AirPods 4 Have Hidden Capacitive Button for Pairing

[MacRumors]

With the fourth-generation AirPods, Apple has eliminated the Setup Button located on the back of the Charging Case in other AirPods models. Rather than using a physical button, Apple has instead opted for a hidden capacitive button.

The hidden button for pairing and resetting the AirPods 4 is located at the front of the Charging Case, according to Gear Patrol. To initiate pairing mode, the AirPods 4 Charging Case can be opened up and then double tapped at the front where the hidden control is located. This hidden button is also used for factory resetting, and Gear Patrol said that either a triple tap or long press and hold gesture initiates a reset.

The status light on the AirPods 4 Charging Case is also more discreet. There is no obvious LED dot when the case is not charging or closed, and the light simply appears under the white plastic when the case is opened up or placed on a charger.

There are two versions of the AirPods 4, one with ANC and one without. Pricing starts at $129, and pre-orders are available now. The AirPods 4 are set to launch on Friday, September 20.

Article Link: AirPods 4 Have Hidden Capacitive Button for Pairing

 

[seek3r]

Prediction: That triple tap is going to result in a lot of unintended, frustrating, resets

 

[dumastudetto]

Prediction: That triple tap is going to result in a lot of unintended, frustrating, resets

I don't think so. Apple tests these things to the extreme to ensure people enjoy a frustration-free experience.

 

[newtestleper]

So intuitive for the average user.

 

[Kevin2055]

Prediction: That triple tap is going to result in a lot of unintended, frustrating, resets

you tapped it wrong.

 

[tomtad]

Tapping the hidden button.

How do I find it exactly?

 

[timborama]

I don’t think it’s explicitly “hidden” as the author insists. It’s just not a physical button. Calling it “hidden” is misleading (ie. clickbait).

 

[GrayFlannel]

How Apple priorities and approves these projects is baffling.

 

[tuckerjj]

Prediction: That triple tap is going to result in a lot of unintended, frustrating, resets

Not if the case also needs to be open (but that is an unresolved “if” at this point, as in it’s not clear from the article if the open case requirement is only for pairing or also applies to resets)

 

[MrGuder]

What about swipe up and down for volume control? Apples website when you compare the new AirPod 4 vs the AirPod pro 2 it says only the Pro 2 has volume swipe on stem NOT the 4

 

[dennis264]

Soo... how does it know I just have the case open and am holding it in my hands while I complain to the barista that they got my avocado-toast-spice-latte wrong... and not trying to pair it?

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Capacitive buttons suck. Controls shouldn't be hidden like this.

 

[darngooddesign]

Tapping the hidden button.

How do I find it exactly?

RTFM

 

[markgpearse]

Capacitive... is that a real word or a new Apple word?

 

[holgr]

Capacitive... is that a real word or a new Apple word?

Capacitive sensing - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[FranApple]

Prediction: That triple tap is going to result in a lot of unintended, frustrating, resets

Why? It probably only works when the top is flipped open. Smart idea in my opinion. Makes it seamless. Pushing that little button in the back can be a pain.

 

[FelixDerKater]

you tapped it wrong.

Tilt and Tap.

 

[svish]

Interesting. The buttons on the existing models were never an issue. Hopefully the new capacitive button does not cause any accidental presses.

 

[urtules]

Probably it helps with water and dust resistance.

 

[Square-Eyes]

Tapping the hidden button.

How do I find it exactly?

You read the hidden manual!

 

[Square-Eyes]

I don’t think it’s explicitly “hidden” as the author insists. It’s just not a physical button. Calling it “hidden” is misleading (ie. clickbait).

Yes it absolutely is hidden, according to Gear Patrol and every single photo I have seen. It is under the status light in the photo at the top of the article.

Why do you think it is not hidden? Have you got a photo or other source?

 

[brijazz]

Probably it helps with water and dust resistance.

The entire top portion of the case flips open on a hinge. Getting rid of one tiny physical button won't add much protection.

 

[wanha]

Rather than using a physical button, Apple has instead opted for a hidden capacitive button.

clearly, they didn't hide it well enough /s

 

[Future Dwight]

I don't think so. Apple tests these things to the extreme to ensure people enjoy a frustration-free experience.

Exactly like the Apple TV remote with a GLASS touch pad. They tested that thoroughly.

 

[seek3r]

Exactly like the Apple TV remote with a GLASS touch pad. They tested that thoroughly.

Tbh while the new remote *is* better the touchpad version wasnt terrible, it was certainly easier to use and more responsive than its competitors at the time. My biggest problem with it was losing it in the couch cushions lol