The black dots on AirPods serve a specific purpose and are not merely decorative. These dots are actually infrared (IR) proximity sensors that play a crucial role in the functionality of the AirPods.
The IR proximity sensors are responsible for detecting when the AirPods are in your ears. This detection is important because it allows the AirPods to automatically pause or resume audio playback based on whether they are being worn or removed from your ears. When you take one or both of the AirPods out of your ears, the proximity sensors detect this and signal the audio playback to pause. Similarly, when you put the AirPods back in your ears, the proximity sensors detect the change and resume audio playback.
This feature of the AirPods is not only convenient but also helps conserve battery life. By automatically pausing audio when the AirPods are removed, they prevent unnecessary battery drain when you’re not actively using them. This means you can enjoy longer listening sessions without having to worry about constantly charging the AirPods.
The use of IR proximity sensors is not unique to AirPods. Many other devices, such as smartphones, also employ this technology to detect when the device is being held up to your ear during a phone call. This proximity sensing helps prevent accidental touch inputs on the screen while you’re on a call.
It’s worth noting that the black dots on AirPods are not the only sensors present. There are also grilles for the speakers and microphone holes for the noise-canceling secondary mics. These additional components contribute to the overall audio quality and performance of the AirPods.
The black dots on AirPods are not just for aesthetics but serve a functional purpose as infrared proximity sensors. These sensors detect when the AirPods are in your ears, allowing for automatic audio playback control and helping conserve battery life.