Roger Fingas
An Apple patent application published on Thursday may hint at an abandoned AirPods design that aimed to keep the earbuds more firmly in place.
The patent describes a series of hooks that would not only attach around the ear but magnetically attract each other from opposite sides of the ear wall, preventing earbuds from falling out. Apple first submitted the idea in June.
It's not certain if the concept was born with the AirPods in mind — one diagram shows a conventional wired set of earbuds — but Apple's filing does mention wireless antenna assemblies.
Keeping AirPods in the ear has been a key concern of prospective buyers, though most initial tests suggest they are unlikely to fall out without a wire attached. Some third-party accessory makers are even selling add-on cables that keep them physically connected.
Conceivably, Apple may have decided against hooks for aesthetic reasons, simpler use, and/or making charging easier. In their final design the AirPods are charged by inserting them into a small battery case — something that wouldn't have worked with hooks in the way.
The company does use hooks in its Powerbeats line, but those are more consciously fitness-focused and originated prior to Apple's takeover of Beats in 2014.
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11 Comments
Too bad, mine don't stay firmly seated enough to get the best fidelity, especially base. They are secure enough for me not to worry about them falling out, but not for best music. Fine for podcasts. Maybe after market attachments will offer some kind of soft cover with horns to snug them in. On the other hand, the design pictured looks a lot like an old school hearing aid.
I truly hope the design can evolve over time to account for the fact that not all ears are built to hold in place Apple's current earbud design. If that can happen, I would imagine that Apple would increase its sales of AirPods many, many times over.
can any single design provide a solution for literally everybody? my SO hasn't had luck with any brand anywhere.
BeastX offer wingtips which offer another point of tension.
I would guess Apple did extensive research to design the EarPods/Airpods to fit the ear shape that is most commonly found. For instance, Airpods probably fit 80% of people. And there aren't just two or three earshapes, there can be dozens. So if one shape addresss 80%, and Apple invested in a second shape to add another 5% coverage, then a third for another 5%, and a fourth for 2%, fifth for 1%..... and so on.... apple would have to juggle manufacturing, logistics, and sustainment of extra earshapes for a diminished rate of return. Sticking to one shape that covers 80% is a more economical business decision by not getting into the realm of extra effort with diminishing returns.
They thankfully fit my ears perfectly. Yet I've seen some tech reviewers demonstrate some people who's ears pop their Airpods/EarPods out of the ear by merely smiling, let alone shaking their head around. It's definitely a one size fits most approach.