AirPods need an alert when one earbud is not charging, user argues

AirPods do not alert users when one earbud is in the case but fails to charge because of dirt or an obstruction. The author describes this as the earbuds’ biggest annoyance and argues that it could be addressed with software.

When an iPhone is connected to power, the system can remind users to charge their AirPods if they need power. That notification does not indicate, however, that only one earbud is failing to charge.

Proposed charging alert

The author suggests checking for a situation in which one AirPod is in the case while the other is not detected in the user’s ear. The system could then infer that the earbud is in the case but not charging and ask the user to reposition it or check the contacts.

The issue can occur when debris gets between the charging-case contacts and an earbud. A user may then remove one earbud with its battery depleted, leaving it unusable during a walk or commute.

AirPods also offer active noise cancellation and hearing-aid features, and the author notes that Apple continues to improve them. The article says Apple could add the proposed notification in a future iOS update.

The piece also mentions a $179 sale price for the latest-generation AirPods Pro 3. That is a product-availability reference, not an announcement of a new feature.