Why are the Apple Earpods still trending?

A fashion trend for the ages

E. O. Milne

In modern-day fashion, there are always common trends on the run, for example, hoodies over the past few years have taken the world by storm and when you go for a walk it is almost impossible to not see one. But then, on the other hand, there are trends in fashion that have been around forever and even when you think they are gone for good (because there is something way trendier around) they’re still always there. 

The Apple EarPods have been around since 2012 and their design has more or less stayed the same. But in 2016 when the AirPods came out you ought to think that people would switch to AirPods entirely. Well obviously, the AirPods have also become their own fashion trend, but still, somehow the Earbuds have stayed around to the degree that they are competing with AirPods in sales. 

Due to their cost being so low (for an apple product) and the fact that they are just like the AirPods generation 2, only with a wire, does make them quite intriguing, but still, they are not that great. They are just a pair of earbuds that were made to connect to Apple’s main devices. So, why is this trend still around?

In 2022 social media is at an all-new level of hype and it seems everyone has either Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok. So, at this point, TikTok and Instagram have started many trends in the fashion industry. When you look up ‘Earbuds’ on these platforms’ search bars all you see are Apple Earbuds. They are everywhere and, in the stylish photos people take with them, they almost make you feel that if you don’t have them then you are not ‘cool’.  

The media does have a lot of influential power, but it is still surprising that it is influencing the value of such a dated piece of technology. But this does make you ponder the question, will the Apple EarPods ever have an update? Well, frankly it seems quite possible, with so many people begging for it. Apple almost has to answer to fan’s pleas and release a nicer version. Yet, in my opinion, I don’t think there is much you can do to make wired earbuds better than they are. Maybe add a silicone Ear tip so they stay in your ear better? Or have touch controls on the side like the Airpods? Who knows? But one thing I know is that this gadget is not going away and this is a great example of how the media controls our everyday lives.