The Sneaky Genius of Apple’s AirPods Empire

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Sometime next year, Tim Cook will appear before the Apple Inc.

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faithful and unveil the company’s next major computing platform

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a headset that mixes virtual reality and augmented reality.

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Its code name is N301, though trademark filings suggest its real name may be the Apple Reality Pro.

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AirPods are fragile, have just-OK bass, and look like the result of a horrific Q-tip accident.

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They’re easily clogged with earwax, lost in subway grates or couch cushions

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at least in a handful of cases—swallowed in the wearer’s sleep.

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