Android Users Can Finally Unlock Full AirPods Features with LibrePods

Thanks to a new app called LibrePods, AirPods will no longer feel limited to what you can pair them with, because now, with the LibrePods app, you can access features on AirPods with Android that were previously only in Apple’s ecosystem. This is exciting because it removes one of the problems of switching from iPhone to Android: that users can’t use their full AirPods functionality.

LibrePods works by reverse engineering Apple’s protocols so that the AirPods behave almost exactly the way that they would if they were connected to an iPhone, with features like ear detection, noise control switching, accurate battery info, accessibility settings, renaming, and even more! Almost all AirPods models work, with full features on the AirPods Max and newer AirPods Pro models.

Image: Kavish Devar

LibrePods doesn’t work totally seamlessly, with some Android phones requiring rooting or special frameworks due to Bluetooth limitations. While others, like new OnePlus and Oppo phones, can be connected more easily.

Even with some of its quirks, the overall app is great because now people can keep their AirPods and still move to Android without giving up the experience. Some of these moves could encourage more people to switch, because now their AirPods are not locked into Apple’s ecosystem.

LibrePods is a cool new app, and I definitely think this will make it easier to switch to Android. It is so cool to see how Android is working without Apple's help to make it so easy to do things that used to be only possible with an Apple product, like how now you can AirDrop from an Android!

Would it make it easier for you to switch phones if your accessories worked great on both platforms? Do you think Apple will ever officially support AirPods features directly on Android? What other Apple-only feature do you want to come to Android? Let us know in the comments!

Source: The Verge Images: Kavish Devar and Apple