Nightmare is overstating the case, but it is convenient not to have to manage a tether running from the phone to your head if you're doing anything active. It'

Nightmare is overstating the case, but it is convenient not to have to manage a tether running from the phone to your head if you're doing anything active. It's also convenient not to have to manage bluetooth pairing, though I usually find that to be less of a problem with most headphones and more of a problem with various car audio systems and some speakers. So, Airpods solve those problems. IMO none of this justifies removing the headphone jack and therefore the option of spending only $5-$20 on your headphones, and the particular solution package airpods embody won't justify their price for me: I've never liked Apple's earbuds, more of an over-the-ear fan anyway, $20-$40 over the ear bluetooth headsets work fine for me, if I'm spending $100+ on headphones they're going to be focused on audio quality in a way Apple will never prioritize over industrial design aesthetics and ecosystem. But, Airpods still solve those problems, and people who love the particular package have a right to enjoy it.