Open-Source LibrePods Brings AirPods’ iPhone-Only Features to Android and Linux

Overview

• The free app by developer Kavish Devar is available as an open-source project on GitHub with a downloadable APK.
• Unlocked capabilities include noise control modes, ear detection, accurate battery status, head gestures, conversational awareness, multi-device connectivity, and a range of customizations.
• LibrePods works by reverse-engineering Apple’s AirPods protocols so the headphones treat a non-Apple host as an Apple device and share status data.
• Due to the stated Android Bluetooth stack issue, full functionality generally needs a rooted phone with the Xposed framework, while OnePlus and Oppo phones on ColorOS/OxygenOS 16 can run a reduced feature set without root.
• The project targets all AirPods models with fuller support on AirPods Max and recent AirPods Pro; AirPods Pro 3 heart-rate monitoring is not supported, and some advanced features require changing the VendorID to Apple’s.