Apple's shiny white buds have been living rent-free in everyone's ears since launch, but the internet is split down the middle.
Some folks swear they're the best thing since sliced bread, while others are straight-up feral about the price tag.
So let's break down whether these things actually slap or if you're just paying for the logo.
First off, the noise cancellation is genuinely kinda insane.
Pop these bad boys in and suddenly your loud roommate, the garbage truck outside, and your neighbor's questionable karaoke session all vanish into the void.
Transparency mode is the real MVP though — it lets the outside world back in without you yanking them out, which feels lowkey futuristic.
Bass hits nice, vocals come through crisp, and spatial audio makes movies feel like you're sitting in a theater.
But audiophiles will tell you there are cheaper buds that go harder on pure sound.
Apple's tuning is clean and balanced, just don't expect your brain to melt.
Those silicone tips come in multiple sizes, but ears are weird and personal — what fits your bestie might slide right out of yours mid-jog.
The stem is shorter now which looks sleeker, but some people miss having a physical tap zone.
Touch controls work, though they take a minute to master without accidentally skipping your favorite song.
You're looking at roughly six hours per charge with ANC on, and the case adds a few more rounds.
That's fine for a commute but rough for a cross-country flight.
Meanwhile, Android users get a watered-down experience because half the cool features are locked behind Apple's walled garden.
If you're Team Green, these probably aren't it.
The case itself got upgrades too — it's more durable, has a speaker for Find My pings, and even a lanyard loop so you can clip it to your bag like a tiny tech accessory.
If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless switching between your iPhone, Mac, and iPad, yeah, these are a no-brainer.
But if you just want decent wireless earbuds and don't care about the brand, you can absolutely find something that hits 80% of the same notes for way less cash.
The verdict is messy because people want different things.
Some want the flex, some want the function, and Apple is betting you'll pay a premium for both.
Whether that bet pays off depends entirely on how deep your pockets go and how loyal your phone is. **Our take:** These buds are great, not flawless, and the hype machine definitely inflated expectations.
Final Thoughts
Buy them if the ecosystem life calls to you — otherwise, shop around before dropping that kind of coin on tiny speakers.