{
  "id": 20012157,
  "title": "Here's how much Apple AirPods cost in 2016 vs. 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/heres-how-much-apple-airpods-cost-in-2016-vs-2026",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-14T16:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Engadget",
    "slug": "engadget",
    "url": "https://www.engadget.com/2311715/apple-airpods-2016-vs-2026-how-much-they-cost/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2016, Apple introduced AirPods, its first wireless earbuds, at an affordable price of $159. This represented a significant departure from previous tech offerings that had seen steep price hikes over the past decade. By 2026, the base model AirPods was still priced at $129, and new models offered even better features, such as spatial audio and improved battery life. Despite inflation, AirPods have maintained a cheaper price compared to other tech devices, and their integration with the Apple ecosystem has allowed them to hold onto their affordability.",
  "summary": "First introduced in 2016, AirPods have improved in quality, offering a bevy of new features, but how has that impacted the cost to the consumer today?",
  "key_points": [
    "In 2016, Apple AirPods launched at $159 price point",
    "By 2026, base model remained $129 despite inflation",
    "New models in 2026 added spatial audio and longer battery life"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}