The $30 million toe in the water

Apple's AirPods may not last as long as expected due to battery degradation, with an average lifespan of 2-3 years, according to user experiences shared in online forums.

A Reddit user reported that their first-generation AirPods were still functional after five years but had severely reduced battery life , lasting only about an hour compared to the original three hours.

Why 4,000 unsold units became the prize

Users share their experiences and tips for prolonging battery life,and experts suggest considering the AirPods Pro 3 and AppleCare+ for better durability.

A user who increased their daily usage from two hours to eight hours during the pandemic saw their AirPods' battery life drop to 20-30 minutes in just three months.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

Heavy usage can significantly reduce the lifespan of AirPods, with users reporting battery life drops from three hours to just an hour after five years of use.

Considering the battery degradation issue, buyers might want to opt for the AirPods Pro 3, which offers longer listening time per charge.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

Apple can service AirPods when battery helth is impacted, but the total cost may be higher than buying a new model, as each earphone and the case has its own battery that degrades over time.

Additionally, AppleCare+ ($19.99 per year) can help cover battery service costs and extend the lifespan of AirPods.

A familiar pattern from the 2019 crash

Without AppleCare+, users would have to pay $50 for battery service if the battery is below 80% capacity.

Users should charge the case without the earphones inside to reduce heat exposure and prolong battery life .