When my wife and I travel, we usually download some shows to watch on our flight. But we always have to split a set of AirPods when we watch these shows. That means one of our ears is enjoying the show while the other is forced to endure the crying baby behind us on the plane, which can be distracting. But thanks to Apple's Audio Sharing feature, we can each enjoy a show together while using our own sets of AirPods, AirPods Pro or other headphones.
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 another person can immerse yourselves into music, movies or a TED Talk without disturbing those around you.
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.
5. Tap the AirPods logo near the bottom of your screen.
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