Apple AirPods now available online, in stores next week

Apple’s wireless headphones called AirPods are now available to order online and will start reaching customers and arriving at Apple Stores, Apple Authorised Resellers and select carriers next week, the tech giant announced on Wednesday.

Airpods let you access digital assistant Siri with just a double tap — allowing you to access Siri to select and control your music, get directions, make and receive calls or perform any other Siri task.

“AirPods introduce an effortless wireless listening experience packed with high-quality audio and long battery life. These wireless headphones use advanced technology to reinvent how we listen to music, make phone calls, enjoy TV shows and movies, play games and interact with Siri, providing a wireless audio experience not possible before,” Apple said in a statement.

Just open the charging case near your iPhone and with a simple tap, AirPods are immediately set up with all the devices signed into your iCloud account, including your Apple Watch, iPad and Mac.

Advanced sensors detect when AirPods are in ear and can automatically play and pause your music.

AirPods can deliver up to five hours of listening time on one charge while the custom-designed charging case holds additional charges.

AirPods are available in more than 100 countries and territories including Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Japan, UAE, Britain and the US.

The wireless headphones require Apple devices running the latest version of iOS 10, watchOS 3 or macOS Sierra.

There were reports that the availability of AirPods was delayed as the company was experiencing problems in getting the audio from both the earpieces at the same time.

According to Fortune, “technology problems with how the earpieces receive wireless signals via Bluetooth are causing delay.”

Apple launched AirPods along with the iPhone 7 in September as a replacement for conventional earphones that require a headphone jack.