When my wife and I travel, we usually download some shows to watch on our flight. But when we watch those shows, we always have to split a set of AirPods so we each have one earbud. That means one of our ears is enjoying the show while the other is forced to endure whatever is happening around the plane, which can be a little distracting. But thanks to Apple's Audio Sharing feature, we can each enjoy a show together while using our own sets of AirPods.
Audio Sharing was introduced with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 in 2024. It allows two pairs of compatible AirPods or Beats headphones to pair with a single iPhone or iPad. So you and one other person can immerse yourselves into music, movies or a TED Talk without disturbing those around you.
Read more: Everything Apple Announced at WWDC 2025
Here's how to share audio with another set of AirPods or Beats headphones.
How to enjoy music and podcasts together
You can share your audio with another pair of headphones by tapping your own headphone control. Apple/Screenshot by CNET
1. Open Music, Podcasts, Spotify or any similar app with your AirPods in your ears and connected to your iPhone or iPad.
2. Start playing music or a Podcast.
3. Open your Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of your screen.
4. Go to your audio controls page -- it's your second Control Center page by default.
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