The similarity between AirPods and the in-ear Radio device in the book is striking. That was something I never thought would exist or become popular.
Don't let the coincidental similarity of form factor distract you from the point of their use in these stories, which is that it's not the earbuds per se that are frightening, but rather the idea that everyone with them is always hearing exactly the same thing. This could scarcely be less true of modern earbuds, be they made by Apple or otherwise.
No software at all runs on those phones without Apple allowing it. They’ve censored Xscrensaver because they were worried about the political thoughts users might have while watching it. The AirPods aren’t controlled yet but most of the apps are forced to put disclaimers on the screen if you pull up anything controversial and if we’re being honest, most people are probably listening to the same pop music that is being pushed as “culture.”