Unopened AirPods' batteries degrade slowly over time, so while they can last several years in the box, they won't stay "new" forever; expect around 2-5 years before significant battery decline, but they're best used within 2-3 years for optimal performance, as lithium-ion batteries naturally lose capacity even when unused, with factors like storage conditions playing a role.
Tell Apple: Airpods shouldn't be designed to die
In less than two years, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery found in your AirPods is due to die an untimely death. Once their battery dies, AirPods can't be repaired. So what is there to do? Buy another pair of AirPods.
AirPods should last anywhere from 3–5 years before they need to be replaced, depending on usage patterns and environmental conditions. There's no way to extend it. Just replace them when needed, and let Apple recycle the old one: AirPods Repair - ...
AirPods 1st and 2nd Generation
1st and 2nd-generation AirPods cases provide more than 24 hours of listening time and 18 hours of talking time. AirPods typically charge fully after 30 minutes and provide up to 5 hours of listening or 3 hours of talking time.
Play audio to test the malfunctioning AirPod. Depending on what happens: If the malfunctioning AirPod plays sound, place both AirPods in the charging case, let them charge for 30 seconds, open the charging case near your iPhone or iPad, and test to see if both are now working properly.
Just like your smartphone, your AirPods contain lithium-ion batteries. And these batteries naturally degrade over time. After about 18 months of regular use, you'll likely notice a significant drop in battery life.
It's important to note that the recommended replacement timeframe of two to three years is a general guideline and not a hard rule. Some users may find that their AirPods continue to function well beyond this timeframe, while others may experience a decline in performance earlier.
AirPods batteries drain fast mainly due to battery wear, ANC/Transparency mode, Spatial Audio, high volume, and constant device switching. Turn off these features when not needed, update firmware, reset AirPods if necessary, and avoid heat exposure to extend battery life.
We can replace your AirPods battery for a service fee. Our warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use. Your product is eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost if you have AppleCare for Headphones and your product's battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.
“Over time, earwax, sweat and dirt can accumulate on the ear tips [of in-ear devices] and in the crevices of the ear tips, potentially leading to ear infections, poor sound quality or discomfort during use,” says Dr. Sarow, adding that regular cleaning may also help prolong the lifespan of these devices.
All in all, this is currently the cheapest AirPods in the current lineup, and it excels at enough things (comfort, practicality, “good enough” sound quality) to be worth a buy.
When this product reaches its end of life, take it to a collection point designated by local authorities.
Over time, the lithium-ion batteries degrade and make each charge shorter and shorter. Simply put, your AirPods battery life will decrease more quickly as time goes on. This isn't because they are using more power. Over time, the maximum capacity of the batteries inside the earbuds will start to decrease.
How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro
The AirPods 60/60 rule is a hearing protection guideline: listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time, then take a short break (5-10 minutes) to let your ears rest and recover from loud sounds. This prevents permanent hearing damage from prolonged exposure to high sound levels, which is especially important with earbuds that sit directly in the ear canal.
How long do AirPods last: at a glance. With typical usage, your AirPods will last for around two or three years, and the cause of most failures is the lithium-ion battery. This length of time coincides nicely, for Apple, with their general two and a-half year product cycles.
As I said, these buds are significantly improved in the four most important areas: fit, sound quality, noise cancellation and battery life. The result is that you don't feel like you're making any compromises when buying the AirPods Pro 3 if you're an Apple user.
We can replace your AirPods battery for a service fee. Our warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use. Your product is eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost if you have AppleCare+ for Headphones and your product's battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.
Here are seven clear signs that it's time to upgrade your AirPods.
AirPods can appear to get quieter over time due to several factors. Accumulated dirt and earwax in the speaker grills can reduce sound quality. Additionally, battery degradation might affect volume levels as the battery ages.