Apple AirPods have maintained a remarkably stable price point over the last decade, defying the broader trend of rising tech costs. Since their introduction in 2016, the base model has started at $159 and currently starts at $129, offering more features for less money when adjusted for inflation.
Base Model Evolution and AirPods 5 Pricing
The original AirPods launched in December 2016 at $159. This price remained unchanged for the second-generation model released in March 2019. In October 2021, Apple introduced the third-generation AirPods with a higher starting price of $179. During this transition, Apple kept the second-generation model in production at a reduced price of $129.
The pricing structure shifted again in September 2024 with the release of the fourth-generation AirPods. This generation introduced a new tiered approach. The base model started at $129, while a new model with active noise cancellation (ANC) and a wireless charging case was priced at $179. This marked the first time the ANC feature was available on the standard AirPods line.
In September 2026, Apple released the fifth-generation AirPods. The base model retains the $129 starting price. A higher-tier model is available for $149. This $149 version includes wireless charging support, volume adjustment controls on the stems, and improved battery life. The cheaper $129 model lacks these specific features, including wireless charging.
Pro and Max Lineup Consistency
The AirPods Pro and AirPods Max lines have shown even less price variation. All three generations of AirPods Pro, released in 2019, 2022, and 2025, have consistently cost $249. The AirPods Max, released in 2020 and updated in 2026, has maintained a price of $549.
When adjusted for inflation, the original AirPods price of $159 in 2016 is equivalent to roughly $222 today. The original AirPods Pro price of $249 in 2019 equals approximately $326 in current dollars. The AirPods Max price of $549 from 2020 is equivalent to about $710 now.
Feature Upgrades Without Price Hikes
Despite stable pricing, the AirPods lineup has seen significant technical improvements. The original models used the W1 chip. Later models, including the AirPods 2, 3, and Pro 1, switched to the H1 chip, which enabled hands-free “Hey Siri” activation. More recent models utilize the H2 chip, which supports Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness features.
Active noise cancellation, first introduced in the AirPods Pro in 2019, is now available on the base AirPods line starting with the fourth generation. The AirPods Pro 3, released in 2025, adds heart rate tracking capabilities. The charging cases have also evolved, with modern models featuring speakers for Find My tracking and USB-C connectivity, replacing the original Lightning port.
Apple does not discount AirPods directly on its storefront. However, third-party retailers frequently offer sales during events like Black Friday or Prime Day. The AirPods 5 remains a key entry point into the Apple ecosystem, encouraging users to consider other Apple devices for full compatibility.
Source: Engadget
