Apple’s upcoming iOS 14 operating system will help AirPods and AirPods Pro users hold onto their earphones for longer, thanks to a new intelligent built-in charging system.
When users upgrade to the new operating system in September, Apple will start to learn from your typical charging routine, and will only charge AirPods over 80% when it thinks you’re next going to use them.
This is to reduce battery aging and extend the AirPods’ lifespan – the company offers similar charging technology for iPhones, MacBooks, and more.
Apple describes the new feature under iOS 14 settings as “Optimized Battery Charging Enabled”, and explains: “To reduce battery aging, AirPods learn from your daily charging routine so they can wait to finish charging past 80% until you need to use them.”
The new operating system will learn how and when you use your AirPods – for example, it will know if you charge them every evening and wear them on your journey to work – and charge the battery accordingly.
Though it won’t be perfect, it will reduce strain on the battery and help to extend its battery life – a common criticism amongst AirPods users right now.
Over the past few years, the company has rolled out a number of new battery management options – including on the iPhone. Following the “batterygate” scandal, Apple lets users actively monitor the health of their battery, and disable features like performance throttling.
iOS 13 rolled out a new optimized charging feature, similar to the new AirPods charging feature, and the same was introduced on macOS Catalina to slow the charging process.
In other AirPods news, Apple is reportedly working on a third-generation of the popular product, set for release in the first quarter of 2021. The new AirPods will sport the same design as the AirPods Pro. Apple is also planning to stop giving away free EarPods with new iPhones from this year and instead will encourage consumers to buy a pair of AirPods.
Are you pleased to hear that Apple is optimizing battery life on AirPods in the next version of iOS? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter and check back soon for more news and leaks.