The black dot on AirPods serves as an indicator for the presence of an infrared (IR) proximity sensor. These sensors play a crucial role in the functionality of the AirPods, particularly in detecting when the earbuds are inserted or removed from the user’s ears.
The IR proximity sensors help the AirPods automatically pause or resume audio playback when you take them out or put them back in your ears, respectively. This feature is designed to provide a seamless and convenient user experience, as you don’t have to manually pause or play your audio every time you remove or insert the AirPods.
The black dots act as the access points for the IR sensors, allowing them to detect the proximity of your ears. When you remove one or both AirPods from your ears, the IR sensor recognizes the change in proximity and signals the audio playback to pause. Similarly, when you place the AirPods back in your ears, the sensors detect the proximity and trigger the audio to resume.
The use of IR sensors in the AirPods helps conserve battery life as well. When the sensors detect that the AirPods are not in use (i.e., not in proximity to the user’s ears), they can put the earbuds into a low-power mode or even completely power them off. This helps prolong the battery life and ensures that the AirPods are ready for use when you need them.
It’s worth noting that the black dots are not the only components contributing to the functionality of the AirPods. The grilles on the earbuds are responsible for the audio output, allowing sound to pass through from the speakers inside. The microphone holes, on the other hand, enable the AirPods to pick up your voice during calls or when using voice commands. These additional features enhance the overall experience and versatility of the AirPods.
The black dots on AirPods are part of the design that houses the infrared proximity sensors. These sensors detect the presence or absence of the AirPods in your ears, enabling automatic pausing and resuming of audio playback. By incorporating these sensors, Apple has made the AirPods more user-friendly and efficient, providing a seamless and convenient experience for users.