AirPods Prices by Year, 2016–2024
The AirPods (1st generation) cost $159.00 in December 2016. The newest, the AirPods 4, is $129.00 (Sep 2024), down 19%. Overall U.S. prices rose 39% over the same time, so after inflation it actually got cheaper.
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AirPods price history
Earbuds, at U.S. launch. "In Aug 2026 dollars" adjusts each price for inflation with the CPI.
| Date | Product | Price | In Aug 2026 dollars |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2024 ↗ | AirPods 4 | $129.00 | $137.05 |
| October 2021 ↗ | AirPods (3rd generation) | $179.00 | $216.79 |
| March 2019 ↗ | AirPods (2nd generation) | $159.00 | $209.53 |
| December 2016 ↗ | AirPods (1st generation) | $159.00 | $220.61 |
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Source
Apple's launch announcements, as reported. Prices are earbuds, at U.S. launch. Inflation adjustment: BLS CPI-U, all items (FRED CPIAUCNS).
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