You Can Now Buy An AirPods Beanie To Match Your iPod Sock
Native Union has launched a cute protective sleeve called AirPods Beanies, bringing back memories of the iPod Socks introduced back in 2004 for Apple's iconic music player. During that year’s Apple Music Event, Steve Jobs shared some insights on the music listening stats and followed it with the introduction of a “revolutionary new product” for the iPod to collective laughter from the audience. Jobs joked that some brands make more money selling accessories for the iPod than what Apple makes from the device, and that’s how the company’s design team came up with the Socks.
These socks came in six bright colors and cost $29 for the whole bundle. As for their purpose, well, Jobs explained that they keep the iPod warm and give them some personality. Even though they were introduced as a fun item, the iPod Socks have been ingrained in the collective memory of iPod fans ever since. Apple doesn’t offer any such fun accessories these days, although the polishing cloth introduced alongside the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models last week did become an instant online meme.
In celebration of the iPod’s 20th anniversary, and ten years since the passing of Jobs, Native Union has released AirPods Beanies, a product that brings back iPod Socks nostalgia. The protective gear for Apple’s true wireless earbuds come in four colors, all of which are similar to the shades in which the iPod Socks hit store shelves. The AirPods Beanies are made out of 100-percent recycled yarn that includes nylon and spandex. Again taking inspiration from Apple’s policy of using environmental-friendly materials such as recycled aluminum for making enclosures for devices like MacBook.
The Native Union AirPods Beanies come in a choice of Glacier, Peach, Indigo, and Sage colors. They retain the ridge fabric pattern seen on the iPod Socks, and the dual-tone finish alongside the top edge is also an honest homage. The AirPods Beanies measure 82mm (H) x 50mm (W) x 50mm (D), and weigh just 4 grams. They are washable (hand-wash only) and are said to offer lightweight protection from dust and scratches, but won't double as a shield from serious bumps. For those wondering, they don't hinder the charging process for AirPods at all.
More importantly, the Native Union AirPods Beanies are compatible with all models, from the first-gen AirPods to the third-gen model that recently made its debut. The Native Union offering is sold in a pack of four assorted colors for $19.99. The company, which has been making Apple accessories for over a decade, notes that it was the iPhone that inspired its founder and CEO Igor Duc to start the company. Interestingly, before Apple launched AirPods, the company did sell a different wearable audio called the iPhone Bluetooth Headset, but it was discontinued soon after, making way for the company's popular earbuds.
Source: Native Union