There is a firmware update out for AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Here’s how to get it. Image: Cult of Mac
Apple has fresh firmware for all current AirPods models, and these are packed with features. AirPods Pro 2 get Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Personalized Volume. Plus there are new features for AirPods 2, original AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
The AirPods update process is indirect, but we can steer you through it.
At your bedside or in a hotel, Belkin's new MagSafe charger does the trick. Photo: Belkin
Belkin unveiled its new BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with MagSafe Wednesday, offering a compact way to charge iPhone and AirPods on the road.
They give your AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3 cases a new look and more protection. Photo: Totallee
Totallee, known for its minimalistic iPhone cases, rolled out new cases Tuesday for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods 3.
They’re “on brand” for Totallee in that they’re lightweight, protective and branding-free. And they’re also made of 100% recycled plastic, the company said.
Get that yucky earwax out of your AirPods with this cleaning kit. Photo: Belkin
Your old AirPods aren’t what they used to be. The speakers can get gummed up, degrading the audio performance. But the Belkin Cleaning Kit for AirPods can take care of the problem.
This might save you the cost of buying a new pair of Apple earbuds.
★★★★☆
Ugreen's MFi-certified charger tops off three devices at once. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
There’s something especially convenient about having a multi-device charging station on your nightstand. Or you could place at the edge of your desk or on a table by the front door. It’s a place you can charge your iPhone, AirPods charging case and Apple Watch all at once if need be.
Ugreen sent me its version to test out, the 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charging Station. It’s a good charger for most people — especially because it’s MFi-certified for MagSafe. That means you get a full 15 watts for MagSafe iPhones and 5W apiece for an AirPods charging case and Apple Watch.
AirPods Pro 2 look pretty much the same as the original, but they're better in nearly every way. Photo: Apple
Reviews of Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) are rolling in. The overwhelming consensus? The design is only slightly changed from the first-generation buds, but almost everything else is improved, with a few minor caveats.
They’re better than the original where it counts most: Higher sound quality, stronger ANC, more controls, longer battery life and an improved wireless charging case.
In short, given that the wildly popular AirPods Pro launched way back in 2019, it’s time for an upgrade for most people.
Apple said AirPods Pro 2 double the noise cancellation, among other enhancements. Photo: Apple
Should AirPods Pro owners upgrade to AirPods Pro 2?
The new set boasts a host of upgrades that could easily be worth it for many people — especially because the price hasn’t increased — and may even tempt owners of the relatively new and well-reviewed AirPods (3rd generation).
AirPods 3 are brilliant ... and on sale! Photo: Apple
Apple’s latest AirPods 3 is down to just $149.99 on Amazon — a sweet $29.01 discount from its retail price of $179.
In Cult of Mac‘s AirPods 3 review, we found them to be the best earbuds in Apple’s lineup. And this is the lowest price the earbuds have dropped to in the last month.
AirPods 3 are brilliant… and on sale! Photo: Apple
Amazon has an answer for what to do with that gift card you received over the holidays. The recently released AirPods 3 are once again selling for their lowest price ever: $139.99.
And there are significant deals on AirPods Pro and AirPods 2 as well.