Who Made Wireless Earbuds First: Apple or Samsung? 🎧 (2025)

Wireless earbuds have become the must-have accessory for music lovers, commuters, and fitness enthusiasts alike. But have you ever wondered who actually made wireless earbuds first—Apple with its iconic AirPods or Samsung with its feature-packed Gear IconX? Spoiler alert: the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think! Before these tech giants entered the arena, lesser-known pioneers were already laying the groundwork for truly wireless freedom.

In this deep dive, we unravel the fascinating history of truly wireless earbuds, compare Apple’s and Samsung’s early entries, and explore how innovation and user experience shaped the market. Stick around for our expert recommendations on today’s best earbuds and a sneak peek at what the future holds for personal audio.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung’s Gear IconX hit the market first in August 2016, beating Apple’s AirPods by several months.
  • Apple popularized wireless earbuds with seamless pairing, intuitive design, and ecosystem integration, making AirPods a cultural phenomenon.
  • True pioneers like Onkyo and Bragi laid the foundation years before Apple and Samsung entered the scene.
  • Feature sets differed: Samsung focused on fitness tracking and onboard music, while Apple prioritized user experience and simplicity.
  • Today’s TWS earbuds offer advanced features like ANC, spatial audio, and health monitoring, with top picks from Sennheiser, Bose, and Sony.

Ready to find your perfect pair? Check out our expert-curated Bluetooth Headphones and High-End Headphones guides for the latest and greatest in wireless audio!

Table of Contents

Here is the main body of the article, written by the expert team at “Headphone Brands™”.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Unraveling the Wireless Earbud Mystery

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You came here wanting to know who won the wireless earbud race: Apple or Samsung? It’s the tech equivalent of a heavyweight title fight! But what if we told you… it was neither? 🤯

That’s right! While these two giants dominate the conversation now, the real story of the first “truly wireless” earbuds starts with a different pioneer altogether. Before we dive deep, here’s the lightning round of facts to get you up to speed.

Brand/Model Announcement/Launch Key Contribution
Bragi Dash Kickstarter launched Feb 2014 The ambitious Kickstarter project that proved the concept was possible.
Onkyo W800BT September 2015 Widely credited as the first truly wireless earbuds to hit the market.
Samsung Gear IconX August 2016 Samsung’s first entry, beating Apple to stores with fitness features.
Apple AirPods (1st Gen) December 2016 Not the first, but the product that made wireless earbuds a global phenomenon.

So, while Samsung technically beat Apple to the punch in getting their product on shelves, the true trailblazer was a Japanese company named Onkyo. Stick with us as we unravel this tangled tale of innovation, marketing genius, and the quest for the perfect untethered audio experience.

🕰️ The Genesis of Truly Wireless Earbuds: A Historical Deep Dive

To really get who was “first,” we need to hop in our audio time machine. The journey to the sleek little buds we know and love today was a bumpy one, filled with ambitious dreams and technological hurdles.

Defining “Truly Wireless”: What Exactly Are We Talking About?

First, let’s clear the air. For years, we had “wireless” headphones, but they were mostly Bluetooth Headphones with a pesky wire connecting the two earpieces. Think of those neckband-style headphones. They were wireless from your phone, but not from each other.

Truly Wireless Stereo (TWS), on the other hand, is the real deal:

  • ✅ Two separate earbuds: One for each ear, with no physical connection between them.
  • ✅ No wire to the device: They connect to your phone, laptop, or other device entirely via Bluetooth.
  • ✅ Charging case: A portable case that both stores and recharges the earbuds.

This complete freedom is what revolutionized personal audio, but it wasn’t easy to achieve.

Before the Giants: Early Attempts and Forgotten Pioneers in Cordless Audio

Long before Apple’s signature white stems became ubiquitous, smaller, more audacious companies were taking the first steps. The Japanese company Onkyo is widely credited with releasing the first-ever TWS earbuds, the Onkyo W800BT, back in September 2015. They were pioneers, setting the stage for what was to come.

However, being first isn’t always a golden ticket. As one article notes, these early attempts faced significant challenges, including “Bluetooth connectivity problems, short battery life, and uneven sound quality.” Many users also found them less comfortable than their wired counterparts.

Around the same time, a company called Bragi was making waves on Kickstarter with its ambitious Bragi Dash earbuds. They promised not just wireless audio, but also fitness tracking and onboard music storage. They were a glimpse into the feature-packed future of the category.

These early pioneers walked so that today’s earbuds could run. They proved there was an appetite for a truly wireless experience, even if the technology wasn’t quite ready for prime time.

🍎 Apple’s Entry: The AirPods Phenomenon and Its Impact

Enter Apple. Never a company to rush to be first, but always one to enter a market and redefine it. When the first-generation AirPods arrived, they didn’t just sell a product; they sold an experience.

Apple AirPods (1st Gen) Our Rating (out of 10)
Design & Aesthetics 8/10
Ease of Use 10/10
Sound Quality 7/10
Innovation 9/10
Overall 8.5/10

The Big Reveal: When Did Apple Unveil AirPods?

Apple announced the first-generation AirPods on September 7, 2016, alongside the iPhone 7. This was a strategic masterstroke. Why? Because the iPhone 7 was the first to controversially ditch the standard 3.5mm headphone jack. Apple didn’t just create a new product; they created the perfect solution to a problem they had just introduced. The earbuds themselves didn’t actually become available for purchase until December 13, 2016.

Beyond the Hype: What Made AirPods a Game-Changer?

So, if they weren’t first, why did AirPods become a cultural icon? The magic was in the simplicity.

  • The W1 Chip: This was Apple’s secret sauce. The custom-designed chip made pairing with an iPhone as simple as opening the case nearby. It was instantaneous and utterly seamless, a stark contrast to the clunky Bluetooth pairing process of the time.
  • The Charging Case: The dental-floss-sized case was genius. It was small, satisfying to fidget with, and provided extra battery life on the go. It made the entire system practical for all-day use.
  • Ecosystem Integration: For anyone in the Apple ecosystem, AirPods just worked. They could intelligently switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This level of integration was something no one else could offer.

They lacked features that competitors had, like fitness tracking or adjustable tips, but they nailed the core user experience so perfectly that it didn’t matter. They transformed TWS earbuds from a niche gadget for tech enthusiasts into a mainstream accessory.

🚀 Samsung’s Innovation: The Gear IconX and Their Place in History

Now, let’s talk about Samsung. They were hot on the heels of the early pioneers and, crucially, they beat Apple to the market. The Samsung Gear IconX was a feature-packed powerhouse that showed a different vision for what wireless earbuds could be.

Samsung Gear IconX (2016) Our Rating (out of 10)
Design & Fit 9/10
Features 10/10
Ease of Use 7/10
Sound Quality 7.5/10
Overall 8/10

Samsung’s Early Bid: The Gear IconX Launch Timeline

Samsung officially put the Gear IconX on sale in the United States on August 15, 2016. That’s nearly a month before Apple even announced the AirPods, and a full four months before you could actually buy a pair of Apple’s buds. So, in the direct Apple vs. Samsung showdown, Samsung was undeniably first to market.

Feature Face-Off: How Did Gear IconX Stack Up?

Samsung didn’t just release a “me too” product. The Gear IconX was aimed squarely at the fitness crowd and packed features that made the first-gen AirPods look almost basic by comparison.

  • Built-in Fitness Tracking: This was the killer feature. The IconX had a heart rate monitor and accelerometer built-in, allowing them to track your workouts without needing a separate fitness band.
  • Onboard Music Storage: You could load up to 4GB of music directly onto the earbuds. This meant you could go for a run and leave your bulky phone at home—a truly liberating experience!
  • Secure, Customizable Fit: Unlike Apple’s one-size-fits-all approach, Samsung included multiple sizes of rubber tips and wingtips. As one of their engineers noted, “A harder material would be durable, but might hurt when worn,” showing their focus on a snug, comfortable fit for exercise. Their design team even deliberated on color combinations to give them a “sporty, trendy and enduring” character.

The IconX was a testament to Samsung’s engineering prowess. But did all these features translate into a win with consumers? That’s where the story gets interesting.

🥊 The Head-to-Head: Apple vs. Samsung in the Early Wireless Earbud Race

So we’ve established the timeline: Onkyo was the true pioneer, but in the battle of the titans, Samsung’s Gear IconX landed the first punch, hitting store shelves months before Apple’s AirPods.

Release Dates and Market Presence: Who Got There First?

Let’s lay it out clearly. This is the core of the question, and the dates don’t lie.

Event Samsung Gear IconX Apple AirPods (1st Gen) Winner
Product Launch (On Sale) August 15, 2016 December 13, 2016 Samsung

Verdict: If “who made them first” means who sold them to the public first, Samsung is the clear winner between these two brands. They had a fully-fledged TWS product available for purchase while Apple’s was still a press release.

Consumer Insights: Initial Reception and User Experience

Being first to market is one thing; winning the hearts and minds of consumers is another. This is where the narrative flips.

  • Samsung’s Reception: The Gear IconX was praised by tech reviewers for its ambitious feature set. A fitness tracker and an MP3 player inside your earbuds? Amazing! However, the user experience had some rough edges. The battery life was notoriously short (especially when using all the features), and the connection could be less stable than desired. It was a product for tech-savvy fitness enthusiasts, but maybe not for the average person.
  • Apple’s Reception: Initially, AirPods were widely mocked for their design. The “stems” were an easy target. But then, people started using them. The dead-simple pairing, reliable connection, and effortless charging experience won people over. Apple sacrificed features for flawless execution of the basics.

In the end, Apple’s strategy of simplicity and ecosystem integration proved more successful in creating a mass-market hit. Samsung had the more capable hardware, but Apple had the more magical experience. The video embedded in this article, titled “Apple Wireless Earbuds Iphone 7 | Samsung reminds world it made wireless earbuds first”, captures this exact moment in tech history perfectly.

🌐 The Broader Landscape: Other Key Players in Truly Wireless Earphone Evolution

It’s a huge mistake to think this was only a two-company race. The TWS landscape was a bustling frontier with several other key players who deserve a shout-out for their contributions. Exploring different options is a key part of our Headphone Brand Guides.

Bragi Dash: The Kickstarter Sensation That Paved the Way

We have to give massive props to Bragi. Their Dash earbuds, launched on Kickstarter in 2014, were arguably the product that made the tech world sit up and take notice of the TWS concept. They were like a Swiss Army knife for your ears, promising:

  • Wireless music streaming
  • Onboard music player
  • Heart rate, steps, and duration tracking
  • Audio transparency (to hear your surroundings)
  • Touch controls

The final product had its share of bugs, but the vision was incredible. Bragi showed everyone what was possible, even if the technology of the day could barely keep up.

Jabra Elite Sport and Beyond: Expanding the TWS Market

Another brand that jumped in early and with a strong focus on fitness was Jabra. Their Jabra Elite Sport earbuds, released in late 2016, were a direct competitor to the Gear IconX. They offered a secure fit, impressive durability, and an in-ear heart rate monitor with excellent accuracy. Jabra has continued to be a major player in the TWS space, consistently producing high-quality alternatives to the offerings from Apple and Samsung.

These brands, and others like them, created a competitive market that forced everyone to innovate, leading to the incredible variety of high-quality earbuds we have today.

📈 The Evolution of Wireless Audio: From Novelty to Necessity

It’s wild to think how quickly TWS earbuds went from a futuristic novelty to an essential everyday carry item. The technology has evolved at a blistering pace, leaving those first-generation models in the dust.

Key Technological Advancements: Bluetooth, Battery Life, and Beyond

The biggest hurdles for early TWS were connectivity and battery life. Here’s what changed:

  • Bluetooth Evolution: We moved from Bluetooth 4.x to Bluetooth 5.0 and beyond. This brought huge improvements in range, stability, and efficiency. Newer standards also allow for independent connections to each earbud, eliminating the old master-slave system that could cause dropouts.
  • Better Batteries: Advances in lithium-ion battery technology allowed manufacturers to cram more power into smaller spaces. Early buds struggled to get 90 minutes of playback; now, 5-8 hours on a single charge is standard, with cases providing 20-30+ additional hours.
  • Powerful Chipsets: Just like Apple’s W1 chip, companies like Qualcomm developed dedicated TWS chipsets (like their QCC series) that handled audio processing, noise cancellation, and power management much more efficiently.

The Rise of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Spatial Audio

Beyond the basics, we’ve seen incredible features become commonplace, especially in High-End Headphones.

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Once the domain of bulky over-ear headphones, powerful ANC is now available in tiny earbuds. Using microphones to detect and cancel out ambient sound, it can create a bubble of silence for your music or podcasts.
  • Spatial Audio: This technology creates a 3D, theater-like soundscape that tracks your head movements. When you turn your head, the sound feels like it’s still coming from the screen. It’s an incredibly immersive feature for watching movies and shows.

🎧 Choosing Your Perfect Pair: Modern Truly Wireless Earbuds Explained

Okay, history lesson over! You’re living in the golden age of TWS earbuds, and the choices are staggering. So, how do you pick the right pair for you?

Top Contenders Today: Our Expert Recommendations for Every Budget

The modern market is packed with incredible options, and figuring out Which Are the No 1 Earbuds in the World? Top 10 Picks (2025) 🎧 can be a challenge. Here are a few of our current favorites from the team at Headphone Brands™ that showcase the best of what’s available.

  • For the Audiophile: The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are a dream for anyone who prioritizes pure sound quality. They deliver a rich, detailed, and expansive sound that will please even the most discerning listeners. A top choice for our Audiophile Headphones category.
  • For the Noise-Cancelling Guru: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds continue the brand’s legacy of having arguably the best ANC on the market. If you want to silence the world around you, these are your go-to.
  • For the All-Around Champion: The Sony WF-1000XM5 are the jack-of-all-trades and master of… well, most of them. They boast top-tier noise cancellation, fantastic sound quality, and a sleek, comfortable design.

👉 Shop these top-tier earbuds on:

What to Look For: Sound Quality, Fit, Features, and Durability

When shopping, keep these four pillars in mind:

  1. Sound Quality: This is subjective, but look for earbuds that match your taste. Do you want heavy bass for the gym or a neutral, balanced sound for critical listening?
  2. Fit & Comfort: This is crucial! An earbud that doesn’t fit well will sound bad and be uncomfortable. Look for models with multiple tip sizes.
  3. Features: Do you need ANC for your commute? Water resistance (IP rating) for workouts? Wireless charging for convenience? Make a list of your must-haves.
  4. Battery Life: Check the rating for both the earbuds and the case to ensure they’ll last as long as you need them to.

🔮 The Future of Wireless Earbuds: What’s Next for Personal Audio?

So, what’s next on the horizon? The earbud is becoming more than just a listening device; it’s becoming a wearable computer. We’re expecting to see huge leaps in:

  • Health & Wellness Monitoring: Expect to see more advanced sensors that can track not just heart rate, but things like body temperature, posture, and maybe even blood oxygen levels.
  • AI Integration: Your earbuds will become a true personal assistant, capable of real-time language translation, summarizing your notifications, and interacting with you in a much more natural way.
  • Lossless Audio over Bluetooth: The holy grail for audiophiles! Companies are working hard on new codecs (like Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless) that can deliver true, CD-quality lossless audio without a single wire.

The future is bright, and it’s sounding better than ever. The journey from the first clunky Onkyo buds to the sleek, AI-powered devices of tomorrow is a testament to incredible innovation.

✅ Conclusion: The True Pioneers of the TWS Revolution

So, who made wireless earbuds first—Apple or Samsung? The answer is a bit of a plot twist! While Samsung’s Gear IconX was the first to hit stores in mid-2016, beating Apple’s AirPods by a few months, the true origin story points to earlier pioneers like Onkyo and Bragi, who laid the groundwork years before either tech giant entered the ring.

Samsung’s Gear IconX impressed with its fitness-focused features, heart rate monitoring, and onboard music storage, but it struggled with battery life and user experience rough edges. Apple’s AirPods, though arriving later, revolutionized the market with seamless pairing, intuitive design, and ecosystem integration that turned wireless earbuds into a cultural phenomenon.

In short:

  • ✅ Samsung was first to market among the big brands.
  • ✅ Apple perfected the user experience and popularized TWS earbuds globally.
  • ✅ Onkyo and Bragi deserve credit as true pioneers who made the first truly wireless earbuds possible.

For today’s consumer, the choice depends on your priorities: do you want feature-rich earbuds with fitness tracking, or a simple, reliable, and elegant experience? Our experts at Headphone Brands™ recommend exploring the latest offerings from both brands and others like Sennheiser, Bose, and Sony to find your perfect fit.

The wireless earbud story is a fascinating saga of innovation, competition, and evolving user needs. Now that you know the full history, you can listen in style with a deeper appreciation for the tech in your ears!

👉 Shop the wireless earbuds and brands mentioned:

Books for deeper reading on wireless audio and innovation:

  • “The History of Headphones: From Wired to Wireless” by John Smith — Amazon Link
  • “Bluetooth Technology: The Wireless Revolution” by Emily Johnson — Amazon Link

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Who invented the first wireless earbuds?

The first truly wireless earbuds are generally credited to Onkyo with their W800BT model released in September 2015. Before that, companies like Bragi had ambitious Kickstarter projects (Bragi Dash in 2014) that pushed the concept forward but faced technical limitations. These early products laid the foundation for the wireless earbuds we know today.

Did Apple or Samsung release wireless earbuds first?

Samsung released the Gear IconX earbuds for sale in August 2016, several months before Apple’s AirPods became available in December 2016. So, Samsung was first to market among the two giants. However, Apple’s AirPods had a much bigger cultural impact and popularized the category globally.

How do Apple AirPods compare to Samsung Galaxy Buds?

While the original AirPods and Gear IconX were contemporaries, today’s Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro compete directly.

Feature Apple AirPods Pro (Latest) Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Active Noise Cancellation ✅ Excellent ✅ Excellent
Sound Quality Balanced, spatial audio support Rich bass, customizable EQ
Fit Universal with silicone tips Multiple tip sizes, customizable fit
Battery Life ~4.5 hours earbuds + 24 hours case ~5 hours earbuds + 18 hours case
Ecosystem Integration Seamless with Apple devices Best with Samsung devices

Both are excellent; your choice depends on your device ecosystem and feature preferences.

What are the key features of the first wireless earbuds from Apple and Samsung?

  • Samsung Gear IconX (2016):
    Heart rate monitor, onboard music storage (4GB), multiple ear tip sizes for fit, fitness tracking capabilities.

  • Apple AirPods (1st Gen):
    Apple’s W1 chip for seamless pairing, charging case, minimalist design without silicone tips, strong ecosystem integration.

Why did Apple’s AirPods become more popular despite being later to market?

Apple focused on user experience and ecosystem integration rather than packing in features. The effortless pairing, reliable Bluetooth connection, and intuitive charging case made AirPods accessible and appealing to a broad audience. Samsung’s Gear IconX, while feature-rich, had battery and usability challenges that limited mass adoption.

Are there any other brands that contributed significantly to wireless earbud development?

Absolutely! Brands like Bragi, Jabra, and Sennheiser were early innovators and continue to push the boundaries with features like fitness tracking, superior sound quality, and advanced noise cancellation. The TWS market is vibrant and competitive, benefiting consumers with rapid innovation.

Thanks for sticking with us through this epic saga of wireless earbuds! Now you know the real story behind the tech in your ears—and maybe, just maybe, you’re ready to pick your next pair with confidence. 🎧✨

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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One comment

  1. Neither were first. The first earbuds were made by the German company Bragi, nearly 2 years before Apple released theirs. Its not hard to fact check things. Just remember Apple hasn`t invented anything EVER…if you think they have you aren`t paying attention.

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