When it comes to wireless audio, there's always something better in five years. For the same reason these headphones are probably better than whatever you're using right now.

Though, in five years, a $60-80 battery replacement doesn't sound like a problem to me. This thread seems like roleplaying that it's a major life event.

When it comes to expensive audio equipment I'm a buy once and use it for a long long while type of person. Sure "better" comes out every so often but I see audio as an investment and I want to get my money's worth.

These airpods aren't an investment, they are expensive and disposable as I doubt these will be usable in 10 years time. To me, that is a bad investment.

I don't feel like the audio quality is actually any better than my headphones from years ago, it's just the bonus extra features.

I don't dispute the concept of planned obsolescence — or even fraudulent sabotage. (Looking at you, Logitech, with the 7 mouse devices we bought which (while otherwise excellent) lasted between 14 and 17 months with a 12 month warranty!)

But my point is that it's not relevant to computer/smartphone oriented wireless headphones. Most of us are gonna want new ones within 3-4 years regardless of what Apple plans. (Wired headphones, different story.)