AirPods Settings Menu Set to Become Permanent in Apple Ecosystem

AirPods Settings Menu Gets a Permanent Home

According to Главком: Apple is preparing a significant update for the AirPods settings menu in iOS, making it a permanent fixture that no longer disappears when the earbuds are removed. This change was revealed by respected Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman. Users will be able to access the menu on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac regardless of whether the headphones are nearby, greatly simplifying the process of adjusting headphone features.

Currently, AirPods lack a standalone app within Apple’s ecosystem. The settings menu only appears when the earbuds are connected and in use, and it vanishes entirely once they are placed back in their case. Under the new plans, however, the AirPods menu within the Settings app is set to become persistent, eliminating the inconvenience of having to wear the headphones just to tweak their settings.

Upcoming Changes and New Features

Apple also intends to overhaul the interface as part of a future major operating system update. Engineers are focusing on redesigning the existing settings section to improve its functionality. Gurman notes that

“the revamped settings menu will be more functional, better organized, and optimized.”

In addition, higher-end models like the AirPods Pro now include a hearing test option and a hearing aid mode. However, users cannot set up the hearing test, review test results, or switch profiles without wearing the earbuds. Checking the AirPods firmware version requires removing them from the case, and updates are installed automatically only while the headphones are charging. There is no manual update option available in the system.

Apple has no current plans to release a dedicated AirPods app on the App Store. The company recently launched another standalone app-Passwords in iOS 18-and new flagship AirPods Pro 3 models are anticipated. Meanwhile, Apple may adjust the iPhone release schedule and delay the launch of the base iPhone 18 model.

This update to the AirPods settings menu could greatly enhance the user experience by allowing adjustments to headphone features without needing to wear them. That convenience is especially valuable for users who rely on AirPods during activities like sports or work. The interface changes also reflect Apple’s broader trend toward deeper device integration, boosting both functionality and ease of use.