AirPods Pro user found way to unlock iPhone-exclusive features on Android

AirPods are designed to work primarily with Apple products, but they also double as basic Bluetooth headphones you can connect to any device. But an open-source GitHub project offers a way to unlock some of AirPods’ iPhone-exclusive audio features on Android and Linux too.

LibrePods brings Apple device-exclusive AirPods features to Android and Linux

If you own AirPods and want them to work better with your Android or Linux device, LibrePods could be the solution.

The open-source project from Kavish Devar offers detailed instructions on how to unlock AirPods audio features that are normally exclusive to Apple devices like the iPhone.

Here’s the list of unlocked features, per GitHub:

• Noise Control Modes: Easily switch between noise control modes without having to reach out to your AirPods to long press
• Ear Detection: Controls your music automatically when you put your AirPods in or take them out, and switch to phone speaker when you take them out
• Battery Status: Accurate battery levels
• Head Gestures: Answer calls just by nodding your head
• Conversational Awareness: Volume automatically lowers when you speak
• Hearing Aid*
• Customize Transparency Mode*
• Multi-device connectivity* (up to 2 devices)
• Other customizations:
  • Rename your AirPods
  • Customize long-press actions
  • All accessibility settings
  • And more!

* Features marked with an asterisk require the VendorID to be changed to that of Apple.

As always with any open-source software, proceed with caution.

The project was tested on AirPods Pro 2, but it says it works with other models too such as AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Max, and more.

Have you installed LibrePods, and if so, how is it working for you? Let us know in the comments.

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