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Background and Identification

Apple got into the headphone game around 2001 with the EarPods, the first set that shipped with the original iPod. For several years they iterated on the wired earbud designs that were included with iPods and iPhones, adding volume controls and a lighting connector version when the iPhones made the transition from auxiliary ports.

In 2016, they released the ever-popular (and impossibly difficult to repair) AirPods, which did away with cables completely, connecting to phones and iPods through wireless Bluetooth connections instead. Be prepared to get out the vice clamps if you're looking to replace the battery in one of these tiny devices.

Apple released the over-ear version of the AirPods with the AirPods Max. These full size cans are quite a bit easier to fix, sporting magnetic earpads and screws abound.

Apple headphones can be identified by their white, minimalistic aesthetics. However they are often imitated, so be sure that your headphones sport an Apple logo, which can be found on the aux cable of wired headphones and the back of the AirPod charging case. AirPods Max feature almost no branding, but a small Apple logo can be found inside the speaker cups once the earpads are removed.

Austin Blakely

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