Earbuds have a history dating back to the 1800s, but they weren’t always the sleek design we’ve known from Apple Earbuds. The first thing to know is typically headphones have two distinct styles: in-ear or over-the-ear. Earbuds fall into the in-ear category, which according to accounts for over 50% of all headphone retail revenue (54%).

Jan 10, 2023 · This article takes a look at the history of earbuds and how they have evolved over the years. It explores the innovators behind the earbud revolution and how earbuds changed music listening habits.

Dec 22, 2024 · Who invented the first earbuds? The invention of the first earbuds is often attributed to John Koss, an American inventor and entrepreneur. In the 1950s, Koss developed the first commercial earbuds, which he called the “Koss SP-3.”

Oct 30, 2024 · In 1958, John Koss, founder of Koss Corporation, introduced the SP-3, the first commercial earbuds. These iconic earbuds featured a compact, ergonomic design and a legendary sound quality that earned them a loyal following among music enthusiasts.

Dec 19, 2024 · Fast-forward to 1891, when the first earbud-like device was invented by Ernest Mercadier, a French engineer. Mercadier’s invention, the “telephone receiver,” was a cumbersome device that consisted of a diaphragm attached to a …

May 16, 2014 · In 1891, a Parisian named Ernest Mercadier patented what he called the “bi-telephone” — a pair of tips wrapped in rubber that would “close the ear to external sounds.”More advanced designs...

Jan 17, 2024 · Headphones were first invented in the 1880s by Ezra Gilliland, a friend of Thomas Edison, for use by telephone operators. An early version of earbuds was first created all the way back in 1891, when Ernest Mercadier patented his “bi-telephone” for telephone operators.

Who invented earbuds? Ask people on the street, and they may not remember anything before the iconic white iPod headphones that sparked a global phenomenon. Today, earbuds come in all sizes, colors, and price points – from cheap throwaways to …

Jun 2, 2024 · Discover the history of wireless earbuds, from the introduction of Bluetooth technology to the launch of true in the early 2000s and 2015. Wired earbuds have been a staple in the world of audio technology for decades.

This was the year when inventor John Koss stepped ahead with his invention of the very first stereo headphones that were hi-end. It was an attempt by Koss to showcase the ability and features of his portable phonograph that included a “privacy switch” for …

Dec 22, 2020 · Earbuds require two technologies — headphones and wireless connectivity. The first piece of technology required is the headphone. This can be traced back to 1891 and an invention by French engineer Ernest Mercadier as shown in patent number 454,138.

Sep 17, 2021 · In 2014, a few audio firms were aiming to be the first to launch true wireless earbuds. German startup Bragi started its crowdfunding initiatives on Kickstarter for the Dash back in February...

Aug 18, 2023 · In 1891, a French engineer named Ernest Mercadier patented what he called a “bi-telephone”. This would prove to be the first recorded version of in-ear headphones. Light-weight and portable, they closely resemble IEMs we use today. It’s quite a good feat, considering it was around 130 years ago!

Sep 13, 2012 · Personal listening devices have been around for well over a century, and earbud-style headphones are almost as old. The May 1926 issue of Science and Invention magazine included a brief article about a new pair of earbud headphones—the oldest mention I’ve …

Sep 13, 2012 · Personal listening devices have been around for well over a century, and earbud-style headphones are almost as old. The May 1926 issue of Science and Invention magazine included a brief article about a new pair of earbud headphones—the oldest mention I've …

Dec 28, 2023 · The inception of the first wireless earbuds marked a pivotal moment in the history of audio technology, heralding a new era of untethered, on-the-go listening experiences. This groundbreaking innovation was fueled by the convergence of consumer demand for wireless convenience and the relentless pursuit of technological advancement.

Jan 22, 2024 · Discover the origins of earbuds in our comprehensive guide. Learn when the first wireless earbuds were made and how they revolutionized audio technology.

Jan 20, 2025 · The first earbuds were introduced in the 1980s, and were often bulky and uncomfortable. However, they paved the way for later innovations, including the introduction of in-ear monitors (IEMs) and noise-cancelling earbuds.

Feb 9, 2024 · The first crop of true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds didn’t last longer than 3 hours, cost $200-$300, and were mainly aimed at fitness enthusiasts — not your average headphone buyer. However, most manufacturers stuck with wired, with many skeptical of the TWS concept.

Mar 1, 2023 · In 2015, a Japanese company called Onkyo produced the first truly wireless earbuds. They created the first pair and launched them in September 2015, dubbed the "Onkyo W800BT". Onkyo's wireless earbuds have come out, creating precedent and pioneering work in a category that has great potential for consumer acceptance.