Existing AirPods owners can buy the new standalone $79 Qi wireless charging case

Apple today opened pre-orders for the new AirPods with Hey Siri and other perks ahead of in-store availability next week. The new earbuds can be purchased with Apple’s standard charging case or with its Qi-enabled wireless charging variant. According to the Cupertino company, the Qi wireless charging case is also available to owners of the first-generation AirPods.

“Existing AirPods customers can purchase the standalone wireless charging case,” reads Apple’s press release announcing the new AirPods. The wireless version is compatible with the Qi industry standard so it can be topped up using any Qi-compatible charging solution, including Apple’s upcoming multi-device charging mat.

Both the wireless charging case and the non-Qi version versions hold additional charges for your AirPods that give you a total of 24 hours of listening time.

At-a-glance charge status via the front LED

The Qi case looks identical to the original AirPods charging case, with one exception: on the front, there’s a handy LED light that lights up green when the internal battery is charging.

As mentioned earlier, the Qi case works with the original AirPods.

The standalone wireless charging case can be ordered today from Apple.com or through the Apple Store shopping app for $79 a pop. The new AirPods with the standard charging case are $159 in the United States. AirPods with the wireless charging case are available for $199.

A first for AirPods, you can now use the free laser engraving option during checkout.