To control audio playback with your AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd generation), you can tap on the stem of either AirPod. The stem of the AirPods is touch-sensitive and contains a force sensor that allows you to interact with your audio.
To play or pause audio, simply press the force sensor once on the stem of either AirPod. This action will start or stop playback on your connected device, such as your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It’s a convenient way to quickly pause your music or podcast without having to reach for your device.
If you want to skip forward to the next track, you can double-press the force sensor on either AirPod. This action will advance the audio playback to the next song or episode in your playlist or queue. It’s a handy feature for when you want to skip to the next track without needing to access your device.
Similarly, if you wish to go back to the previous track, you can triple-press the force sensor on either AirPod. This action will rewind the audio playback to the beginning of the current track or the previous song or episode in your playlist.
The force sensor on the AirPods stems is designed to be sensitive, but not overly sensitive, to prevent accidental taps during regular use. It provides a tactile feedback when pressed, allowing you to easily control your audio playback without any guesswork.
I personally find this feature incredibly useful in my daily routine. For example, when I’m out for a run with my AirPods Pro, I can easily pause my music with a quick tap on the stem when I need to take a break or have a conversation. It saves me the hassle of fishing out my phone from my pocket or armband just to pause the audio.
The force sensor on the stem of your AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd generation) allows you to play, pause, skip forward, and skip back in your audio playback. It’s a convenient and intuitive way to control your music or podcast without needing to interact with your connected device.