iOS 13 release date, features: AirPods audio sharing coming this year

The fifth iOS 13 beta has been released this week, and the release of the full version of Apple’s mobile operating system feels closer than ever. People who own a pair of AirPods have one reason to be excited about it — audio sharing.

Back in the days when portable CD players were still a thing, audio sharing cables were a blessing. It allowed friends to listen to the same music at the same time from the same audio source. Apple obviously does not want people using the cordless AirPods to miss out on that experience, and the company is making that happen through iOS 13.

iOS 13 new features: What to expect

One of the interesting new features that Apple announced when iOS 13 was unveiled in June was the wireless audio sharing between two sets of AirPods. There is nothing much to learn about it other than two people can soon listen to music or watch movies together without having to divide a pair of AirPods.

There are some caveats, though, as newer versions of iOS 13 beta were released since June. 9To5Mac reports that not all Apple-made wireless earphones with the W1 and H1 chip are supported by this iOS 13 feature. It will only work on the first- and second-generation of AirPods as well as with the Powerbeats Pro.

It has also been learned that this iOS 13 feature is only compatible with iPhone 8 and newer models, second-generation iPad Pro 12.9” and later models, 11” iPad Pro, third-generation iPad Air, fifth-generation iPad Mini, and seventh-generation iPod Touch.

iOS 13 audio sharing: How it works

As of the iOS 13 beta 4, people can experience the new audio sharing feature the easiest way. Two persons are actively using their AirPods on compatible devices only need to place their iPhones near to one another. A message prompt should then pop up automatically asking if they want to pair their AirPods.

Older versions of the iOS 13 beta allow manual pairing of AirPods, but it requires much more steps. Another advantage of the automatic pairing is that each user can control the volume to their liking. The first complete version of iOS 13 is expected to be released in September along with the new iPhone series.