- Anthony
Apple’s AirPods are one of the most popular wireless headphones on the market, but how do AirPods work? AirPods use Apple’s W1 chip to connect to your iPhone or other Apple device.
They also use Bluetooth to connect to non-Apple devices. AirPods have sensors that automatically detect when they are in your ear and turn them on and off. They also have accelerometers and optical sensors that enable features like tap control and Siri integration.
Contents
How AirPods Are Different Than Earbuds
Since selling the original iPhone in 2007, Apple has included a basic set of wired headphones. You’ve undoubtedly used an iPhone or an iPad if you’ve owned at least one. Both earbuds are hooked in a Y configuration to an audio connector that connects to your phone.
Apple eliminated the standard headphone jack with the iPhone 7, and wired earphones came with a Lightning port adapter. All wired earbuds contain a built-in media controller that allows you to play, stop, skip songs, and change the volume.
So, what is AirPods? AirPods are unique. They are completely wireless gadgets, with no cables and no connection to one another. Instead, both earpieces feature individual Bluetooth radios that link with your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Not only do you no longer have to bother with tangled wires, but if you have an iPhone 7 or later, you can use AirPods while charging your phone through the Lightning connection.
AirPod Features
Apple offers two AirPod models: the original AirPod Function (launched in 2016) and the AirPod 2. (released in 2019). They seem to be identical at first glance. However, there are some significant changes.
Apple’s original W1 wireless chip powers the first version of AirPods. However, the AirPods 2 is powered by the newer H1 wireless chipset, which Apple says is twice as fast.
Both AirPods include an accelerometer to detect movements, optical sensors to detect if they’re in your ears, and microphones for phone conversations and utilizing Siri.
The AirPods come with a charging case with an inbuilt battery to enhance the battery life of the earpieces while not plugged in. The original AirPods case required a cord to charge, but the AirPod 2 has an optional wireless charging case for an extra fee.
Both versions of the AirPods have about the same total battery life, which is more than 24 hours of listening time when completely charged within the charging case. The AirPods 2 have a little longer talk time on a single charge, around three hours instead of two.
How Do AirPods Work?
Begin by connecting your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or other device and ensuring that the volume level is appropriate for you.
The AirPods are built specifically for the left and right ear due to their form. If you’re unsure which is which, each earbud has a little L and R written on the stem. Insert them into your ears, pointing the stem straight down to fit into the notch in your ear.
The AirPods have no power button. They sense when implanted in your ear and are ready to function as soon as you put them in since they’re equipped with accelerometers and optical sensors. When you remove them, they will also immediately cease audio.
The way your AirPods operate depends on the model you have:
All AirPod models: Double-tapping an earbud accepts and ends phone conversations.
To wake Siri, double-tap either earpiece on the original AirPods. Siri is used to managing music; ask Siri to play, pause, lower volume, go back to the previous song, or skip a song.
To skip tunes with AirPods 2, double-tap an earpiece. Say Hey Siri to wake Siri up. You may also configure AirPods such that a double-tap performs additional tasks.
Android Sees AirPods as Standard Bluetooth Headphones
All about AirPods versions act as conventional Bluetooth headphones that can be used with almost any device that supports Bluetooth audio. To use them wirelessly with your Android smartphone or tablet, pair them manually.
This differs from how pairing works on an iPhone or iPad when you open your AirPods case and press connect. On an Android smartphone, you must pair them as normal.
To begin, open the AirPods case and press and hold the back button until the indicator light flashes white. Now, on your Android smartphone, go to Settings, Bluetooth & Device Connection > Bluetooth, and ensure Bluetooth is turned on. Tap Pair New Device and then choose your AirPods from the list.
Your AirPods should now work like any other Bluetooth headphones you possess. You must repeat the pairing process if you wish to use them with another device.
Which AirPods Features Work With Android?
AirPods Pro versions may employ active noise cancellation and transparency mode in addition to being normal stereo headphones. Toggling between the two operates the same way on an iPhone: squeeze and hold the stem of either earbud until the bell sounds.
Transparency mode is helpful since it lets you hear what’s happening around you while wearing your AirPods. This means you don’t need to remove one earbud to hear what someone is saying. However, you may want to stop or turn down the music to make things simpler.
This is a safety feature at low levels since it enables you to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks without losing track of what’s happening around you.
Standard gestures, in addition to noise suppression and transparency mode, are supported. This covers the basic double-tap on AirPods (to play or stop music), as well as more advanced single squeeze (play/pause), double squeeze (skip ahead), and triple squeeze commands (skip backward).
Which AirPods Features Don’t Work With Android?
Many Apple-centric features, such as the accelerated setup procedure when you first attach your headphones to your iPhone, do not operate on Android. Android devices must be manually linked, meaning Android users will lose out on the automatic switching functionality that makes AirPods appealing to Apple customers.
If you have an iPhone, an iPad, and a Mac with the same Apple ID, your AirPods will instantly swap between devices. This implies you should only ever link your AirPods with one device. Android users will need to link their AirPods with each device they want to use.
Voice help through Siri is another potentially valuable function that Android users miss out on. Because Siri is an Apple-exclusive feature, the Hey, Siri always-listening trigger will not function here. Android users cannot utilize their preferred assistant with AirPods out of the box (though there are apps that can help with this).
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FAQ
How do you connect AirPods to an Apple TV?
Place your AirPods in their charging case with the lid open when you’re near an Apple TV to connect them. Next, press the pairing button on the charging case until the light flashes white. Then, on your Apple TV, go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Bluetooth and choose your AirPods.
How much are Apple AirPods?
A pair of AirPods with a charging case costs $159 on Apple’s website, while AirPods with a wireless charging case costs $199. A pair of AirPods Pro costs $349.
How do you pair Apple AirPods?
To connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad, turn on Bluetooth on your iOS device. Place your AirPods in the charging case, open the lid, then press and hold the pairing button on the charging case until the light flashes white. To finish the pairing procedure, follow the steps on your iOS smartphone.
How do you charge Apple AirPods?
Place your AirPods in their case to charge them. If you have a wireless AirPods case, use a QI-certified charging pad to charge it. Put the Lightning cable into the Lightning connection on your AirPods case, then plug the other end into a USB charger or outlet.
How do I connect AirPods to my Apple Watch?
To connect your AirPods to an Apple Watch, open the Control Center on your Watch, hit the AirPlay symbol, and then pick your AirPods.
Conclusion
Apple’s AirPods may not be the best-looking headphones on the market, but they’re certainly one of the most convenient. So, how do AirPods work? AirPods have quickly become popular for music lovers and casual listeners thanks to their easy-to-use design and impressive sound quality.
