AirPods were originally scheduled to arrive in October. Photo: Apple
If you had AirPods on your Christmas list, it might be time to cross them off. A new report claims we could be waiting until January next year for Apple’s fancy new wireless earphones to go on sale.
Jaybird's X3 wireless earbuds sing like two birdies in your ears. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
SAN FRANCISCO — Rene Oehlerking is positively stoked that Apple killed the headphone jack on the iPhone 7.
That’s because, as chief marketing officer of Jaybird, he’s been touting the winning combo of killer audio and wireless freedom for years. With its controversial move, Apple made Bluetooth headphones the new normal virtually overnight.
“We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Oehlerking said during a demo of his company’s latest headphones, the Jaybird X3. “It puts pressure on everyone to just buck up.”
AirPods may miss Christmas while Apple works out audio problems. Photo: Apple
Everybody is hatingonthenewwirelessAirPods Apple introduced yesterday because of their $159 price tag, but let me clue you in on a little secret: AirPods are cheap as f**k!
Seriously. Have you ever looked at how much truly wireless earbuds with a charging case cost?
We've tested and reviewed top-rated headphones in a variety of categories and price ranges for you to choose the perfect pair. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
We’ve gathered the latest and greatest headphones for review, and will update you regularly on our favorites. Whether you’re looking for the best over-ear headphones, the best wireless, Bluetooth or sports-specific headphones, Cult of Mac has you covered.
Not sure if you heard, but the next iPhone is coming sans-earphone jack. That means if you’re planning on getting an iPhone 7, you’ll have to wave bye bye to your earbuds, unless you’ve got these magnetic Bluetooth 4.1 wireless headphones. They’re designed to stay put and keep you connected to your favorite music playback device without any cords. Right now you can get them for $24.99 at Cult of Mac Deals.
EarPods aren't going wireless in 2016. Photo: Buster Hein/Cult of Mac
The headphone jack will likely get killed when Apple introduces the iPhone 7 this year, but don’t expect Cupertino to toss in a free pair of wireless EarPods with the new device.
Apple will supposedly include a pair of Lightning-connected EarPods with the iPhone 7, according to an investors note from Barclays that reveals Apple hasn’t purchased the rights to use Cirrus’ noise-canceling technology that would be necessary for the headphones.
Bowers & Wilkins' P5 Wireless headphones make us believe in Bluetooth. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
Best List: Bower & Wilkins P5 Wireless Headphones
Damn, I love Bluetooth.
Crap, I hate Bluetooth.
Bluetooth is the Jekyll and Hyde of technology. One minute it is your best friend and confidante; the next it is the most evil of evils. Actually, it is the other way around. As you are trying to find the device, and pair the device, and make sure the device stays paired, Bluetooth is some super-annoying technology. Then, once your devices have made nice, the relationship is repaired.
MiiKey Rhythm Pro bluetooth on-ear headphones offer wireless, hi-def, 4-channel stereo sound Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Too often, we either pay too much for a set of headphones that doesn’t quite meet our needs, or just spring for the cheapo brands sold next to the bubble gum. That’s why we’ve assembled a collection of premium ear-pleasers that’ll meet any preference or budget. Looking for waterproof and workout ready? Wireless and noise canceling? Durable but with studio-quality audio? You’ll find it here, and at a nice discount.