After delaying shipments of its new wireless AirPods back in October, Apple is finally ready to get these things in people's ears.
Cupertino on Tuesday announced that its $159 wireless headphones are available online today and will arrive in stores next week. Those who order them online now can also expect them by Dec. 21.
"AirPods will be shipping in limited quantities at launch and customers are encouraged to check online for updates on availability and estimated delivery dates," Apple wrote on its website. "Stores will receive regular AirPod shipments."
The AirPods are tiny white earbuds that each sport an inch-long stem. They come in a smooth white case with a flip-open top that doubles as a charger. AirPods last five hours, but the case can give it about four extra charges, for a total of 24 hours.
The pricey wireless ear buds are available in more than 100 countries and territories, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, China, Hong Kong, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Japan, and UAE. Just remember, in order to use them you'll need an Apple device running that latest version of iOS 10, watchOS 3, or macOS Sierra.
PCMag's Sascha Segan got some hands-on time with AirPods in September at Apple's iPhone 7 unveiling event, and said they're "unique in the Bluetooth headphone market, both for their form and their mysterious technology." He said they're comfortable and sound great but pointed out how easy they are to lose.
As for the delay, an Apple spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal in late October that the wireless headphones just weren't ready. "We don't believe in shipping a product before it's ready, and we need a little more time before AirPods are ready for our customers," the spokesperson said.
AirPods run a new W1 chip, as do three new Beats products: the Beats Solo 3 Wireless, PowerBeats 3 Wireless, and the new Beats X. Unfortunately, Beats X are not yet available; a note on the product page says the $149.95 device will ship in February, Engadget notes.