NPD says 900,000 wireless headphone units were sold in the U.S. so far this year with AirPods leading the market.
Apple’s earphones accounted for 85% of totally wireless headphone sales in the period due to ecosystem compatibility that makes the headphones work like an iPhone extension, according to the research group. NPD says new entrants to the totally wireless market will need to bring feature differentiation, improved sound quality, or service and app integration to have a shot at taking on the AirPod dominance.
AirPods are wireless headphones that allow users to listen to music, make phone calls, enjoy TV shows and movies, play games and interact with Siri. Apple says that advanced sensors know when you are listening and automatically play and pause your music.
Using Siri, AirPods allow you to access the “personal assistant” with a double tap. The wireless headphones, including a charging case, cost $159. AirPods require Apple devices running iOS 10.x, watchOS 3.x or macOS Sierra.
