I can buy cheap Amazon earbuds with volume controls for far less than Apple’s step-up AirPods 5 model — how is it getting away with this?
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Apple’s fifth‑generation AirPods, announced with on‑bud volume controls, have sparked criticism for pricing a basic feature that many inexpensive earbuds already provide. In a recent podcast episode, the host highlighted the disparity, noting that dozens of Amazon‑listed wireless earbuds under $20 include volume buttons, while Apple reserves the function for its premium model. Colleagues on the show dismissed the utility of the controls, but the host argued that volume adjustment is a fundamental expectation for any earbud. The discussion also touched on broader product decisions, such as the iPhone Duo’s design and Siri Recap, framing the AirPods issue within a pattern of Apple charging premium prices for features that are commonplace elsewhere.
💡 Why It Matters
- · Consumers are being asked to pay a premium for a feature that is already standard in low‑cost alternatives, challenging Apple’s value proposition.
