When Apple introduced AirPods alongside the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in September 2016, the reactions were mixed at best. While many were impressed with the technology behind Apple's first true wireless headphones, their design drew a lot of criticism and the internet was having a field day cracking jokes about the headphones’ looks, price and overall appeal.
Five years later, it's clear that Apple is getting the last laugh once again, as AirPods, now in their third generation, are quite possibly the most popular headphones on the planet. Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush, estimates that AirPods have grown into a $20 billion annual business and are on track to sell 100 million units this year.
According to Statista's Global Consumer Survey, Apple is the most popular headphone brand in the U.S. by a considerable distance. Having asked 4,220 U.S. adults about their personal headphones, Statista found that 34.4 percent of respondents used one of Apple's products, followed by Apple-owned Beats in second position at 15.3 percent.
