Share Audio with AirPods for a Perfect Flight Experience

Apple has made traveling with your partner more enjoyable by introducing the Audio Sharing feature in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. Gone are the days of awkwardly sharing a single pair of AirPods while trying to catch up on your favorite shows during flights. With this new feature, you and a travel companion can each use your own set of headphones and still enjoy the same audio experience together.

Audio Sharing allows two pairs of compatible AirPods or Beats headphones to connect to a single iPhone or iPad. This means you can truly immerse yourselves in a podcast, movie, or your favorite tunes without disturbing others around you. Let’s dive into how it works.

How to Enjoy Audio Together

For Music and Podcasts:

1. Open your favorite audio app while your AirPods are connected to your device.
2. Start playing your desired track or podcast.
3. Access your Control Center by swiping down from the top right of the screen.
4. Navigate to the audio controls, located on the second page by default.
5. Tap the AirPods icon at the bottom of the screen.
6. Select Share Audio from the options.
7. Bring the second pair of headphones close—press the pairing button on the AirPods case if necessary.
8. Tap Share Audio once the device detects the additional headphones.

Both users can independently control their headphone volume, ensuring a customizable experience for everyone. Now you can listen together without the hassle of managing a single pair!

How to Watch Movies Together

Sharing content extends to video streaming as well. Here’s how to enjoy movies or shows:

1. Launch your streaming app (like Apple TV, Netflix, or YouTube) while your headphones are connected.
2. Start playing the movie or series you want to watch.
3. Swipe down to open the Control Center.
4. Access the audio controls.
5. Tap on the AirPods icon.
6. Tap Share Audio.
7. Bring the other headphones close and ensure they are in pairing mode.
8. Tap Share Audio when prompted.

This way, both of you can experience high-quality sound from a movie or your latest binge-worthy series without disturbing fellow passengers.

The introduction of Audio Sharing marks a significant improvement in how users can enjoy media together on their devices. With more upcoming updates like iOS 18.5 and rumors surrounding iOS 26, Apple continues to enhance the user experience, encouraging shared moments without the hassle.