With the 2023 updates of Apple’s various operating systems, AirPods gained the ability to seamlessly switch between Apple devices with automatic device switching. Let’s look at how it works.
AirPods are connected to your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time. Sound switches between them automatically.
To switch between devices automatically with your AirPods (2nd or 3rd generation), AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation), or AirPods Max:
- Make sure that you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, or a Mac with the latest version of macOS
- Sign in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication
If you’re signed in with the same Apple ID on your devices, your AirPods will switch automatically from listening to music on your iPad to answering a phone call on your iPhone, for example.
In some situations with macOS Big Sur or later, you’ll see a notification about your AirPods on the screen of your Mac. Click Connect to confirm that you want your AirPods to switch to your Mac or stay with your Mac.
(This how-to is based on my experiences and info on Apple’s support pages.)
