Apple plans to introduce Automatic Device Switching to AirPods with the release of iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and macOS Big Sur later this year. This means your AirPods will automatically switch to whatever device you’re using.
But which Apple products does Automatic Device Switching work with?
During WWDC 2020, Apple gave the example of listening to a podcast on your iPhone, then watching a video on your iPad, then joining a conference call on your Mac. With Automatic Device Switching, your AirPods automatically connect to each device as you start using it.
A notification appears when your AirPods switch to a new device.
This is an exciting continuity feature that will make it easier to use AirPods with other Apple devices. No more will you need to enter the Bluetooth settings to pair with your AirPods each time you switch devices.
Which AirPods support Automatic Device Switching?
When Apple releases Automatic Device Switching, you will be able to use it with any of these earphones.
AirPods (2nd generation)
AirPods Pro
Powerbeats
Powerbeats Pro
Beats Solo Pro
Unfortunately, this means the original AirPods don’t support Automatic Device Switching.
Which Apple products support Automatic Device Switching
As far as we know, Automatic Device Switching should work with any iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or Apple Watch running iOS 14, iPadOS 14, macOS Big Sur, or watchOS 7.
Broadly speaking, that means Automatic Device Switching works with these devices.
iPhone 6S or later
iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, iPad (5th generation), or later
All iPad Pro models
MacBook Pro (Late 2013), MacBook Air (Late 2013), iMac (2014), MacBook (2015), or later
Apple Watch Series 3 or later
This means Automatic Device Switching doesn’t work with Apple TV boxes. And you may need to upgrade your other devices if they don’t work with the new software releases.
How to use Automatic Device Switching with your AirPods
Review your iCloud account from the Apple ID Settings.
When Automatic Device Switching becomes available in the fall. All you need to do use it is update each of your devices to iOS 14, iPadOS 14, macOS Big Sur, or watchOS 7. Then make sure you sign in to the same iCloud account on each device.
After that, just continue using your device as normal. Your AirPods will switch between each device as you start using it without you needing to do anything.
If you start out listening to music on your iPhone but start watching a YouTube video on your Mac, your AirPods will switch across automatically.
More AirPods features on the way
Automatic Device Switching is only one of several new AirPods features Apple announced at WWDC 2020. To find out what else in store for your wireless earbuds, check out our overview of all the new AirPods features.
Dan writes tutorials and troubleshooting guides to help people make the most of their technology. Before becoming a writer, he earned a BSc in Sound Technology, supervised repairs at an Apple Store, and even taught English in China.
Hey, unfortunately I think it might be a hardware limitation. Either that, or Apple is pretending it is. The device compatibility is listed in the footnotes (the smallprint) at the bottom of Apple’s iOS 14 preview page.
Is Apple TV included in the mix?
Hi Dan, how did you know that AirPods switching functionality will not be available on original AirPods?
I have the original AirPods and ios14 on my iphone and ipad, and it doesn’t work.
Do you think it is due to this limitation?
I have searched the internet, but they do not indicate it anywhere.
I look forward to your news. Thank you!
Hey, unfortunately I think it might be a hardware limitation. Either that, or Apple is pretending it is. The device compatibility is listed in the footnotes (the smallprint) at the bottom of Apple’s iOS 14 preview page.
Ok Dan, thanks for you reply. I saw it right now. Regards