[6] On March 20, 2019, Apple released the second-generation AirPods, which feature the H1 chip, longer talk time, and hands-free "Hey Siri" support.

On September 9, 2024, Apple announced the AirPods 4, which feature the H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB-C charging case.

A higher end model features active noise cancellation and a charging case that supports Qi and Apple Watch chargers.

[9][10] AirPods contain a proprietary Apple W1 SoC processor which helps optimize battery use as well as the Bluetooth 4.2 and audio connections.

The advanced connectivity functions of the W1 requires devices running iOS 10, macOS Sierra, watchOS 3, or later.

A higher-end version features active noise cancellation and a charging case with a speaker for Find My tracking and compatibility with Qi and Apple Watch chargers.

The charging case no longer has magnets to mount on MagSafe chargers due to its smaller size.

[31] The second-generation AirPods are fully compatible with devices running iOS 12.2 or later, macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later, and watchOS 5.2 or later.

[32] The third-generation AirPods are fully compatible with devices running iOS 15.1 or later, iPadOS 15.1 or later, macOS Monterey 12.0 or later, and watchOS 8.1 or later.

[33] The AirPods 4 are fully compatible with devices running iOS 18 or later, iPadOS 18 or later, macOS Sequoia 15.0 or later, and watchOS 11 and later.

The lithium-ion batteries in AirPods can see significant degradation over time, with two-year-old sets lasting for less than half of the advertised five hours.

[34][35] Apple has a program to service batteries and purchase replacement individual AirPods and charging cases.

[65] AirPods had become a viral sensation with memes circulating across the internet about its appearance and its relation to the removal of the headphone jack in iPhones.

Having earphones in is generally perceived as a "do not disturb" signal, and some AirPods users use this fact to strategically avoid awkward small talk.

[72] But in the collaborative workplace, constant use of AirPods has sometimes been interpreted as a sign of disrespect to co-workers, causing conflict in the office.

[73] Another prominent criticism was a problem that caused the charging case battery to deplete at a rapid rate despite the AirPods not being used.

[74] In response, Apple released a firmware update (version 3.5.1) for the AirPods, which addressed connectivity and battery drain problems.

The performance of the systems was at least assisting participants with Pro (including noise canceling features) being better and approximating the hearing aids.