversification of production out of China amid the coronavirus pandemic.”
3 potential fixes recommended by Apple. GIF: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Apple has finally acknowledged that some AirPods Pro units can produce “cracking or static sounds” while in use. If you’re experiencing these issues, there are some things you can try that might help eliminate them.
Apple has lined up new iMac and AirPods refreshes for 2020 that are “ready to ship,” according to a reliable leaker. Both products could appear “at any time,” but it doesn’t seem like Apple has nailed down release dates just yet.
Powerbeats Pro pack Apple’s newest H1 chip, offer up to nine hours of listening in between charges, and sport a sweat-resistant design that’s ideal for running, cycling, and home workouts while the gyms are closed.
A silicone sport band that's better than Apple's. Photo: Elkson
Our awesome prices on some of the best Elkson accessories for Apple Watch and AirPods are now even better. You can save up to 40% on bands and cases, but you’ll need to act fast — this sale ends this week!
They won't last long! Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
There couldn’t be a better time to treat yourself to a pair of Apple’s amazing wireless buds. Both second-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro are on sale right now, with some of the biggest discounts we’ve seen so far.
Can you handle some hot, hot beta action? Image: The CultCast
This week on The CultCast: The next generation of AirPods might be incoming! We’ll tell you what we know. Plus, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro are likely coming to iPad, along with Mini LED and Touch ID … under the screen. This could be the new Touch ID tech we’ve been waiting for. And stay tuned to hear how to listen to YouTube music in the background, without paying for YouTube Red. It’s a hot tip, and it’s coming your way.
Our thanks to Netgear for supporting this episode. The Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in Wi-Fi ever. Check it out today at Netgear.com/bestwifi.
That means a lengthy wait for your next upgrade. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Apple’s third-generation AirPods will enter mass-production during the first half of 2021 ahead of a release next year, according to one reliable analyst on Thursday.
Apple hopes the refresh will save falling demand for second-generation AirPods. Its next AirPods Pro units won’t enter mass-production until the fourth-quarter of next year at the earliest.